Mart Sander

In his youth, Mart Sander studied violin and conducting. He started singing in the choir of the Estonian National Opera at the age of eighteen.{{cite web|url=http://www.opera.ee/en/estoonlane/mart-sander/|title=Mart Sander|website=Estonian National Opera|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-date=5 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905023123/http://www.opera.ee/en/estoonlane/mart-sander/|url-status=dead}} At the age of nineteen, Sander and swing orchestra Modern Fox won a talent competition in Moscow,{{cite web|url=http://www.eesti.ca/ulo-malgand-modern-fox-kolmkummend-aastat-algusest-fbest/article43228|title=Ülo Mälgand - Modern FOX kolmkümmend aastat algusest FBest|author=Eestlased Eestis|date=29 September 2014|website=Estonian World View|language=et|access-date=2 May 2018}} the band toured both in Soviet Union and in Europe.{{cite web|url=https://www.ohtuleht.ee/83439/modern-fox-tahistab-viieteistkumnendat-esindusaastat|title=Modern Fox tähistab viieteistkümnendat esindusaastat|author=Betty ESTER|date=7 September 1999|website=Õhtuleht|publisher=AS SL Õhtuleht|language=et|access-date=2 May 2018}} He later returned to the Estonian National Opera as a stage director. He obtained his BA in musicology from the Tallinn University, his MA in film and TV directing at the BFM (Baltic Film and Media School) and in 2024, PhD in film also at the BFM, where he is lecturing on cultural history and film music semiotics.{{cite web | url=https://www.ohtuleht.ee/887168/mart-sander-laheb-doktorantuuri-soe-on-sees-ja-mis-siin-ikka-oodata | title=Mart Sander läheb doktorantuuri: Soe on sees ja mis siin ikka oodata }} He has also studied screenwriting at the London Film Academy.{{cite web | url=https://digileht.kroonika.delfi.ee/teema/mart-sander-naaseb-ekraanile?id=88847767 | title=Mart Sander naaseb ekraanile }}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Member of Estonian Writers' Union{{cite web | url=http://www.ekl.ee/eesti-kirjanike-liit/liikmed/ | title=Liikmed }} and Estonian Association of Audiovisual Authors.

File:Modern Fox 89. Priit Zimmermann, Aivar Raigla, Uko Paabumets, Ülo Mälgand, Henno Soode ja Mart Sander.jpg

The notable roles for Sander include: directing the operetta Silva (Die Czardasfürstin) at the Estonian National Opera in 2010.{{cite web|url=https://elu24.postimees.ee/317486/mart-sander-tegi-silvaga-onnestunud-lavastajadebuudi/|title=Mart Sander tegi "Silvaga" õnnestunud lavastajadebüüdi|last=Kuter|first=Toomas|date=24 September 2010|website=elu24.ee|language=et|access-date=2 May 2018}} At the opening night, as the leading singer suffered an injury on the stage, Sander took over the part.{{cite web|url=https://elu24.postimees.ee/314452/mart-sander-astus-vigastatud-laulja-asemel-estonia-lavale/|title=Mart Sander astus vigastatud laulja asemel Estonia lavale|last=Alla|first=Hendrik|date=17 September 2010|website=elu24.ee|language=et|access-date=2 May 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://elu24.postimees.ee/314583/vilja-savisaar-toomast-mart-sander-paastis-esietenduse/|title=Vilja Savisaar-Toomast: Mart Sander päästis esietenduse|last=Alla|first=Hendrik|date=17 September 2010|website=elu24.ee|language=et|access-date=2 May 2018}} In 2014, his production of Ball im Savoy opened at the Estonian National Opera; Sander directed, revised the text, made new orchestral arrangements and provided set and costume design, as well as created the role of Mustafa.{{cite web|url=http://www.opera.ee/lavastus/savoy-ball|title=Savoy ball|website=Rahvusooper Estonia|language=et|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-date=5 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205150859/http://www.opera.ee/lavastus/savoy-ball/|url-status=dead}}

Sander has written stage plays, where he often stars himself, such as Behind the Random Denominator (in Estonian, Juhuslik nimetaja), which was presented to the New York audience in 2015{{cite web|url=http://unitedsolo.org/us/randomdenominator-2015/|title=Behind the Random Denominator|website=United Solo|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175537/http://unitedsolo.org/us/randomdenominator-2015/|url-status=dead}} and The Bughouse (in Estonian, Äratõmbetuli), which premiered in Washington, D.C. in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.wherevent.com/detail/Eesti-Kultuurfond-Ameerika-Etendus-Aeratombetuli|title=Etendus "Äratõmbetuli"|website=Wherevent|publisher=13 pass multimedia|access-date=2 May 2018}} On 17 June 2018, The Bughouse premiered at the Estonian State Drama Theatre.{{cite web |url=http://www.draamateater.ee/aeratombetuli |title=Äratõmbetuli {{!}} Eesti Draamateater |website=www.draamateater.ee |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619190057/http://www.draamateater.ee/aeratombetuli |archive-date=2018-06-19}}

