On Wednesday, film director Arvo Kruusement passed away. He was 98 years old. Kruusement made many famous films, such as 'Kevade', 'Suvi' and 'Naine kütab sauna'. The Estonian Film Association announced his death.
Arvo Kruusement was born in Lääne-Virumaa in 1928. He studied to be an actor, although he didn't go to the theater much. He listened to radio theater performances on the radio. In 1947, he went to study at theater school.
He also wanted to learn filmmaking. A professor advised him to stay as an actor. Kruusement graduated in 1953. His first job was at the Tallinn Drama Theater.
Kruusement loved films since childhood. It was hard to get into the cinema, but he watched films every week. He gave ten chicken eggs to get into the cinema.
In 1968, he started working on the film 'Kevade'. It was hard work. He had to find the right actors. The film became very popular.
Kruusement also made other films, such as 'Don Juan Tallinnas' and 'Sügis'. In 2012, 'Kevade' was voted the best Estonian film of the century. Kruusement himself said that it was his best work.
In 2000, he received the Order of the White Star from the president. Kruusement believed that many people should watch films. His film 'Kevade' was watched by half a million people.
In 2021, he appeared on a radio show with his son. Arvo Kruusement will be remembered as a great filmmaker.