Berline 2006.indd

Published by the National Film Centre of LatviaFilm Newsfrom LatviaWater / Photo: Agnese ZeltiņaSpecial Issue Berlinale 2006

CONTENTSIntro by Ilze Gailite Holmberg, Managing Director, NFC 1In Competition The Delicacy of Water by Mārtiņš Slišāns 2Film Forum Arsenals Celebrates its Anniversary by Kristīne Matīsa 610 Reasons Why to Shoot in your films in Latvia 7EU Funds Coming Soon 10Facts & Figures 14Useful Addresses 17231456789123456789Ilze Gailite HolmbergManaging Director NFC &Baltic Films Chairwomanilze.gailite.holmberga@nfc.gov.lvElita KalnaellaAssistant to Managing Directorelita.kalnaella@nfc.gov.lvAndrejs ApsītisDeputy Managing Director &Eurimages National Representativeandrejs.apsitis@nfc.gov.lvZigita SaulīteInformation & Publications Officerzigita.saulite@nfc.gov.lvZanda DūdiņaHead of Information and Distribution &Baltic Films Representativezanda.dudina@nfc.gov.lvUldis DimiševskisProduction Co-ordinatoruldis.demisevskis@nfc.gov.lvIeva PitrukaFilm Festivals Co-ordinatorieva.pitruka@nfc.gov.lvLelda OzolaMEDIA Desk Latvialelda.ozola@nfc.gov.lvAgnese ZeltiņaOffice Manager & Photographeragnese.zeltina@nfc.gov.lv

Latvian NewsThe catalogue of Latvian films for 2005/2006 indicatesan encouraging development in Latvian film – graduallyincreasing film production and a developing filmenvironment.The year 2005 witnessed the largest number of filmssimultaneously in production since the independence of1991: 5 full-length fiction films, 2 full-length animationfilms and a number of documentaries and shortanimation films.The year 2006 will be the year of Latvian filmpremieres – from films by acclaimed art-house moviedirectors (Laila Pakalniņa’s The Hostage, Viesturs Kairišs’The Dark Deer) to a historical mainstream movie (AigarsGrauba’s Defenders of Riga) and animation films for theyoung movie goers (The Three Musketeers, Lotte fromGadgetville), as well as a debut in fiction by the talenteddocumentary film director Juris Poškus.With growing state support for film, Latvian producersare able to attract greater financing from European funds(Eurimages and MEDIA Plus), and operate internationallywith more success – almost all of the films in productionare international co-productions. A regular co-productionpartner for Latvian film is Estonia, and this fact has led tothe idea of establishing a Baltic Co-production Fund – aplan that has to be further developed and implemented.There is more good news: Laila Pakalniņa’s short featureWater, has been selected for the Berlin Film Festival.The Film Law is on its way to being adopted. The RigaFilm Museum is in the process of changing its locationfrom outskirts of Riga to the very centre of the OldTown, where it will form the basis of the yet to be firmlyestablished Cinematheque of Latvia.INTROThe Baltic DimensionThe year 2005 was a successful one for Balticcollaboration – the platform of Baltic Films. 2006 lookspromising as well.In September 2006, Latvia will become a regularhost of the Baltic Sea Forum for Documentaries, thuscelebrating the 10th anniversary of the event whichstarted on the beautiful island of Bornholm in Denmark,and then moved to the Baltic countries, where it hasnow become the most important yearly internationalvenue for documentary film under the auspices of BalticFilms.The Baltic Sea Forum is a documentary project market,co-organised by the National Film Centre of Latvia,Baltic Films and the European Documentary Network.It brings together Baltic, Polish, Russian, Belarusianand Ukrainian producers and the commissioning editorsand representatives of film funds from all over Europe,looking for new and exciting documentary projects fromthe Baltic region.Over the last 10 years, the Forum has been godfatheringprize-winning films from such acclaimeddirectors as Herz Frank, Ivars Seleckis, Audrius Stonys,Arunas Matelis and others.Contact and information: balticforum@nfc.gov.lv;www.mediadesk.lvIn 2005, Baltic Films and Tallinn University becameco-founders of a project that is designed to positivelychange the Baltic audiovisual landscape – the BalticFilm and Media School. Students from all threeBaltic countries will be able to receive internationallycompetitive education on a MA level in all main filmprofessions. The new masters programme in film artswill be launched in September 2006.The main events co-organised by Baltic Films in 2006are: participation at the Berlinale European Film Market,the Marché du Film in Cannes, Sunny Side of the Docat La Rochelle, the Karlovy Vary IFF and Nordic FilmDays in Lübeck; organising the Baltic Sea Forum forDocumentaries in Riga, Latvia and the Baltic Event coproductionvenue in Tallinn, Estonia.Ilze Gailite HolmbergNational Film Centre of Latvia, Managing DirectorBaltic Films, Chairwoman