On October 19, 2023, his drama play We Should Talk About Raimond, opened in Tallinn (Theatre Nuutrum) and was applauded for its original concept - it runs backwards and the protagonist, Raimond (the composer Raimond Valgre), actually never appears on the stage.{{cite web | url=https://kultuur.postimees.ee/7888047/kes-ikkagi-oli-suudi-laululooja-raimond-valgre-surmas | title=Kes ikkagi oli süüdi laululooja Raimond Valgre surmas? | date=31 October 2023 }} It was also reported, that Sander plans to make a screen adaptation of the play in 2024.{{cite web | url=https://nuutrum.ee/toimumas/peaksime-raakima-raimondist/ | title=Peaksime rääkima Raimondist | date=28 November 2022 }}

To date, Sander’s filmography includes 30 acting roles and 25 directorial credits, as recorded by IMDb.https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0761415/ In most of his own films, he also serves as screenwriter, composer, and editor, thereby maintaining creative control. As an actor, he made his feature film debut as Martti in the 1991 Juha Tapaninen-directed Finnish musical-comedy Iskelmäprinssi.[http://www.opera.ee/en/estoonlane/mart-sander/ Estonian National Opera] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905023123/http://www.opera.ee/en/estoonlane/mart-sander/ |date=5 September 2018 }} Mart Sander. (In Estonian). Retrieved 4 September 2018. In 1998, he had a role in the Rao Heidmets-directed comedy-family film Kallis härra Q (English release title: Dear Mister Moon), based on the 1992 children's book of the same name by Estonian author Aino Pervik.[http://www.lavakas.ee/tmm/?valik=lavabaas&id=11188&page=16&s_nimi= Eesti Teatri- ja Muusikamuuseum] Kallis härra Q. Retrieved 4 September 2018. He had roles in the Hungarian film Why Wasn't He There? and in the US made-for-cable production Candles in the Dark, opposite Alyssa Milano and directed by Maximilian Schell.{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0761415/|title=Mart Sander|website=IMDb|access-date=16 April 2019}}

Sander's Estonian TV appearances include hosting the Eurolaul 1993 and the TV series Tantsud tähtedega (Dancing with the Stars). He also hosted {{lang|et|Tähed muusikas}} (Stars in the Music) from 1997 to 2006 and again from 2008 to 2010,[http://www.postimees.ee/311004/online_uudised/148738.php Tähed muusikas] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080113134402/http://www.postimees.ee/311004/online_uudised/148738.php |date=13 January 2008 }} at Postimees as well as the hit show Su nägu kõlab tuttavalt (Sing Your Face Off).:et:Su nägu kõlab tuttavalt{{Circular reference|date=March 2019}} In 2012, he was a judge on the fifth season of the TV3 reality series competition Eesti otsib superstaari (Estonia is Searching for a Superstar).[https://elu24.postimees.ee/868494/mart-sanderist-saab-superstaarisaate-kolmas-kohtunik Elu24/Postimees Mart Sanderist saab superstaarisaate kolmas kohtunik] (in Estonian). 7 June 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2018. In 2020, he became the host of the Estonian version of the global TV phenomenon Maskis Laulja (The Masked Singer).{{cite web | url=https://tv3.ee/saade/maskis-laulja/ | title=Maskis laulja – TV3 }}

File:Mart Sander Queen's-Visit-small.jpg in 2006]]

