The Fencer 2017

As World War II drew to a close, Estonia found itself mired in a complex occupation predicament. Initially neutral, the nation was overwhelmed by Nazi Germany, which conscripted most able-bodied men into its military ranks. Following the war, the Soviet Union took control, vilifying those who had served under the German banner as enemies of the state. This chaotic environment resulted in Estonia’s incorporation into the USSR, leaving its citizens in a perpetual state of uncertainty.

Amidst this turbulent backdrop, we meet Endel Nelis, a young educator navigating life in Haapsalu during the early 1950s. Fleeing from Leningrad’s secret police, Endel Nelis quickly earned respect as a teacher while also founding a sports club for his eager students, where he kindled their interest in fencing—a passion deeply rooted within him. However, his non-traditional approach did not escape the scrutiny of the school’s principal, who grew more disapproving and set in motion an investigation into Endel’s enigmatic history.

Endel’s loyal friend and mentor, Aleksei, delivered a grave warning: there were dire consequences if Endel ever returned to Leningrad. This advice merely highlighted the lurking dangers tied to his past.

As his students thrived under his mentorship, fencing transformed into a powerful vehicle for self-expression and empowerment for these young souls, many of whom had lost their families to the ravages of war. Endel emerged as a father figure, shouldering an unforeseen sense of responsibility. When the group expressed a passionate desire to compete in a national fencing tournament in Leningrad, Endel found himself facing an impossible dilemma: Should he jeopardize everything to fulfill their collective aspiration, or should he prioritize his safety and risk letting down the children who had come to depend on him?