IN COMPETITIONby Mārtiņš SlišānsFilm CriticThe Delicacy of Water2Water/Ūdens/Feature (short)/35 mm/12 min/2006/Director Laila Pakalniņa/Producer Laila Pakalniņa/Production Hargla Company/International Sales Hargla Company, Valtaiķu 19, Rīga, LV-1029 Latvia,tel.+371 9235 618, laila.pakalnina@inbox.lvadiscovery at Cannes, arecent competitor at theVenice IFF – now for thefirst time Laila Pakalniņa’s workwill be featured in the ShortsCompetition at the Berlinale. After16 documentaries, 2 feature filmsand 1 TV special, Laila Pakalniņais making her debut in the genreof fiction short. Clean and clear.Water by Laila Pakalniņa has beenincluded among the favourites ofthe selectors at the Berlinale.• How would you feel if you arrivedfor a swim at you favourite poolonly to discover that the water iscold? That’s exactly what happenedto the author of Water. It triggeredLaila Pakalniņa’s fantasy whichnow seems to have overgrown theinitial momentum. At the outsetWater was intended as a short,but after the script was finished,Pakalniņa understood that she hasmore in mind than the initial bargainof a moment at the pool. Nowwe can look forward to a featurelengthtetralogy combining all fourelements – water, fire, air and earth.• With two higher-educationdiplomas – the first in journalismfrom Moscow University and thesecond in film directing from theMoscow Film Institute (VGIK) – LailaPakalniņa is not your usual sort ofdirector. If one looks at Pakalniņa’strack record, there is hardly anotherdirector in Latvia who can matchher international success. She hasan air of anti-establishment abouther, but at the same time she is inthe middle of the film scene. Herfirst black & white documentaryshorts after graduation from theMoscow Film Institute, whichcoincided with the collapse of theSoviet Union, were discovered atCannes. The Ferry (1994) and TheMail (1995) were included in theOfficial selection. Ten years havepassed since then. Pakalniņa’s firstfeature, The Shoe (1998), followedin the footsteps of her shorts atCannes. For her second feature, ThePython (2003), thepeople at Venicewere quicker andincluded it in theirnew Upstreamcompetitionsection. As forher latest doc –Pakalniņa’s DreamLand (2004), waspicked-up bythe high-profileAmsterdam IDFAfor screening lastyear.• So why does Pakalniņa’s workfascinate people who’ve seenthousands of films? If one speaksof Laila Pakalniņa as overused,the notion of auteur still can’t beavoided. It’s the principal originalityfeatured exclusively in her work andin not in that of other directors. ALaila PakalniņaBorn 1962. Graduate of Moscow University,TV Journalism and VGIK, Film Directing.Has directed 16 documentaries, 2 short and 2feature films. Finds inspiration in moments oflife – in movements, words, lights, situations.In childhood wanted to become an ice-creamvendor.world of delicate interplay betweena mostly static frame recordingreality as it happens, in front of oureyes, and a world of sound mostlyoutside of the frame. It seemslike nothing much is happening.Sometimes “nothing much” is anexaggeration. It seems like nothingis happening! Just wait a second, ortwo or three… and slowly, bit by bit,you’re immersed into a window tothe world as Laila Pakalniņa sees it.• Somehow the best description ofwhat (not) happens in Pakalniņa’sfilms and why it is so rewarding toactually watch them is a feeling thatradiates from the following story. Inthe world seen by Laila Pakalniņa:“I wait hopelessly long for anelevator in a small hotel in Prague. Itis evident that someone is riding it.Down-up. Up-down. Suddenly theelevator doors open. In front of meis a Japanese girl who asks: “Couldyou tell me how to work this lift?” Iexplained, and afterwards I never didmanage to catch the elevator…I took the stairs.”• It’s just the thing that Pakalniņadoes in her films. She “waits” forthings to happen, and then, whenthey happen, she “takes the stairs”.The small everyday absurdities

3Water / Photo: Agnese Zeltiņa

IN COMPETITIONnone of us seem to notice, but LailaPakalniņa does. She never usesthe crutches of computer graphicsand never averts her gaze, so thepictures we get are crisp and clear.As she puts it: “Today you can dojust about anything in film, but itwill be CGI. But it is also possible todo challenging things without thatartificial form. “Live cinema” is morecinematic than one constructed in acomputer.”• In Pakalniņa’s case, “physicalfilmmaking” is a value that will notdeflate when the next generationof computer chips emerge. Assimple as the story set-up is, thetechnical achievements in Waterreveal themselves to an experiencedviewer. Long-time collaborator,director of photography, GintsBērziņš, assisted by the underwaterexpertise of cinematographer,Kaspars Braķis, has done fine workin presenting the subjective feelof being in another reality. Thehigh-points include a 360-degreeunderwater panorama and therefined POV of the swimmer aboveand below the water’s surface,“stop-watched” by people in blacktrousers standing at the edge of thepool.• Sometimes the director’sobservation of events happeningwithin the frame reminds us ofthe notion of detached gaze fromthe Japanese No theatre, whichAkira Kurosawa spoke of in regardsto directing. Except that here it’sturned into a philosophy of life.We could name it the philosophyof observation. If you’d ask for themain principles in this philosophy I’dsay there are none. A detached gazeis needed – one that doesn’t makeany judgements or comments. It’salmost like reciting Peking Operawhile looking at a blank sheet ofpaper. You have to let go of all yourexpectations and concentrate onsensing the rhyme and rhythm.• How does it work in Water? Thisis a challenging question for LailaPakalniņa, and she comments:“Whatever I will explain to filmcritics about the meaning of whattakes place in Water would ruinthe experience for audience. I’vemade it open, so those who watchit can fill it with their own meanings.The main thing is – feel free whenwatching it!” She compares thefilmmaking process to the feeling ofbeing in water – you experience adifferent reality.• So don’t ask her why five vintageSoviet milk trucks are bringing fishto a pool in Water. And I wouldn’task why a big, black, ominousMercedes-Benz is chasing a boywith a baby carriage in a parkinglot, and why the chase sounds likea Russian troika with a carriageattached gliding across a snowyplain.• Sometimes Water is reminiscentof Jacques Tati’s comedy, wherethe detailed little gags and stuntsmake the narrative line run likea spider’s thread strung on fineneedle-points. Except that thesubject is as broad as water. At