In 2015, Sander took his own one man horror drama Behind the Random Denominator (which he wrote, directed and starred in) to the solo theatre festival United Solo in New York, earning him the Best Sound Design award.{{cite web|last=Theatre |first=American |url=http://www.americantheatre.org/2015/11/24/united-solo-festival-announces-2015-winners/ |title=United Solo Festival Announces 2015 Winners |publisher=American Theatre |date=24 November 2015 |access-date=30 June 2017}} The film version of the play became Sander's directorial debut feature.{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5923748/|title=Behind the Random Denominator|access-date=16 April 2019|via=www.imdb.com}} The film premiered at the Haapsalu horror and fantasy film festival HÕFF.{{cite web|url=http://www.cineuropa.org/nw.aspx?t=newsdetail&l=en&did=328487 |title=Behind the Random Denominator : Your number's up |publisher=Cineuropa |date=15 May 2017 |access-date=30 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.delfi.ee/a/78088376|title=GALERII ja MULJED: Mart Sanderi filmidebüüdi esilinastus ja raamatuesitlus õudusfilmide festivalil|website=Kinoveeb|access-date=16 April 2019}} It later won Sander his first Best Director award at the 9th Nice International Film Festival {{cite web | url=https://www.filmfestinternational.com/nice-iff-2020-winners-online-edition/ | title=Nice IFF 2020 Winners – Online Edition – Film Fest International }} and Best Lead Actor award at the Madrid International Film Festival,{{cite web | url=https://www.filmfestinternational.com/madrid-iff-2020-winners/ | title=Madrid IFF 2020 Winners – Film Fest International }} where he won against such stars as Laurence Fishburne, Robert Davi and Bruno Ganz. In 2018, his short Actually premiered at the HÕFF.{{cite web|url=http://2018.hoff.ee/est/news.n/hoff-uellatab-mart-sanderi-uue-oudusfilmiga|title=HÕFF ÜLLATAB MART SANDERI UUE ÕUDUSFILMIGA|website=HOFF|language=et|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-date=9 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909213126/http://2018.hoff.ee/est/news.n/hoff-uellatab-mart-sanderi-uue-oudusfilmiga|url-status=dead}} This film won several awards at various festivals{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt8334094/awards|title=Actually - IMDb|access-date=16 April 2019|via=www.imdb.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ragff.com/|title=Retro Avant Garde Film Festival|website=Retro Avant Garde|access-date=16 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/TV-Movie-Award/Cinema-WorldFest-Awards-241272892903325/|title=Cinema WorldFest Awards|website=www.facebook.com|access-date=16 April 2019}} Also in 2018, he wrote and directed an ambitious 10-part historical TV series The Whores, which is considered the most internationally successful Estonian TV production,{{cite web | url=https://televeeb.ohtuleht.ee/952805/eesti-litsid-vallutavad-maailma-naitamisoiguse-ostavad-ka-hispaania-ja-usa-levitajad | title=Eesti "Litsid" vallutavad maailma! Näitamisõiguse ostavad ka Hispaania ja USA levitajad | access-date=7 May 2019 | archive-date=4 April 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404022100/https://televeeb.ohtuleht.ee/952805/eesti-litsid-vallutavad-maailma-naitamisoiguse-ostavad-ka-hispaania-ja-usa-levitajad | url-status=dead }} as well as a TV movie The Bughouse (in Estonian, Äratõmbetuli), based on his own stage play.{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9530236/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_2|title = Äratõmbetuli|website = IMDb}}

On 13 December 2019, his horror-fantasy anthology Eerie Fairy Tales, based on the short story collection of the same name by Sander himself, opened nationwide in Estonia and in limited cinemas in the Baltic states and Finland, gathering positive reviews.{{Cite web|url=http://wearecult.rocks/eerie-fairy-tales-a-film-by-mart-sander-2019|title = 'Eerie Fairy Tales: A Film by Mart Sander' (2019) » We Are Cult|date = 14 December 2019}} The film has won numerous prizes at festivals{{Cite web|url=https://elu.ohtuleht.ee/992439/vagev-mart-sanderi-film-kohedad-muinaslood-noppis-londoni-filmifestivalil-parima-loo-auhinna/|title = VÄGEV! Mart Sanderi film "Kõhedad muinaslood" noppis Londoni filmifestivalil parima loo auhinna}}{{cite web | url=https://www.filmfestinternational.com/tag/london-iff-2020-nominations/ | title=London IFF 2020 Nominations – Film Fest International }}{{cite web |url=https://newyorkmovieawards.com/march-2020 |title=March 2020 {{!}} New York Movie Awards |website=newyorkmovieawards.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406162201/https://newyorkmovieawards.com/march-2020 |archive-date=2020-04-06}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11241510/awards?ref_=tt_awd|title = Eerie Fairy Tales - IMDb|website = IMDb}}{{cite web | url=https://www.hlc-cultcritic.com/monthly-result-may-2020/ | title=Monthly Result: May 2020 | date=24 June 2020 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.filmfestinternational.com/?s=Eerie%20Fairy%20Tale | title=Search Results for "Eerie%20Fairy%20Tale" – Film Fest International }}{{Cite web|url=http://esotericfilmfest.ru/en/winners/|title = Winners}}{{Cite web|url=https://worldfilmfair.com/content/screening-program-2020|title = Screening Program 2020|date = 8 December 2020}} Both Behind the Random Denominator and Eerie Fairy Tales were released internationally on 28 September 2021, by BayView Entertainment.{{Cite web|url=https://horrornerdonline.com/2021/08/10/eerie-fairy-tales-2019-available-september-28/|title = Eerie Fairy Tales (2019) Available September 28|date = 10 August 2021}}

