Toomas Sääs was awarded the Tallinn University Badge of Merit

Toomas Sääs has worked at BFM for 20 years – almost as long as BFM itself has existed. For 13 of those years, Toomas Sääs has served as Production Manager, contributing to the growth and development of BFM.

As Production Manager, Toomas Sääs has for many years been a mentor of the student film festival Best of BFM (BOB) – bringing Tallinn University to the ‘big screen’ while remaining modestly behind the scenes. As a positive role model, Toomas Sääs has successfully engaged dozens of students from different fields to ensure that Best of BFM takes place at its very best.

‘When I received the news that Tallinn University wished to recognise me with a medal of merit, I imagine the feeling was similar to what BOB winners experience on stage – surprise and gratitude. It’s hard to find the words, so I will say modestly, in true Estonian fashion – thank you!’ he describes his appreciation for the recognition.

While working at the university, he has always been drawn to the cultural field. Supporting student life is something particularly close to his heart.

According to Toomas Sääs, student cultural events can exist only thanks to the enthusiasm of the students themselves. ‘It is a joy to see that at BFM we are still discovering the full extent of this enthusiasm, because the practical skills acquired in BFM’s curricula together form the backbone of the entertainment industry,’ says Toomas Sääs. ‘It is precisely joint efforts across BFM and other Tallinn University curricula, such as BOB, that reveal the true potential of students – a potential limited only by imagination,’ he adds.

Through organizing BOB, Toomas Sääs has learned that the most important thing is to encourage students to dream. If an event is aimed at students, it must also be something they themselves would want to take part in.

He concludes: ‘I wish current and future students the courage to dream!’