IN COMPETITIONother times it plays out like a theatreof the absurd. Although that art formseems old-fashioned compared withwhat happens in Water. Parts ofthe story derive their meaning froma subtle interplay of meanings youinvent for them. Is she serious? Isshe playing? Is she there at all? Onlythe small “pay-offs” at the end ofeach scene suggest that there isa behind-the-screen presence – adirector with her own very distinctmindset and view of the world.• At a time when cinema is largelyconsidered a story-driven medium,new film may seem, Laila Pakalniņamakes us wake-up to a reality thatis more real than the well-structured“reality” of the story-driven, musicand dialogue pumped screenexperiences we call films. There isalmost no dialogue in Water. Justone key scene that unlocks the storyfeatures a short dialogue betweenthe heroine and the person on dutywho registers attendance at thepool. The rest of Pakalniņa’s offeredworld is created by the subtleinterplay of sounds and the mostlystatic framing of the mis-en-scene.Zalila, member of the FIPRESCI Juryat Venice 2003, put it so precisely:“Laila Pakalniņa teases the viewer’svoyeurism by not allowing him tosee things and actions he knowsare off-screen. The eagerness ofthe viewer progressively turns intoa kind of sweet abandonment intothe hands of the filmmaker, and theoff-screen becomes a space fromwhere anything and everything mayhappen.”• Water may seem intellectual tothose who are intellectual. It mayseem symbolic for those who areWater questions the very natureof film. Laila Pakalniņa’s film offersa challenge and brings back the“cinematic experience” – withexperience being the prime interest.An interest in catching a passingmoment. But this is not Faust’scry for the moment to last forever.Pakalniņa lets moments slip by forothers to follow, and even morestimulating and absurd, she offersenjoyment of these moments anddoesn’t dramatise by the rules ofstory-driven thinking.• Water makes one recall thebeginnings of cinema – thatinnocence of perception. Thereis a film by Laila Pakalniņa calledWake up! (2000). It not only offersa slice of the social heritage leftby the Soviet army in a militaryharbour town, but it also follows thegames and simple fun that the kidspresently living there are indulgingin. The kind of perceptive innocencethat makes one want to shout– wake up! – this is real cinema. Thisis cinema as it may have been atits very beginning. As unreal as herLatvian film director Varis Braslaonce said that we’ll never fullyunderstand women – they havea different logic and can easilyhave seven Fridays in one week.As much as one may not like tonote the difference of sexes in thedirector’s chair, this is a case in pointwhere we can’t escape it. I’d arguethat one has to have a woman’sperception in order to create thesubtle world of aural experience weget in Water – the fine touches ofthe almost surreal sound experience.It can be called sound imagery – atapestry so delicate that one beat ofdisharmony would ruin it.• The notion of life happeningsomewhere else pops into mindwhen you’re immersed in the realityof Pakalniņa’s film. Your visualsenses are stripped of the usualoverdose and the minimalistic misen-scenedraws your attention toa world of mainly off-screen soundcreating a reality beyond the one yousee on the screen – although thissense of the other world does havea touch of humour behind it. As Ikbalinto film semiotics. It is full of signsand yet very pure at the sametime. It reads on the level that thespectator is prepared to read. Thismay be one of the most interestingand intriguing things about Water – itis wholesomely unpretentious, butreads very intellectually at the sametime. It could provoke a discussionamong those who considerthemselves cineastes, making onewonder – is it a new frontier? Is thiswhere the cinema of the future isheading? Can it be the pure VJ-ing ofsenses and meanings?WaterBY LAILA PAKALNIŅA11/02/2006 19.00 CinemaxX 312/02/2006 22.00 CinemaxX 313/02/2006 13.00 CinemaxX 315/02/2006 13.00 CinemaxX 319/02/2006 19.00 CinemaxX 35

FILM FESTIVALa3,500-year-old mummybreathes like a characterfrom Stanley Kubrick’s 2001:A Space Odyssey; a block of icetransported from Alaska containsCharlie Chaplin’s cane from TheGold Rush; Sergey Eisensteinbequeaths a milk separator tohis hometown which contains ahidden gold bar… Such marvels canonly be experienced in Riga at theInternational Film Forum, Arsenals,celebrating its twentieth anniversarythis year.6• In 1986, the festival was bornas part of the city’s festivitiescelebrating Soviet Film Day and the90th anniversary of the first movingpicture show in Riga. Cleverlyutilizing perestroika, which wasin full swing at the time, and theenthusiasm of the undergroundmovie scene, it then gradually gainedin importance. By now the festivalhas been conceptually stabilizedin not following cheap flash andtemporary fads. Arsenals searchesfor novelty in the language of film,including in its programme filmswhich address the viewer withscenes, rhythms, lights, shadowsand sound. If some pedanticperson would undertake the taskof organizing all of the films shownover these twenty years of Arsenals’programmes and retrospectives, itwould be a wonderful sampling forthe film connoisseurs of the world.• Arsenals is conceptual notonly in its film selection, but alsoin its collective image, gainingnew nuances each year whilestill maintaining some constant,as though etched in stone,characteristics. There are noceremonious speeches during theopening festivities, in fact, not aword is spoken. There are onlylights, sound and the event. Theclosing ceremony is also highlytraditional – even though thecompetition, containing some twentyodd films, is part of the festivalprogramme, all of the directorswhose films were included in thecompetition screening are winners.They each receive the MagicalCrystal with the engraving BestDirector. The main prize – the fateof the USD 10,000 is determinedby (His Majesty “Chance”), in theform of a button from the tunic ofthe president of Arsenals, AugustsSukuts, which falls into one of thecocktail glasses and a draw amongstFilm Forum ArsenalsCelebrates its Anniversarythe competing directors is thenheld on stage. The basis for thiskind of lottery lies with the forumorganizers’ certainty that art can’t bedetermined by competition and interms of best or worst – the films inthe competition screening have gonethrough as much rigorous scrutinyas to not leave the jury any doubts.In the past, the cash awarded at theend of the closing ceremony hasmaterialized from water, air, ice andsheep’s wool, and no one knowswhat will happen this year.• Arsenals is also convinced thatfilm artistry can emerge in any genreand format, and that’s why features,documentaries and animationfilms are all included in the maincompetition screening and the otherprogrammes, and in the Baltic FilmCompetition screening as well,by Kristīne MatīsaJournalist, daily Neatkarīgāwhich is a wonderful opportunityfor the festival guests to becomefamiliar with films from Arsenals’home region.• Arsenals always expands uponand enriches the screenings ofgood films in five movie theatreswith a variety of events whichenthuse the media and society,offering unbelievable experiencesand breathtaking tumbles – boththe Dutchman, Jos Stelling, andthe American, Bill Plympton, haveadmitted that Arsenals was the mostsurreal experience in their lives. Formany years now on a set evening,the guests of Arsenals have climbedaboard a train and set out on apilgrimage to the small Latvian townof Keipene, where an object worthyof a Guinness record stands – alighthouse, 70 kilometres fromthe sea. Sergey Eisenstein mansthe station house ticket window,and the lighthouse radiates out theletter “P” in honour of Latvian filmlegend, Juris Podnieks. From anold-fashioned payphone one can callMarilyn Monroe, Jean-Luc Godard,Andrei Tarkovsky, Salvador Dalior Marlene Dietrich. This year aswell, the guests of Arsenals will beinvited to Keipene for the openingof a Giants’ table in the spirit of TheBattleship Potemkin.• “Even an earthquake won’t stopfilm screenings in Riga” - the veryfirst Arsenals started with thisslogan, and really – even thoughseismic disturbances have beenrecorded on festival days both in1986 and 2004, this hasn’t been anobstacle for Arsenals. Every yearsome 120 foreign guests arrive, andfor the anniversary this number couldtriple because everyone is invited -those who have already experiencedthe magic of Arsenals, and thosehoping to be acquainted. FromSeptember 16th-24th, the Latviancapital of Riga will be transformedinto Arsenals city and the wholeworld will be welcome to join in onthis fascinating experience.More information is available atwww.arsenal.lv

