Discoveries from Latvia World Cinema

The film tells a story about a young girl's efforts to escape from her parents' house in the countryside, where the dynamics of alcohol addiction and co-dependence exist between her parents.

The film tells about an active senior, Mārtiņš Ziebergs (65), who is spending his old days and retirement looking for lost people; there are hundreds of them in Latvia. Following his activities, the film discloses both the everyday routine of the senior – life of “a detective” and process of investigation – as well as the outcome of it – unexpected reunions of the ones who have been searching for each other for years and also unmade reunions or cases never solved.

A young journalist Zane meets a man named Matīss who claims to have risen from the dead. Matīss offers Zane to write an article about him but in exchange he wants her to help him find his wife. Is Matīss a victim, a madman, or a skilled impostor?

A story about life in two minutes.

A man continues to throw rubbish into the forest, to the great annoyance of both the forest ranger and the forest animals, but when he refuses to stop, more drastic measures have to come into use – and this is where the forest ranger luckily gets the help of a dog, a cat and a mouse, who have had enough of the litter lout.

The fourth film in the series about Latvian regional folk costumes – Shrovetide traditions in Latgale – shows clothing, household items and celebrations, as well as games and masquerades. The film features the Upīte village children's folklore group, the Rēzekne folk dance ensemble Dziga, and the Šķilbēni village folklore group. The narration, sometimes in Latvian and sometimes in Latgalian, is by Jānis Streičs.

The first comedy special of Aleksandrs Guzenko.

On the first day of school, little musician Sienāzītis, disobedient Bombardētājvabolis, and Mēslu vaboles mazulis set off to learn about the world of insects under the guidance of teacher Skudra. However, it is much more interesting to explore a world full of dangers and surprises on your own, while also getting to know your friends, than to sit at a school desk.

An entomologist finds a new type of bug in the meadow and would be glad to add it to his collection. But bugs don’t want to be museum objects – the two bug girls have to find a way to save their parents.

Documentary charting research at an ancient holy site. Miracle Hunters: Zilaiskalns, is about Zilaiskalns (Blue Hill), an allegedly sacred place and its own local spirit man Anatolijs. The place is associated with the Marta of the Blue Hill, a legendary woman with extraordinary abilities.

At the end of World War II, many Latvians, Lithuanians, and Estonians fled the Soviet rule. They stayed abroad for many years. Now, after the regaining of independence of the three Baltic states, they are coming back. Their stories vary.

A struggling actress, a teacher, a former seaman, a policeman and a veterinarian all have a common line of work – conducting funerals. For one it’s a passion, for one a duty, but for another it’s a chance to earn a little extra...

The code to unlocking this feature documentary is 1949, the year the director was born, and also the year of the return of Soviet repressions to Latvia. The film tells a very personal story against the background of less visited historic events – the death of director’s father due to the KGB repressions, which is closely linked to the devious game Soviet Latvia’s KGB played against Swedish-British-American spy agencies.

Stories about the most important events in Latvia from 2000 to 2010 are compiled from materials from the LTV and LTV news service archives and excerpts from newsreels.

A film documenting contemporary Latvian reality along the banks of the river Gauja while channelling one of the first Latvian sound documentary films, Gauja (1934). “Along with producers Sandijs Semjonovs and Gundars Rēders and editor Atis Klimovičs, we witnessed incidents and events along the banks of the river some 80 years later. We captured them along with the views of folks on this river in a documentally poetic style reflecting the reality in Latvia,” explains director Mārtiņš Grauds.

A documentary revealing society's perceptions of old age.

A man has sat down.

The film is an animated visualization of the poem Wind Dog by the poet Kaspars Dimiters. The main question in this poem is - where does the wind dog go? You have to find the answer in your head.

The film tells the story of the Shendelev family, whose work is closely connected to the underwater world. For them, it is not just a job - it is a matter of the heart with a mission: to make the Baltic Sea, one of the most polluted environments in the world, cleaner and more alive. At the bottom of the sea lie not only sunken ships and planes, but also thousands of lost fishing nets - the so-called "ghost nets", which silently kill fish, seals, birds and other marine inhabitants. The family and their colleagues dive into the depths to find these nets and bring them to the surface. Their daughter Valentina follows in her parents' footsteps, but is still searching for her place in the world.

Comedy Latvia" roast, which was held in the best "Roast" traditions. This year, the main guest was local rapper Edavārdi.

Romantic portrayals as mystical characters-white rhinos-on a hot African night, ringing golden bells, create a rain of stars that roll over the Earth inspiring all living beings. When the miracle work is done, they themselves plunge into the sea of emerald green thistles and turn into orchids.

The Latvian Song festival captured from an unusual angle - literally and figuratively. Faces and legs of singers, listeners and dancers, close-ups of details and moods. In the final four minutes of the film, the 294 place names - cities, parishes and villages of Latvia and the world - are called, that the participants of the XXIII Latvian Song Festival come from - "...Cīrava, Code, Chicago, Dagda... Mālpils, Malta, Mārupe, Moscow... Sēlpils, Sesava, Sydney, Sigulda... Palsmane, Pampāli, Paris, Pāvilosta..."

