10 000 Steps to Smoking Area (2025)

For decades, Mart’s life revolved mainly between his radio work and the iconic Valli Bar. Now, in his later years, he lives in a care home, having spent the last three years battling Ataxia. Smoking remains one of the few pleasures he still has. “If I didn’t smoke, I wouldn’t even have a reason to get out of bed,” he says. Reaching the designated smoking area is a major effort — it takes him about 20 minutes to shuffle down the corridor with five-centimeter steps, turning corners, and taking breaks. But once there, under the sky, Mart shares his story with biting humor and sharp wit. His greatest wish? To visit Valli Bar one last time — the place where he once met the love of his life.

Director: Manfred Vainokivi
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 27 min
Release Date:

Screenplay

Cinematography: Manfred Vainokivi
Editing: Kersti Miilen
Production: Filmivabrik
Country: Estonia
Language: Eesti
Original Language: et
More Films by Director: Manfred Vainokivi
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 10 000 Steps to Smoking Area about?
For decades, Mart’s life revolved mainly between his radio work and the iconic Valli Bar. Now, in his later years, he lives in a care home, having spent the last three years battling Ataxia. Smoking remains one of the few pleasures he still has. “If I didn’t smoke, I wouldn’t even have a reason to get out of bed,” he says. Reaching the designated smoking area is a major effort — it takes him about 20 minutes to shuffle down the corridor with five-centimeter steps, turning corners, and taking breaks. But once there, under the sky, Mart shares his story with biting humor and sharp wit. His greatest wish? To visit Valli Bar one last time — the place where he once met the love of his life.
Who directed 10 000 Steps to Smoking Area?
10 000 Steps to Smoking Area was directed by Manfred Vainokivi.
How long is 10 000 Steps to Smoking Area?
10 000 Steps to Smoking Area has a runtime of 27m (27 minutes).
What genre is 10 000 Steps to Smoking Area?
10 000 Steps to Smoking Area is a Documentary film.
Where was 10 000 Steps to Smoking Area produced?
10 000 Steps to Smoking Area was produced in Estonia.