10 REASONS WHY TO SHOOT YOUR FILMS IN LATVIA“The recent experience shows that foreign producers cometo shoot their films in Riga and Latvia for various types oflocations – for example, the Russians look for a WesternEuropean city, the Brits make use of the harsh winter tomake films with action taking place in snowy Siberia”,says the manager of a local film production company.1Professional and well-equipped studios and efficientproducers able to cater for large and small scaleproductions (productions shot in Latvia include suchfilms as Invincible by Werner Herzog, Honeybaby by MikaKaurismaki, Archangel by Jon Jones, starring Daniel Craigand others);2Cinevillage – a studio backlot unique to the region witha wide range of open-air set decorations of architectureranging from the 19th century to the mid 20th century,stages, catering and hotel service;Riga, the capital with various types of locations: therichest heritage of art nouveau architecture in Northern3Europe, picturesque wooden architecture from the end ofthe 19th and beginning of the 20th century; Soviet periodarchitecture from Stalinist buildings to the bleak apartmentblocks of the the last century;Good, cost-effective international transportation4 connections (airlines such as Air Baltic, Ryanair, EasyJetand many others; buses, trains);567Cost-effective and resourceful service;Good infrastructure, hotels and catering in the regionaround the capital;Palaces (for example, Rundale palace by architectRastrelli) and manor houses;8Beautiful seashore, as close as 25 km from the capital;Virgin nature and landscape;910Enthusiastic people eager to work on films.We will be happy to assist you with information about thepossibilities of making your films in Latvia. Please contact:locations@nfc.gov.lv or nfc@nfc.lv, tel: + 371 7358 858PLATFORMA FILMA / CINEVILLA STUDIO and BACKLOTCinevilla Studio is a film production and film industry facility centre in Latvia, offering excellent services,technical equipment and two stages. Cinevilla Studio is able to provide clients with exceptional qualityfull-services for the shooting of films or advertising clips.Cinevilla Studio is located in a quiet pinewood forest and sand dune setting, just a few steps awayfrom the beautiful, famous Baltic white sand beaches of the resort and spa town, Jurmala. Travellingby car, Cinevilla Studio is only 20 minutes from Riga city centre and 15 minutes from Riga InternationalAirport.One of the services provided by Cinevilla is the only open-air backlot with permanent film sets inLatvia – Cinevillage. The overall area of Cinevillage is 150 ha, with 15 ha of the territory currently developedand consisting of large scale film sets with historical buildings and other features, which create a sense ofhistoric reality.Cinevilla Studio has its own team of highly-qualified film industry professionals. Working togetherwith Cinevilla Studio, clients are able to create the high-quality product desired for today’s competitive filmindustry market.RIGA FILM STUDIOFounded in 1946 Riga Film Studio is one of the biggest bases for film production and services in Baltics.The studio provides all kinds of extensive rentals, facilities and services to make a quality film with ratherlow costs. It is located 20 minutes from the centre of the city which is famous for its Old Town and ArtNouveau architecture.Main activity• Feature film production / studio andequipment rental;• Producer: Andrejs Ēķis;• Cinevilla Studio facilities:1) Sound stage (735 m 2 , 104 m 2 ),set construction, props, costumes;2) Grip and lighting equipment;3) Sony HDW-F900 digital camera andaccessories;4) Broadcast quality non-linear editingsuit (HD, BetaSP, DVC-Pro, DV);5) Sound production andpostproduction equipment;6) 3D animation and compositionequipment;7) Cinevillage Backlot: 150 hectarelarge rural locale for building sets.• Studio Manager: Aigars GraubaDzintaru prospekts 19,LV-2015, Jūrmala, LatviaTel: +371 7147032, Fax: +371 7147020karinab@cinevilla.lv; elvijs@cinevilla.lvwww.cinevilla.lvMain activity• Feature film and TV production /studio and equipment rental;• Facilities:35 mm shooting and editing equipment,Sound stages (983 m 2 , 832 m 2 , 300 m 2 )set construction and set dressing, props,costumes;• Grip, lighting and camera equipment;• Studio Manager Vents Horsts,Šmerļa 3, Riga, LV 1006, LatviaTel.: +371 7520 522,Mob. tel.: +371 9338 444,Fax: + 371 7553 850vents@studio.lv; info@studio.lvwww.studio.lv7

ComeSee New Horizons

locations@nfc.gov.lvPeitavas 10/12, Riga, LV1050, Latvia, tel + 371 7358 878, fax + 371 7358 877