In 2020, Sander wrote and directed a feature film titled The Kennedy Incident, based on his own novel.{{Cite web|url=https://digileht.kroonika.delfi.ee/teema/glamuuri-kogu-ooks?id=90711371|title=Glamuuri kogu ööks}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The film is an account of the romantic and politically charged adventures of the future president John F Kennedy during his trip to Tallinn, Estonia, in the summer of 1939. This film premiered on 17 February 2021,{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12797976/?ref_=nm_flmg_wr_1|title = The Kennedy Incident|website = IMDb}} at the Santa Fe Film Festival, as the opening film,{{Cite web|url=https://redcarpetreporttv.com/2021/02/08/santa-fe-film-festival-announces-its-official-program-selections-for-the-2021-festival-sfff-gettickets-watchonline-focusonnewmexico/|title = Santa Fe Film Festival Announces its Official Program Selections for the 2021 Festival #SFFF #GetTickets #WatchOnline #FocusOnNewMexico|date = 8 February 2021}} and won the Best Picture award.{{Cite web|url=http://santafefilmfestival.com/index/|title = Home | the Santa Fe Film Festival|date = 11 November 2014}} In March, it won Best Feature Thriller and Best Actress (Lisette Pomerants) awards at the Europa Film Festival, Barcelona,{{Cite web|url=https://teknochatfestivales.foroactivo.com/h3-europafilmfestival|title = Europa Film Festival}} and in September the Best Feature Film award at the Anatolia International Film Festival.{{Cite web|url=http://www.anatoliafilmfestival.com/Winners-5th/|title=Winners 5th|website=www.anatoliafilmfestival.com|accessdate=31 December 2023}} In October, the film won Best Feature Film and Best Director Feature Film awards at the Sweden Film Awards {{Cite web|url=https://swedenfilmawards.se/the-kennedy-incident/|title = The Kennedy…}} and was nominated Best Film at the Venice TV Awards, where it finished second.{{Cite web|url=https://venicetvaward.com/winners-and-nominees-2021/|title = Winners and Nominees 2021}} The international release of The Kennedy Incident was delayed due to the pandemic and was released by Indican Pictures in August 2023.

Sander premiered his mystery-thriller The Sixth Secret, based on his own original screenplay, at the Dark Nights Film Festival (the only A-list film festival in Estonia) on May 1 and won the Audience Award.{{cite web | url=https://poff.ee/film/kuues-saladus/?fbclid=IwAR1Xxi5jK2OTCSUImcvONJCRdrGGbRD6lf0Y3lsdP-QCUbfHC46-5-bpu0E | title=Kuues saladus }} The film gathered positive reviews.{{cite web | url=https://wearecult.rocks/the-sixth-secret-2022-agatha-christie-on-speed | title=Agatha Christie on Speed: 'The Sixth Secret' » We Are Cult | date=27 April 2022 }} In July, the movie leaked to all major pirating sites and went viral,{{cite web | url=https://elu24-postimees-ee.translate.goog/7562876/ameerikast-indiasse-piraatluse-ohvriks-sattunud-mart-sanderi-oudusfilm-loob-valismaal-laineid?_x_tr_sl=et&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=et&_x_tr_pto=wapp | title=AMEERIKAST INDIASSE ⟩ Piraatluse ohvriks sattunud Mart Sanderi õudusfilm lööb välismaal laineid | date=12 July 2022 }} reaching #2 on YTS.mx on July 6.{{cite news | url=https://kultuur-postimees-ee.translate.goog/7558286/mart-sanderi-ilmumata-filmist-kuues-saladus-sai-piraatide-lemmik?fbclid=IwAR2EYzPQ_vDt13HvZ6C1KVYUIjVGX4VgesFlrRT3R-mX2qkdfIkHCOJe59A&_x_tr_sl=et&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=et&_x_tr_pto=wapp | title=Mart Sanderi ilmumata filmist "Kuues saladus" sai piraatide lemmik | newspaper=Kultuur | date=5 July 2022 }} It subsequently skyrocketed on the IMDb, where it became #1 Estonian film by popularity,{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?title_type=feature&countries=ee | title=Feature Film, Estonia (Sorted by Popularity Ascending) | website=IMDb }} with Mart Sander himself ranking as #2 on the list of most popular Estonian film personalities.{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/search/name/?birth_place=Estonia&fbclid=IwAR0bXPBn8DQSBxv-nwTjiGCDDP7yj0rIdMs4YxcKlknl5TRFhsThaUX22QE | title=IMDb: Birth Place Matching "Estonia" (Sorted by Popularity Ascending) | website=IMDb }} The film was released internationally on January 10, 2023, by Gravitas Ventures.{{cite web | url=https://www.cheapcharts.info/us/itunes/movies/1657764774/The-Sixth-Secret | title=CheapCharts }}

