The screenwriter of "Ümera jõel," which tells of the 13th‑century fight for freedom, is Mikk Mägi, who is also the director of the film.

"There is tragedy and drama, but above all it is a story of young men who become adults through trials. It is an adventurous‑epic war film. I based the story largely on the book 'Ümera jõel' and on historical events and background," Mägi said.

The first script for the film was written by the writer and military expert Leo Kunnas, but since it diverged greatly from Mait Metsanurk's text, a new script was written at the request of the producers by Mikk Mägi. War scenes from Kunnas's script are planned to be used in the film.

According to cinematographer Rein Kotov, war films require very thorough preparation.

"There are a lot of fight scenes here – knife fights, sword fights. Fight scenes in particular require a long training and rehearsal period, and we have prepared for them for quite a while," Kotov said.

The main filming of "Ümera jõel" is planned for next summer.

"Mägiste was located 'historically,' meaning based on the book, somewhere in South Estonia, and we also plan to film in Latvia, in the hilly landscape described in the book, and additionally in Ida‑Virumaa – that is the plan at the moment," Mägi said.

The main character of the film is Vello, who grows from an outcast child into the leader of his home village, played by Ursel Tilk. During the pre‑shoots in Aidu, Ida‑Virumaa, he got a sense of what kind of film it will be.

"A week ago I still had in my head 'what, how, in what way?' meaning how we will manage all of this, but now it already feels like it will be a cool and powerful undertaking, and I think the film will be epic and impressive," Tilk said.

"Ümera jõel" is expected to reach cinemas in autumn 2028.

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