COMING SOONFilms from LatviaFEATURES IN POST-PRODUCTIONDefenders of Riga / Rīgas sargiHistorical drama, HD, 90 min, dir. Aigars Grauba, PlatformaFilma, supported by MEDIA TV Broadcasting, developed with theassistance of AristaIt’s 1919, and a war-weary soldier, Martins, returns home to thenewly independent Latvia. He wants only to get back to a normallife and to Elza, the girl he left behind. On the day of their wedding,a rogue German general orders an attack on Riga and Martins andElza are forced to flee. Martins has to make the difficult decisionto join the fight to defend his city and to leave Elza behind, onceagain. The fledgling Latvian army battling alongside thousands ofvolunteers manage to beat back the aggressors. This miraculousvictory ensures the survival of the Republic of Latvia as anindependent state, and Martins and Elza are finally able to returnhome and to their future together.Please, contact:Producer Andrejs Ēķis,Platforma FilmaDzintaru pr. 19, Jūrmala,LV 2115, LatviaTel./Fax: +371 7147 022alina@platformafilma.lvwww.cinevilla.lvThe Dark Deer / Tumšie briežiDrama, 35mm, 85 min, dir. Viesturs Kairišs, Kaupo Filma inco-production with Fischerfilm, Austria, supported by MEDIADevelopment, developed with the assistance of SOURCESA story about a girl who was born in blood. 17 year-old Ria is a wildcreature and a secret at the same time – a young woman who findsherself in the middle of complicated family circumstances. Shespends her best moments in the wilds of the garden together with thedeer she has grown up with and thinks of as her own children. Riaexperiences her complicated first love, but it results in desperate andtragic action, killing the ones she loves most of all.Please, contact:Producers Guntis Trekteris,Kaupo Filma; MarkusFischer, Fischerfilm,AustriaStabu 17, RīgaLV1011, LatviaTel.: +371 7291 720Fax: +371 7270 542kaupo@latnet.lvThe Hostage / ĶīlnieksTragicomedy, 35mm, 73 min, dir. Laila Pakalniņa, KompānijaHargla, co-production with Acuba Film, Estonia and CasablancaFilm Production, Slovenia supported by MEDIA Development,developed with the assistance of Colin Tucker, SOURCESThe Hijacker forces to land the plane at the Rīga Airport. 7 year-oldTom, travelling on his own, voluntarily becomes a hostage. Alongwith the traditional demands, the Hijacker adds the demands ofthe little hostage – beginning with some local chocolate and a selfinstructiontape for learning the native language, and ending withorganizing a Song Festival and a special biathletes’ performance –all ideas originating from a CD on Latvia.Please, contact:Producers Laila Pakalniņa,Kompānija Hargla, ArkoOkk, Acuba Film, IgorPedicek, Casablanca FilmProduction, SloveniaValtaiķu 19, Rīga,LV 1029 LatviaMob.: +371 9235 618Fax: + 371 7577 686laila.pakalnina@inbox.lvMona / MonaDrama, 35mm, 90 min, dir. Ināra Kolmane, Film Studio Deviņi,co-production with Icelandic Film Coorporation, supported byMEDIA DevelopmentA story of different worlds – about a man and a woman, aboutthe city and the countryside, about the future and the past, aboutanimals and their killers, about deep and short-lived passionand the ancient mystery of a woman. It is a story interwoven withvisions, metamorphosis and love.Please, contact:Producers Jānis Juhņēvičs,Film Studio Deviņi, FridrikThor Fridrikson, IcelandicFilm CoorporationLudzas 24, RīgaLV 1003, LatviaTel.: +371 7241 688Fax: +371 7241 434devini@parks.lvwww.latfilma/devini12 10

COMING SOONSupported by EU FundsANIMATION IN POST-PRODUCTIONLotte from Gadgetville /Lote no Izgudrotāju ciemaFamily film, 75 min, 35mm, dir. Janno Põldma, Heiki Emits,Eesti Joonisfilm, Estonia, co-production with Rija Films, Latvia,supported by MEDIA Development and EURIMAGESCheerful puppy-girl Lotte lives in a small seaside village with herfather, a famous inventor, and her spirited mother. Lotte alwayshas things she wants to do, and she is always eager to experiencesomething new. The most important event in the village is theannual competition of inventors where the prize goes to the mostefficient and wittiest invention. Who will be the winner this year?Please, contact:Producers VilnisKalnaellis, Rija Films,Riina Sildos, Kalev Tamm,Eesti JoonisfilmMēness 4, RīgaLV1013 LatviaTel.: +371 7362 656,Fax: +371 7339 198info@rijafilms.lvwww.rijafilms.lvThe Three Musketeers / Trīs musketieriFamily film, 80 min, 35mm, dir. Jānis Cimermanis, ABoom, Latvia,co-production with Zentropa Entertainments3ApS, Denmark,and Three Musketeers Films, United Kingdom, supported byEURIMAGESA classic story known all over the world that has capturedand thrilled generations of children and adults now in puppetanimation format. With all of the sense of childish enthusiasmintact, this romantic story disguised as humour and farce will onceagain delight.Please, contact:Producer Māris Putniņš,ABoomŠmerļa 3, RīgaLV 1006 LatviaTel.: +371 7520 770Fax: +371 7542 939ab.studija@apollo.lvDOCUMENTARIES IN POST-PRODUCTIONMy Husband Andrei Sakharov /Mans vīrs Andrejs SaharovsDocumentary, digital Betacam, 52 min., dir. Ināra Kolmane, FilmStudio Deviņi, co-production with Odysseus Productions, France,supported by MEDIA TV BroadcastingThrough a vast coverage of exclusive archive materials andinterviews and personally narrated by his wife, Yelena Bonner,the story of the life of Andrei Sakharov, the most famous Sovietdissident, Nobel Peace Prize winner and the creator of the Soviethydrogen bomb will be revealed.Please, contact:Producers Jānis Juhņēvičs,Film Studio DeviņiLudzas 24, RīgaLV 1003, LatviaTel.: +371 7241 688Fax: +371 7241 434devini@parks.lvwww.latfilma.lv/deviniANIMATION IN PRODUCTIONDanceplay / Spēlēju dancojuAnimation, Betacam SP, 30 min., dir. Roze Stiebra, Dauka,supported by MEDIA DevelopmentA musical animation based on a classic novel by Latvian author,Janis Rainis, set on a huge stage above the busy street traffic ofRiga, the capital of Latvia. The animated images escape the stageframeand join the crowds.Please, contact:Producer Ansis Bērziņš, DaukaŠmerļa 3, Rīga LV 1006, LatviaTel./Fax: +371 7530 191dauka@apollo.lv13 11