“Mierjema” in Liv means “to be by the sea”. The film documents a very diverse population of Latvia that lives, works and spends time on the shores of the Baltic Sea. In the form of short, kaleidoscopic stories the film captures and reflects on people’s habits, needs and dreams. To what extent the importance of the sea is to meet our basic needs and - how important is it to our spirit?

This year Gunārs Cilinskis would have turned 90 (May 23, 1931–July 25, 1992) – the famous film and stage star passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on July 25, 1992, on the waves of Lake Baltezers while water skiing, at the age of only 61. This documentary and biographical melodrama covers the entire life of Gunārs Cilinskis. "The most handsome man in London" – Gunārs Cilinskis (as his character Michael Goslin was called in the popular film "Theatre," directed by Jānis Streičs, 1978) was a man who did not expose his life to journalists at the time.

Traditional moral values and contemporary animation styles in a story about the adventures of the musician Tot. Set to ethnic music, the film is a contemporary “ballet” of animation based on a play by Rainis.

Docu-story about the legendary Latvian climber – Teodors Kirsis. The story of the first Latvians who reached the world's highest peaks after the restoration of the country's independence.

The film, based on Regina Ezera's story "It Dos All", has won recognition at the 23rd Latvian SSR Amateur Film Festival, receiving a bronze medal and an award for best cinematography. The main character remembers the unpleasant situation while relaxing in a Finnish sauna and an intrusive travel companion, although "it does everything", she does not want to do so.

The inspiring story of three young people from Sabile whose interest in music, fearless pursuit of their own sound and friendship resulted in halls full of listeners. Unique footage of the band's first performance, exclusive insight into songwriting and previously unheard tracks. This film is not just a tribute to the band; it is a powerful narrative about the youth of the nineties and the harsh environment of music.

In a dystopian world, a limousine driver named Arthur transports various passengers around the centre of Riga. His every move is monitored by the limousine's artificial intelligence, MO. Arthur and MO's relationship is seemingly friendly and playful, but there is a feeling in the air that Arthur is careful not to provoke MO. The evening is tense and Arthur has several confrontations with MO. Arthur decides to distract the limousine's AI MO by telling jokes to avoid triggering the emotion control device.

The film is about a 12th-grade student, Reinis, and his quest to make his last First Tape (Pirmās Lentes) film - the best he has ever made.

The film is based on an interpretation of the fairy tale theme that takes place after the "happy ending," when the noble knight defeats the dragon and frees the princess from his clutches. But what if the knight is unable to fall in love with his rescued princess and instead wallows in contemplative joy over his heroic deed, finding fulfillment in the slain dragon's hide—his trophy? At the same time, his new wife struggles with sexual dissatisfaction and, despite everything, continues to love her husband until the witches conjure up large silicone breasts for her and everything turns upside down...

To touch the paper, to hear the sound of the pencil and to always trace himself - those are the rules of Latvian artist, Ilmārs Blumbergs. The story of a man who does not create art for around or within, but has instead made it a constant state of being.

A testament to the power of film – a witty summary of the entire history of Latvia from ancient to modern times in eight minutes.

A story of a city living in the rhytm of youth, told through four people who are part of the new generation - who've grown up after the regaining of independence from the Soviet Union.

A painter searches for a way into his lost garden – the only place where he can create his art. And when he finds it, it becomes a fetish. An exploration of the components of modern art that were fetishes for artists in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

From midnight until early morning you can travel to any suburb of Riga on a streetcar named Help, whose interior becomes a stage for life’s dramas, human exhaustion and hope. The streetcar is a democratic place where anyone can spend some time.

A glimpse into the everyday life of contemporary Latvian car enthusiasts through the experiences of two young people. Maksis is determined to pass the technical inspection of the Jigig, which he has been trying to restore for years. Pauls has bought another BMW e36 and plans to use the legendary model to enjoy the lifestyle of a proper Bembist. The film places the viewer in real situations and interactions between similar young people, creating a collage of fragmented experiences and revealing the beauty, tension, love and fun of the automotive world.

A band from the city stops in a shady country bar to play a show. Tired of their stagnating tour the double bass player receives an intriguing invitation from the bartendress. However, when the full moon sets and morning rises, he will need to find his own ways out of these strange lands.

In a dystopian future where humanity replaces reality with simulations, technophobic hacker Lana breaks into virtual farms in search of her missing brother Raiti. After finding his body, Lana discovers that to release Wright's consciousness, she needs to connect to the server herself. But every connection to the system can be irreversible.

Behind the all-seeing eyes of surveillance cameras, there is always someone watching the Latvian capital. "Full Moon Serenade" offers the viewer a unique opportunity to get to the other side of the surveillance cameras on the nights of the full moon to see Rīga's night life in all its quirky forms. The film is a tribute or a serenade to the nocturnal city, night dwellers and night watchers.