On January 2, 2023, his short film, Universe 4, premiered at the Norway Fjords International Film Festival and was awarded Best Narrative Short.[https://web.archive.org/web/20230120020317/https://norwayfjordsfest.space/page33305053.html Norway Fjords Fest] In April, an anthology short film Three Knocks premiered at the Dark Nights Film Festival.{{cite web | url=https://hoff.ee/en/film/dr-sanders-hour-of-horror-vol-2-three-knocks/ | title=Dr Sander´s Hour of Horror, vol. 2: 'Three Knocks' }} He is currently working on translating his best seller Ravengold to screen, as well as shooting a World War II epic drama Etude of Life.{{cite web | url=https://www.tv3.ee/3-portaal/seltskond/eha-urbsalu-uues-filmis-astub-ules-tema-ameeriklasest-abikaasa-arvan-et-ta-ei-tahtnud-mulle-ei-oelda/ | title=Eha Urbsalu uues filmis astub üles tema ameeriklasest abikaasa: Arvan, et ta ei tahtnud mulle "ei" öelda! – TV3 | date=10 August 2023 }} In June 2024, it was announced that he is preparing a historical film Whispers In the Paint, in collaboration with the Film Commission Torino Piedmont.{{Cite web | title=Whispers in the Paint - teaser 2024 | url=https://vimeo.com/946659970/9bfdf7cae8 | access-date=2025-01-21 | website=vimeo.com}}

Sander's newest fantasy feature, Dr. Sander's Sleep Cure, shatters the current Guinness World Record for the Most Roles Played By a Single Actor In a Film, as Sander himself portrays 48 distinct characters.{{Cite web |last=eyesonhollywood |date=2023-12-21 |title=Filmmaker Mart Sander Shatters Guinness World Record with Dr. Sander's Sleep Cure. |url=https://eyesonhollywood.com/filmmaker-mart-sander-shatters-guinness-world-record-with-dr-sanders-sleep-cure/ |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=Eyes on Hollywood |language=en-US}} The film premiered at the 25th Nevermore Film Festival on February 24th, 2024{{Cite web |last=Freelancer |date=2023-12-14 |title=Sleepless In Cinema: Mart Sander's Guinness World Record-Breaking Dream |url=https://www.chiangraitimes.com/entertainment/mart-sanders-guinness-world-record-breaking-dream/ |access-date=2024-01-04 |language=en-US}} and won the audience award.{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0002173/2024/1 | title=Nevermore Film Festival (2024) | website=IMDb }} It went on to win Best Film awards at the International New York Film Festival and Avignon International Film Festival.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30018159/awards/?ref_=tt_awd The film was released through OctaneMultimedia in February, 2025,https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/a-guinness-record-breaking-insomnia-fantasy-now-streaming-on-vod/ar-AA1zAmqV and received positive reviews.https://johnlprobert.blogspot.com/2025/02/dr-sanders-sleep-cure-2025.htmlhttps://www.searchmytrash.com/movies/drsanderssleepcure(2024).shtml

In 2000, Sander established, and began to conduct, the Tallinn-based Bel-Etage Concert Orchestra. In 2004, Sander and Bel-Etage released their first album in Great Britain entitled The Monckton Album, with selections from three musicals composed by Lionel Monckton, on the Divine Art Records label.{{cite web|url=https://divineartrecords.com/recording/the-monckton-album/|title=The Monckton Album - Divine Art Recordings|website=divineartrecords.com|access-date=16 April 2019}} This album won the 'Critics' Choice' Award from Gramophone.{{cite web|url=https://divineartrecords.com/review/gramophone-24110-andrew-lamb/|title=Gramophone – Andrew Lamb – 24110 - Review - Divine Art Recordings|date=9 February 2017|website=divineartrecords.com|access-date=16 April 2019}} It was followed by The Finck Album, dedicated to the music by Herman Finck.{{cite web|url=https://divineartrecords.com/recording/the-finck-album/|title=The Finck Album - Divine Art Recordings|website=divineartrecords.com|access-date=16 April 2019}}

In 2005, Sander established the Swing Swindlers dance orchestra; in 2005, the Swing Swindlers issued an album in the UK called Five-Fifteen: A Tribute to the BBC Dance Orchestra.{{cite web|url=https://divineartrecords.com/artist/swing-swindlers/|title=Swing Swindlers - Artist - Divine Art Recordings|website=divineartrecords.com|access-date=16 April 2019}}

In February 2018, The Swing Swindlers visited the US, as part of the celebrations of Estonia's centennial. The mayor of Washington, D.C. declared 24 February official 'Estonia Day', mentioning a concert by Mart Sander in her proclamation.{{cite web|url=https://news.err.ee/685808/washington-dc-mayor-declares-feb-24-estonia-day|title=Washington DC mayor declares Feb. 24 Estonia Day|date=25 February 2018|website=ERR.ee|publisher=Eesti Rahvusringhääling|language=et|access-date=2 May 2018}} On 26 February 2018, The Swing Swindlers gave a concert at the Kennedy Center, Washington DC.{{cite web|url=http://www.kennedy-center.org/artist/B303319|title=Mart Sander|website=www.kennedy-center.org|access-date=16 April 2019}}