COMING SOONFilms from LatviaDOCUMENTARIES IN PRODUCTIONThe Church will Arrive in the Evening /Baznīca piestās vakarāDocumentary, HD, 52 min., dir. Andis Mizišs, Vides Filmu Studija,supported by MEDIA DevelopmentIn the ice-free months Father Gennady captains a bargetransformed into a floating church on a mission, cruising up anddown the Don River and bringing spiritual food to the remoteCossack villages.Please, contact:Producer Elvita Ruka,Vides Filmu StudijaPils 17, RīgaLV 1050, LatviaTel: +371 7503 588Fax: +371 7503 589vfs@vfs.lv,www.vfs.lvThe Debt to Afganistan / Parāds AfganistānaiDocumentary, Betacam SP, 58 min., dir. Askolds Saulītis,Subjektiv Filma, supported by MEDIA DevelopmentThere is an old saying attributed to Alexander the Great: he whowill rule Afghanistan will rule the world. The film will portray “theroof of the Earth” and track the close links between this far-offcountry and Latvia.Please, contact:Producer Askolds Saulītis,Subjektiv FilmaStabu 17, RīgaLV 1011, LatviaTel.:+ 371 7295 640Mob.:+371 9299 564subjektivfilma@inbox.lvUs and Them / Vai citi?Documentary, Betacam SP, 60 min., dir. Antra Cilinska, JurisPodnieks Studio, supported by MEDIA Development, developedwith the assistance of Eurodoc ProductionThe existence of two parallel communities – one Latvian, theother Russian, is the reality of present day Latvia. After theestablishment of an independent Latvian Republic in 1991,the Russian speaking community began to see themselves as athreatened minority and to depict themselves as oppressed. Wheredoes truth lie? Are there victims? Or is it simply that the idea ofintegration, for both sides, does not work properly?The Deconstruction of an Artist /Nepareizais latvietisDocumentary, Digital Betacam, 52 min., dir. Pēteris Krilovs, VidesFilmu Studija, co-production with Vivement Lundi, France,supported by MEDIA TV Broadcasting, developed with theassistance of Ex-OrienteGustav Klucis, the son of Latvian peasants, goes to Russia andbecomes a renowned master of Russian constructivism. KilledPlease, contact:Producer Antra Cilinska,Juris Podnieks StudioCitadeles 2, RīgaLV 1010, LatviaTel.:+ 371 7216 967Fax: + 371 7210 908jps@jps.lv, www.jps.lvby Stalin’s regime, his life and artistic career still pose manyunanswered questions.Please, contact:Producer Uldis Cekulis,Vides Filmu StudijaPils 17, Rīga LV 1050, LatviaTel: +371 7503 588, Fax: +371 7503 589vfs@vfs.lv, www.vfs.lvFEATURES IN PRE-PRODUCTION12Rudolf’s Gold / Rūdolfa mantojumsComedy, HD, 90 min, dir. Jānis Streičs, Platforma Filma,supported by MEDIA DevelopmentAn upbeat comedy set over a hundred years ago in Latvia during atime of technological progress and optimism upon entering a newcentury. The story revolves around the blossoming love, with allthe ensuing twists and turns, of several couples in a small ruralMidsummer Madness / Jāņu naktsComedy, 35mm, 90 min., dir. Alexander Hahn, Fischerfilm,Austria, Steve Walsh Production, UK, Kaupo Filma, Latvia,supported by MEDIA Development and EURIMAGESIf you have some urgent business to do in Latvia don’t try it duringmidsummer because the whole place goes crazy. Curt, a typicalAmerican, finds this out very quickly when he arrives in Riga onMidsummer’s Day.community. The ancient customs and traditions of brewing beerserve as a colourful backdrop.Please, contact:Producer Andrejs Ēķis, Platforma FilmaDzintaru prospekts 19, Jūrmala, LV 2115, LatviaTel./Fax: +371 7147 022alina@platformafilma.lvwww.cinevilla.lvPlease, contact:Producers Guntis Trekteris, Kaupo Filma; Markus Fischer,Fischerfilm, Austria, Steve Walsh, Steve Walsh Production, UKStabu 17, Rīga LV1011, LatviaTel.: +371 7291 720Fax: +371 7270 542kaupo@latnet.lv