The director writes: “We are not meant to live without sadness. Sadness for humans not knowing how to be human. It is 1922. What was he thinking? What are they thinking now? He comes home to ask for water and his mother doesn’t recognise him anymore. What difference does it make? A century has passed, and nothing has changed”. A dadaistic cinematic essay like a river of time, that shows respect to Buñuel. Filmed in analogue and dispersed through images of body parts, a couple close together, leisurely observations, animal skulls, and changing nature – a nova terra, or new world, seems to be thus revealed. The director’s voice sounds out from behind the camera, capturing us, making us want to join in and ask questions.

The story of Viktorija and her family who live in a former Soviet military base in Latvia – Karosta. The surrounding environment, its isolation, and the socio-economic situation has put these people in a test for survival. After losing their apartment, Viktorija and her eight children look for ways to escape the common destiny surrounding the Karosta community.

Dinārs is a Latvian schlager singer popular with the ladies and known for his big cat mane. The eponymous film follows his path over a turbulent season of work.

The ANIMATION SHOW OF SHOWS returns for its second year in theaters with 12 charming family-friendly films. The films included are: • Stems - Ainslie Hendersen (Scotland) • Shift - Cecilia Puglesi & Yijun Liu (U.S.) • Pearl - Patrick Osborne (U.S.) • Crin-crin - Iris Alexandre (Belgium) • Mirror - Chris Ware, John Kuramoto, Ira Glass (U.S.) • Last summer in the garden - bekky O’Neil (Canada) • Waiting for the New Year - Vladimir Leschiov (Latvia) • Piper - Alan Barillaro (U.S.) • Bøygen - Kristian Pedersen (Norway) • Afternoon Class - Seoro Oh (Korea) • About a Mother - Dina Velikovskaya (Russia) • Exploozy - Joshua Gunn, Trevor Piecham, & John McGowan (U.S.) • Inner Workings - Leo Matsuda (U.S.) • Corpus - Marc Héricher (France) • Blue - Daniela Sherer (Israel) • Manoman - Simon Cartwright (England) • All Their Shades - Chloé Alliez (Belgium)

The film takes place at a time when global catastrophes (climate change, global pandemics, warfare, etc.) have become commonplace and normalized. Art student Dafne is trying to create a painting, but she is disturbed by the noise made by her roommates. Seeking refuge, Dafne enters the world of her painting and creates her own personal oasis there. However, soon she must face a mysterious force there as well – a masked creature named Rēgs.

Suddenly, Peter, sitting in his tractor, wins a radio competition for a potato variety. He turns his back on his wife and rides the tractor into town to collect his prize. Peter's journey becomes more important than the original destination - it resolves his relationship with his wife.

This is the story of Reinis Runci, author of three collections of poetry, who, despite being confined to bed for 21 years and, on rare occasions, to a wheelchair, lives a creatively intense life. His daily life is not made any easier by environmental accessibility limitations. He communicates with his friends and the world via his computer, which is his window to the "big world." However, Reinis has dreams... He dreams of publishing his poems in English, creating his own interactive website, and flying in a hot air balloon.

The budgerigar is basically a Latvian parrot, a very pompous-looking bird - my grandfather wasn't one. The Pupuķis is also known as the hungry cuckoo.

Ludis wakes up in the lift and has completely lost his memory. He is forced to watch an informative video which tells him that he is dead and will soon end up in a post-mortem waiting room where he will have to spend some time alone until the last person who remembers Louis has forgotten about him. As the video promises, "There is nothing to worry about, because this waiting time will be pleasant and pass without a notice!" But when the lift opens, it's a very different view.

The selection time is soon approaching for the national Song and Dance festival. A choir is short on male singers, so the conductor pays a taught singer to join them and help them succeed. The professional singer and the amateurs don't get along too well.

A film about one of Europe's best young theatre directors, Latvian-born Alvis Hermanis, and his distinctive method, marked by a renunciation of classic dramatic material.

An old plumber seeks for an exit in darkness. He had helped to build this system, which collects all the waste, bitterness and fear from the society above. But is there a way out? Listen to his story, where the soundtrack is the main player. Think about your profession, how long will it last in the turns of time?

In 2010, authors of the documentary film “Eight Full Moons” spent 5 weeks in one of the most dangerous places on planet, Kunar province - northeastern part of Afghanistan, close to the border with Pakistan. The focus of film is the human side of war, soldier emotions outside the security wall of observation post. The audience of the film becomes a witness of unique shots of the first hand emotions after the soldier is wounded in the ambush and luckily escaped from death.

The Mole's life is tricky - a battle among humans is happening right above his head, and also his neighbor the Bull does not like the Mole very much. But all will end well!

“Collective.Me” is an ironic comedy about the concept of lies and loss of faith. In a small village, a paper mill is expecting a visit from the Ministry. While the director and his team is looking for creative tools to subvert official’s attention, something much more important slips by unnoticed.

A creative a portrait of Latvian luger and Olympic medal winner, Martins Rubenis, who won the first Latvia's Winter Olympic medal of the games in Turin in 2006. Apart from his success in sports, in the circles of contemporary alternative culture he is known as DJ Betons from the association Varka Kru (Varka – from Russian "boiling", Kru – from English "crew"). Like the medieval knight Lohengrin, Martins Rubenis arrives in his luge to fight a battle - with an adversary, with himself, with time and the world.