After the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth, Sander was interviewed by Estonian newspapers because he had met the monarch on several occasions and had been commended by Her Majesty for his efforts in promoting British music, particularly the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, in Estonia.{{Cite web|url=https://kroonika.delfi.ee/artikkel/120064316/mart-sander-pidas-kuningannaga-kirjavahetust-nii-vagevat-ja-voimekat-monarhi-maailm-ilmselt-enam-ei-nae|title=Mart Sander pidas kuningannaga kirjavahetust: nii vägevat ja võimekat monarhi maailm ilmselt enam ei näe|website=Kroonika|accessdate=31 December 2023}} Sander recalled that when he sent his recording of Leslie Stuart's Soldiers of the Queen to Her Majesty, he received a letter of thanks from Buckingham Palace. When they met at a reception during Her Majesty's visit to Estonia, she was well-informed about Sander's musical career and spent nearly two minutes speaking with him.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ohtuleht.ee/elu/1069846/mart-sander-nagin-enda-ees-armast-vana-daami-kes-jagas-minuga-oma-lapsepolvemalestusi|title=Mart Sander: nägin enda ees armast vana daami, kes jagas minuga oma lapsepõlvemälestusi|website=www.ohtuleht.ee|accessdate=31 December 2023}}

File:M.Sander - Self Portrait As A Disappointed Artist, 2010.jpg

As of 2022, Sander has written about a dozen novels and short story collections in Estonian and English.{{cite web|url=https://erb.nlib.ee/?komp=&otsi=Sander%2C+Mart%2C+1967-®ister=autorid&r_oid=32a3d67f|title=TÄPSEM OTSING|website=erb|publisher=Eesti Rahvusraamatukogu|language=et|access-date=2 May 2018}} Sander's novel Litsid (The Whores) was the best-seller with the book dealer "Apollo" and at number two with the dealer Rahva Raamat for week 32 in 2015.{{cite web|url=http://kultuur.postimees.ee/3288863/mart-sanderi-uus-raamat-litsid-troonib-raamatumuugi-edetabelite-tipus |title=Mart Sanderi uus raamat "Litsid" troonib raamatumüügi edetabelite tipus - Kultuur |publisher=Kultuur.postimees.ee |date=5 August 2015 |access-date=30 June 2017}} Part II was published in 2017; in the Estonian Libraries Most Checked-Out Books in 2017 list, parts I and II occupied first and second position.{{Cite web|url=https://dea.digar.ee/cgi-bin/dea?a=d&d=pohjarannik20171021.2.6.4|title=Põhjarannik 21 oktoober 2017 — DIGAR Eesti artiklid|website=dea.digar.ee|accessdate=31 December 2023}} Part III was published in December 2019. Sander has created, scripted and directed a historical drama series based on this trilogy. Season I premiered on Estonia's TV3 in February 2018.{{cite web|url=https://kultuur.postimees.ee/4405771/litsid-laksid-kaima-kirgede-ja-kannatustega|title="Litsid" läksid käima kirgede ja kannatustega|date=12 February 2018|website=Kultuur|access-date=16 April 2019}}[http://www.tv3.ee/litsid/litsid tv3.ee] Ajalooline draamasari! Litsid (in Estonian). 16 January 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2018. At the Estonian Entertainment Awards 2018, The Whores was nominated in two categories (Best TV Series Of The Year and Best Actress Of The Year - Merle Palmiste won for her leading role in the series{{cite web|url=https://www.ohtuleht.ee/880035/blogi-ja-galerii-kroonika-meelelahutusauhinnad-2018-vaata-kes-voitsid-kuldmunad|title=BLOGI JA GALERII - Kroonika meelelahutusauhinnad 2018: vaata, kes võitsid kuldmunad! - Õhtuleht|website=www.ohtuleht.ee|access-date=16 April 2019}}). In April 2019, it was announced that the series has been purchased by the US, Russian and Spanish distributors.[https://televeeb.ohtuleht.ee/952805/eesti-litsid-vallutavad-maailma-naitamisoiguse-ostavad-ka-hispaania-ja-usa-levitajad Eesti „Litsid“ vallutavad maailma! Näitamisõiguse ostavad ka Hispaania ja USA levitajad]at Õhtuleht website {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404022100/https://televeeb.ohtuleht.ee/952805/eesti-litsid-vallutavad-maailma-naitamisoiguse-ostavad-ka-hispaania-ja-usa-levitajad |date=4 April 2019 }} For the Estonian Film and TV Awards (EFTA) 2019, The Whores was nominated in three categories: Best TV Series, Best Actress (Merle Palmiste) and Best Script (Mart Sander).{{cite web|url=http://defol.io/efta-tele/2019/finalists|title=Shortlist – EFTA 2019: teleauhindade konkurss – Defolio|website=defol.io|access-date=16 April 2019}} It won the Best TV Series of 2018 award.{{cite web|url=https://televeeb.ohtuleht.ee/954388/blogi-ja-galerii-eesti-filmi-ja-teleauhindadel-parjati-parimaks-filmiks-seltsimees-laps-parim-teleseriaal-on-litsid|title=BLOGI JA GALERII - Eesti filmi- ja teleauhindadel pärjati parimaks filmiks "Seltsimees laps", parim teleseriaal on "Litsid" - Õhtuleht|website=televeeb.ohtuleht.ee|access-date=16 April 2019|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804144258/https://televeeb.ohtuleht.ee/954388/blogi-ja-galerii-eesti-filmi-ja-teleauhindadel-parjati-parimaks-filmiks-seltsimees-laps-parim-teleseriaal-on-litsid|url-status=dead}} In September 2019, US film and TV site WeAreCult published a positive review of the series, predicting it "could grab a Downton Abbey-esque following due to the period trappings and compelling dramatic through-line".{{Cite web|url=http://wearecult.rocks/the-whores-litsid|title = 'The Whores' (Litsid) reviewed » We Are Cult|date = 28 September 2019}} The second season The Women's War was launched on Go3 in November 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://go3.tv/series/naiste-soda,serial-2099517|title=Go3|website=Go3|accessdate=31 December 2023}}