COMING SOONSupported by EU FundsANIMATION IN PRE-PRODUCTIONGolden Horse / Zelta zirgs2D animation for family audience, 35mm, 75 min, dir. SigneBaumane, Xavier Dujardin, Rija Films, coproduction with PaulThiltges Productions, Luxembourg, and Vilanima, Lithuania,supported by MEDIA Development, developed with the assistanceof Cartoon MovieA fairy-tale about the eternal fight between good and evil wheregood conquers evil by persistency, purposefulness and honesty.Antis, the youngest of three brothers, is deeply determined to savethe beautiful Princess who is kept in a glass tower by the BlackMother. Luckily Antis meets the White Father who encourageshim to fight for the Princess’s life although it seems an impossiblemission. The struggle involves fighting his greedy and nastyTales of the Sunrise Tree / Austras koka pasakas2D/3D animation for children, Digital Betacam, dir. Nils Skapāns,Jetmedia, Latvia, in coproduction with Qollective, Sloveniaand Sidewinder Films, UK, supported by MEDIA Development,developed with the assistance of Cartoon ForumGood and evil reigns equally in this world. In the world of natureand animals some nasty little jokers attempt to change theaccepted order of things. The forest elves, the helpful hands of theSunrise Tree, are asked to bring everything back to normal. Butthey must be done by sunrise.brothers, the Cruel Prince and the Black Mother herself. The openheartedand brave Antis is not discouraged and reaches his goal.Please, contact:Producer Inga Prauliņa, JetmediaTallinas 94, Rīga LV 1009, LatviaTel.: + 371 7296 131Fax: + 371 7296 132inga.praulina@jetmedia.lvPlease, contact:Producer Vilnis Kalnaellis,Rija FilmsMēness 4, RīgaLV 1013, LatviaTel.: +371 7362 656Fax: +371 7339 198vilnis.kalnaellis@rijafilms.lvwww.rijafilms.lvBastards / BastardiDrama, 35mm, 90 min, dir. Varis Brasla, F.O.R.M.A., supported byMEDIA Development, developed with the assistance of ACEThree people without a homeland painfully try to build one in aforeign country – old roots torn, new ones not found. 1956, England.A sleepy, post-WWII harbour city. For most people the war is over,but not for Arturs Skuja (30), a Latvian ex-soldier who has lost hiscountry and his family, and still battles wartime nightmares. Heencounters Juhan, another émigré and also an ex-soldier, and hisIrish girlfriend Esther. Juhan has a drinking problem and Estherwants to teach him a lesson. She pretends to have feelings forArturs. The innocent flirtation gives rise to an unexpected attraction.Will love be able to make-up for a nightmare of a life?FEATURES IN DEVELOPMENTPlease, contact:Producer Gatis UpmalisF.O.R.M.A.Lāčplēša 36- 4A, RīgaLV 1011 LatviaTel.: +371 7287 300Fax: + 371 7287 301s.forma@latnet.lvBitter Wine / Rūgtais vīnsDrama, HD, 80 min., dir. Rolands Kalniņš, Platforma Filma,supported by MEDIA DevelopmentA dramatic romance with ironic undertones set in and aroundthe city of Riga. The story revolves around Donats, a talentedarchitectural-designer and a modern-day Don Juan, and followshim as he weaves through his various relationships with thewomen in his life. There’s Banuta, a businesswoman, Anna, anartist, Regina, more mature and a confidante, and Ieva, a youngmusician. Donats goes from one to the other seemingly without anyserious entanglement or consequences. But when he falls in lovewith his employer Agnese, who is married to Ralfs, he comes upagainst a formidable opponent.Finding Elvis / Kur pazudis ElvisChildrens’ drama, DVCAM, 97 min., dir. Una Celma, Latsfilma,supported by MEDIA DevelopmentRiga schoolchildren have complicated relationships with theiralways-busy parents. One day, a teenaged boy, Elvis, disappearsalong with his mother. No one seems to be interested in lookingfor them. But Nils, Elvis’ classmate, decides to organize a team ofdetectives and they set-off on a search.Please, contact:Producer Andrejs Ēķis, Platforma FilmaDzintaru prospekts 19, Jūrmala, LV 2115, LatviaTel./Fax: +371 7147 022alina@platformafilma.lvwww.cinevilla.lvPlease, contact:Producer Una Celma, LatsfilmaČaka 33-43, Rīga LV 1011, LatviaTel: + 371 9475 390latsfilma@one.lv13

FACTS&FIGURESGENERAL DATATotal population 2 306 434Population of capital city Riga 731 762Number of households 2005 897 445Currency LVL (Lats)1 EUR = 0,7028 LVLStandard VAT rate 18%VAT for cinema tickets 5%Personal income tax 25%GDP 200410 452 144 000 EURGDP per capita 20044 519EURAverage monthly income 2004300 EURNumber of cinemas 2005 49Number of screens 2005 65Number of arthouse cinemas 2005 1Number of multiplex with 7 screens and more 2005 1Active production companies 2005 40Active distribution companies 2005 2Number of admissions 2005 1 601 352Admissions per capita 2005 0,69Gross Box Office 20055 197 284 EURAverage ticket price 20053,24 EURAnnual state support for film industry 2006 2 541 646 EURDOMESTIC FILMS RELEASED 2000-2005 (incl. Betacam format)Feature Shorts Animation Feature- Short Totalfilms films length docsdocs2000 2 3 4 1 9 192001 3 7 7 6 14 272002 1 6 8 2 4 212003 7* 3 3 10 9 322004 3** 2 5 6 10 262005 2 1 6 10 10 29DOMESTICFILMS* incl. 3 TV Dramas released theatrically,** incl. 2 TV Dramas released theatricallyLATVIAN FEATURE FILMS COMPLETED 2000-2005Original Title English Title Director Year of ReleaseAugstuma robeža Maximum Headroom (Sweden/Latvia) Una Celma 2005Krišana Fallen (Latvia/Germany) Fred Kelemen 2005Ūdensbumba resnajam runcim Waterbomb for Fat Tomcat (Latvia/Estonia) Varis Brasla 2004Es mīlu Jūsu meitu I love Your Daughter* Viesturs Dūle 2004Rudens rozes Roses of Autumn* Jānis Streičs 2004Pitons The Python Laila Pakalniņa 2003negribu, negribu, negribu! Never, Never, Ever! Lauris Gundars 2003Pēdējā Padomju filma The Last Soviet Movie Aleksandrs Petukhovs 2003Naktssargs un veļasmazgātāja Night-watchman and Laundress* Jānis Streičs 2003Man patīk, ka meitene skumst You’re Sexy When You’re Sad Arvīds Krievs 2003Es pērku Jūsu vīru I’m Buying Your Husband* Jānis Cimermanis 2003Tiritomba jeb zelta zivtiņa Tiritomba, Golden Fish* Armands Zvirbulis 2003Sauja ložu Handful of Bullets (Sweden/Latvia) Una Celma 2002Labās rokas Good Hands (Latvia/Estonia) Peter Simm 2001pa ceļam aizejot Leaving by the Way Viesturs Kairišs 2001Paslēpes Hide-and-Seek Jānis Putniņš 2001Baiga vasara Dangerous Summer Aigars Grauba 2000Vecās pagastmājas mistērijas The Mystery of the Old Parish House Jānis Streičs 200014* TV Drama released theatrically

