Washington, D.C. – Award-winning Estonian filmmaker, novelist, and musician Mart Sander is pushing the boundaries of independent cinema with his latest feature film, Dr. Sander’s Sleep Cure. The film, which will be released globally on February 14, has already earned its place in history by setting a Guinness World Record for the most roles played by a single actor in one film—a staggering 48 distinct characters, all performed by Sander himself.
Premiering at the 25th Nevermore Film Festival in the U.S., the film received the Audience Award, cementing its place as a bold and innovative work in contemporary cinema. Drawing from his own struggles with insomnia, Sander has created a film that blends psychological horror, surreal fantasy, and dark humor, offering audiences an experience that is both haunting and thought-provoking.
A Bridge Between Estonia and Washington, D.C.
Sander’s achievements go far beyond the film industry. A best-selling novelist, renowned musician, and sought-after television host, he has been a key figure in promoting Estonian culture on the international stage.
His deep ties to Washington, D.C., include his involvement in the Estonian Independence Day celebrations, which marked the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia. In recognition of this historic milestone, the Mayor of Washington, D.C., officially proclaimed the day as “Estonian Day.” As part of these celebrations, Sander performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, leading his big band orchestra in a special centennial concert. The event showcased Estonia’s rich musical legacy on one of America’s most prestigious stages.
A Cinematic and Personal Achievement
Inspired by his own doctoral research at the Baltic Film and Media Institute, Dr. Sander’s Sleep Cure explores how conflicting audiovisual cues manipulate the human subconscious. The film’s protagonist, a man suffering from chronic sleep deprivation, turns to an unusual therapy cassette to help him sleep—only to be plunged into a world where dreams and reality begin to merge in unsettling ways.
“Breaking this record was both exhilarating and exhausting. As an actor, playing 48 roles was an incredible challenge—but as a director, coordinating scenes where I had to interact with multiple versions of myself was nothing short of a logistical nightmare,” Sander stated in his interview for The Empire Magazine, Europe’s largest industry journal.
The film’s concept and execution have garnered attention from industry professionals. Adam Millward, editor of Guinness World Records, compared Sander’s storytelling to that of Edgar Allan Poe, calling the film “a masterful blend of gothic horror and psychological depth.” Similarly, Jim Carl, founder of the Nevermore Film Festival, lauded the film’s audacity, likening its surreal narrative style to that of Terry Gilliam.
Estonia’s Cinematic Influence on the World Stage
Sander’s ability to seamlessly merge art, history, and storytelling has made him one of Estonia’s most internationally recognized artists. With five feature films, multiple TV drama series, a dozen best-selling novels and over two dozen music albums he continues to push artistic boundaries.
“Independent cinema allows for true artistic exploration,” Sander shares. “While the idea of working within the studio system and collaborating with industry giants is tempting, I would never compromise my integrity as an auteur. I take full responsibility for every aspect of my films, and my only true accountability is to the audience.”
As Dr. Sander’s Sleep Cure prepares for its Valentine’s Day release, audiences are invited to experience a thought-provoking, record-shattering film that challenges the limits of narrative and performance.