Sander's collection of short stories Eerie Fairy Tales (with author's illustrations) hit the shelves on 1 May 2019, and finished the first week as #5 on the best seller list, remaining on the Top Ten List for five weeks.{{Cite web|url=https://www.apollo.ee/edetabel/raamatute-topid/ilukirjanduse-nadala-top-10|title = Ilukirjanduse nädala TOP 10 - Raamatud TOP 10 - Apollo}} It was soon turned into a feature film, which premiered on 13 December 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forumcinemas.ee/event/302359/title/k%C3%B5hedad_muinaslood/|title=Forum Cinemas - Kõhedad muinaslood|accessdate=31 December 2023}} The third book in The Whores - series was launched on 14 December 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ohtuleht.ee/elu/985907/galerii-ja-arvustus-mart-sander-esitles-raamatu-litsid-kolmandat-osa|title=GALERII JA ARVUSTUS | Mart Sander esitles raamatu "Litsid" kolmandat osa|website=www.ohtuleht.ee|accessdate=31 December 2023}} The international rights to the novel trilogy have been acquired by the Scandinavian media giant Bonnier Group; the first to publish the translation is the oldest and largest Finnish publishing company, WSOY, who launched the series early in 2022.{{cite web | url=https://www.wsoy.fi/kirjailija/mart-sander | title=WSOY }}

Sander's young adult magical realism novel Ravengold was released for Christmas 2022 and finished the first week on the best seller list (#2 in Youth Literature, #6 overall),{{Cite web|url=https://apl-api.apollo.ee/kaarnakuld.html|title=Kaarnakuld|website=APOLLO|accessdate=31 December 2023}} climbing to #1 in Youth Literature on the first week of January, 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.apollo.ee/edetabelid|title=TOP tooted, raamatute edetabelid - Apollo|website=www.apollo.ee|accessdate=31 December 2023}} In September 2024, the gothic romance Whispers in the Paint was released in Tallinn, quickly rising to the top of the charts, reaching #1 on week 37.{{Cite web | title=Värvide sosinad - Apollo | url=https://www.apollo.ee/varvide-sosinad.html | access-date=2025-01-21 | website=www.apollo.ee}} Mart Sander has since announced plans to adapt the novel for the screen and has already presented a concept teaser, filmed on location in Italy.{{Cite web | title=Mart Sander - "VÄRVIDE SOSINAD". Esitlus Ringvaates, ETV 9.09.2024 - YouTube | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXK6uiU8ZUM | access-date=2025-01-21 | website=www.youtube.com}} 2025 has seen two book releases so far: The Rose Key, a collection of short stories, was published in May, followed by the young adult novel Nameless Violet in June. The latter received a 9/10 rating from a jury of young readers and debuted at #1 on Estonia’s national book sales charthttps://www.apollo.ee/et. The Rose Key is also being adapted for stage and screen, with its premiere scheduled for June 27 at Mehntack Manor. His massive historical novel The Goddess of the Devil is scheduled for international release in 2025; the book was the finalist for the CYGNUS Book Awards for Science Fiction in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chantireviews.com/2019/10/12/the-semi-finalists-for-the-cygnus-book-awards-for-sci-fi-a-division-of-the-2019-cibas/?mc_cid=ce587f8a14&mc_eid=4729c5427a|title = The Semi-Finalists for the CYGNUS Book Awards for SCI-FI – a division of the 2019 CIBAs | Chanticleer Book Reviews|date = 12 October 2019}}

Sander became the member of the Estonian Writers' Association in 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ekl.ee/meist/liikmed/|title=Eesti Kirjanike Liit » Liikmed|accessdate=31 December 2023}}

Sander's first solo exhibition took place in Tallinn in July and August 2008,{{cite web |url=http://www.postimees.ee/100806/esileht/kultuur/212558.php |title=Mart Sander – Personaalnäitus 2008 |publisher=Sander's paintings at Galerii24 |date=2008 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908204023/http://www.postimees.ee/100806/esileht/kultuur/212558.php |archive-date=8 September 2012 |url-status=dead}} followed by similar exhibitions in 2009 and 2010.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} He opened his own art gallery in 2007 in the center of Tallinn.{{cite web|url=https://maaligalerii.ee/|title={AVALEHT} - Mart Sanderi Maaligalerii - Mart Sander, maalid, galerii, maaligalerii, pildid, e-pood, osta|website=Mart Sanderi Maaligalerii|access-date=16 April 2019}} In 2012, Sander's art gallery was involved in a case involving art forgeries; charges were brought against one of the assistants working in the gallery.{{Cite web|url=http://publik.delfi.ee/news/inimesed/voltsija-teada-sander-kommenteerib-tal-oli-juurdepaas-tingimused-ning-aeg.d?id=65071384|title="Võltsija teada? Sander kommenteerib: tal oli juurdepääs, tingimused ning aeg", Delfi, 6 October 2012 (in Estonian)|accessdate=31 December 2023}}{{Cite web|url=https://ekspress.delfi.ee/artikkel/65013048/mart-sanderi-galerii-voltsis-oksjoni-jaoks-maale|title=Mart Sanderi galerii võltsis oksjoni jaoks maale|website=Eesti Ekspress|accessdate=31 December 2023}} On 21 December 2012, his exhibition Appocalypse Formula opened in Tallinn.{{cite web|url=https://kroonika.delfi.ee/news/mitmesugust/mart-sanderi-viimsepaevavalem-osutus-viimsepaevavaleks?id=65445870|title=Mart Sanderi "Viimsepäevavalem" osutus "Viimsepäevavaleks"|website=Kroonika|access-date=16 April 2019}} He has also had personal exhibitions in Moscow{{cite web|url=https://kroonika.delfi.ee/news/inimesed/moskvas-avati-mart-sanderi-maalinaitus?id=82315326|title=Moskvas avati Mart Sanderi maalinäitus|website=Kroonika|access-date=16 April 2019}} and Saint Petersburg.{{cite web|url=https://kultuur.err.ee/304650/mart-sander-viib-heliloojate-maalid-peterburi|title=Mart Sander viib heliloojate maalid Peterburi|last=ERR|date=14 February 2015|website=ERR|access-date=16 April 2019}} His painting Urban Hunter made it to the finals of the 10th Annual ARC Salon (2013-2014),{{cite web|url=https://www.artrenewal.org/Salon2013/Home/Artist/4153|title=Search|website=Art Renewal Center|access-date=16 April 2019}} the largest and most prestigious competition in the western world for realist artists.{{cite web|url=https://www.artrenewal.org/|title=Home|website=Art Renewal Center|access-date=16 April 2019}} His Officer Of the Napoleonic Wars was the finalist of the 14th Salon (2019)[https://www.artrenewal.org/SalonApplication/Salon/Finalists Finalists]artrenewal.org {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231093054/https://www.artrenewal.org/SalonApplication/Salon/Finalists |date=31 December 2021 }} and his New York Dreams was the finalist in 2024.https://www.artrenewal.org/17th-arc-salon#/artwork/New-York-Dreams/Mart-Sander/45771

As a teenager Sander became interested in Catholicism, and was baptised. His baptismal name is Martin Laurent.{{cite web|last1=Tennosaar|first1=Kadri|title=Sünnipäevalapse Mart Sanderi ema: "Ainult hellitades sai teda kasvatatud."|url=https://eestinaine.ohtuleht.ee/821454/sunnipaevalapse-mart-sanderi-ema-ainult-hellitades-sai-teda-kasvatatud-|publisher=Eesti Naine|access-date=4 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812182806/http://eestinaine.ohtuleht.ee/821454/sunnipaevalapse-mart-sanderi-ema-ainult-hellitades-sai-teda-kasvatatud- |archive-date=2017-08-12}}

In 2003, he was knighted into the Order of St. Stanislaus in Vienna, where he currently serves as the Prior of Estonia.https://saintstanislas.org/organisation/structure/

He is 195 cm tall.

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{IMDb name|id=0761415|name=Mart Sander}}
• [https://archive.today/20130213060957/http://www.postimees.ee/040807/lisad/arter/arteri_persoon/275300.php An article about Mart Sander's stage work, in Estonian]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWy3A22Ruts See Mart Sander singing 'The Eyes of the World'.]
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f6jJFLJ8Uc Berlin 1945: Musik Unter Bomben – trailer.]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sander, Mart}}

Category:1967 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century Estonian male actors

Category:20th-century Estonian painters

Category:20th-century Estonian male artists

Category:20th-century Estonian artists

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Category:21st-century Estonian painters

Category:21st-century Estonian male artists

Category:Estonian Roman Catholics

Category:20th-century Estonian male singers

Category:Estonian male musical theatre actors

Category:Estonian male film actors

Category:Estonian male television actors

Category:Estonian television personalities

Category:Male actors from Tallinn

Category:Artists from Tallinn

Category:Singers from Tallinn