ADMISSION – GBO REVENUE 2000-2005FACTS&FIGURESDISTRIBUTIONNumber of Admissions GBO AverageAdmissions per capita Ticket PriceLVL EUR LVL EUR2000 1 457 000 0,61 2 017 000 3 602 000 1,38 2,42001 1 152 000 0,46 1 829 453 2 999 103 1,59 2,62002 1 071 000 0,46 1 908 380 3 127 868 1,78 2,92003 1 132 947 0,47 2 206 909 3 140 166 1,97 2,92004 1 680 352 0,72 3 500 988 4 981 485 2,08 3,02005 1 601 352 0,69 3 652 672 5 197 284 2,28 3.24TOP TEN 2005Title Country of Origin Admissions GBO LVL GBO EUR PrintsMadagascar USA 54 604 101 276 144 104 4Mr. and Mrs. Smith USA 48 701 118 715 168 917 2Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire UK/USA 42 764 102 768 146 227 5The Phantom of the Opera USA/UK 41 262 95 525 135 921 2Shark Tale USA 38 543 70 276 99 994 6Hitch USA 30 767 75 388 107 268 3War of the Worlds USA 29 614 67 788 96 454 3Star Wars: Episode III. Revenge of the Sith USA 29 577 71 435 101 643 4King Kong NZ/USA 27 324 73 712 104 883 49th Company RU/UA 26 090 64 787 92 184 3BREAKDOWN OF FILMS BY ORIGIN 2005 (PREMIERES)No of films Admissions GBO LVL GBO EURDomestic 2 17 290 17 851 25 400European 44 297 934 738 033 1 050 132USA 90 1 080 345 2 488 188 3 540 393Other 15 109 244 248 932 354 200Total 151 1503 813 3 493 004 4 970 125CINEMA PREMIERES 2000-2005Domestic European USA Other Total2000 4 14 87 1 1062001 2 35 100 6 1432002 1 30 65 3 992003 9 33 86 3 1312004 3 46 110 7 1662005 2 44 90 15 15115

FACTS&FIGURESLATVIAN FILMS AT INTERNATIONALFILM FESTIVALS 2005In 2005 Latvia has been represented at 245International Film Festivals in 52 countries.Latvian films of all genres have been selected forcompetition and were shown in special programmesand retrospectives.Number of Latvian films at IFF 135of which feature films 32of which documentaries 49of which animations 54LATVIAN FILMS TRAVELLING MOST AROUND THE WORLD 2005FEATURESKrišana / FALLEN by Fred Kelemen / KinoKombat&Screen Vision / 2005, 35 mm, 90’FIPRESCI Award, Special Jury Award and Best Cinematography Award – Festival of European Cinema in Lecce 2005, ItalyŪdensbumba resnajam runcim / WATERBOMB FOR THE FAT TOMCAT by Varis Brasla / F.O.R.M.A. / 2004, 35mm, 75’Pitons / THE PYTHON by Laila Pakalniņa / Hargla Company / 2003, 35 mm, 88’DOCUMENTARIESLeiputrija / DREAM LAND by Laila Pakalniņa / Vides Filmu studija/ 2004, DVCAM, 35’European Film Academy Nomination – Best European documentary film of 2005Grand Prix – Ukrainian International Documentary Film Festival 2005, UkrainJury Special Mention – ECOCINEMA 2005, GreeceMain Prize – International film festival GREEN VISION – 2005, St. Petersburg, RussiaAward in category VALUE OF RESIDUES – CINEECO 2005, Lisboa, PortugalRomeo un Džuljeta / ROMEO AND JULIET by Viesturs Kairišs / Kaupo Filma / 2004, DVCAM, 56’Nomination for the Russian Film Academy Award “Nike 2005” in the category “Best Film of CIS and the Baltic States”Bet stunda nāk / BUT THE HOUR IS NEAR by Juris Poškus / FA FILM / 2003, 35mm, 90’ANIMATIONZobārsts / DENTIST by Signe Baumane / 2005, 35mm, 10’Best Animation Audience Award – Red Shift Film Festival 2005, USAPrize for Third Best Animation – Tribeca Underground Film Festival 2005, USABest Short Animation Award – Wreck-Beach International Film festival, USABest Picture (Short film) and Best Auteaur – Blue November MicroFilmFest, USAAudience Award – L’ALTERNATIVA, 12th Barcelona Independent Film Festival, SpainBezmiegs / INSOMNIA by Vladimir Leschiov / Rija Films / 2004, 35mm, 7’Best Animation / Clermont Ferrand 2005, FranceHonourable Mention / Nashville Film Festival 2005, USABest Animation – International Animated Film festival Bimini 2005, Riga, LatviaJury Special Mention – 45th Cracow Film Festival 2005, PolandBest Film in Session – Melbourne International Animation FF MIAF, AustraliaAudience Favourite Vote – London International Animation Festival, UKSkudrulauva / ANTLION by Dace Rīdūze / Animācijas Brigāde / 2004, 35mm, 12’40’’Off¾School Jury Prize for Best Short Film in Competition Nr 1 – Sancy Film Festival for Young People PLEIN LA BOBINE, FranceJury Award for Best Animation film – 7th International Children film festival LISTAPADIK 2005, BelorussiaRedzi, Trusi?…tētis brauc uz Londonu! / LISTEN, RABBIT…DADDY GOES TO LONDON by Nils Skapāns / JPS/ 2004, 35mm, 8’17’’16

MAIN FILM INSTITUTIONSUSEFUL ADDRESSESNational Film Centreof Latvia (NFC)Peitavas 10/12LV1050 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7358 878Fax + 371 7358 877nfc@nfc.gov.lvwww.nfc.lvFilm Board of Culture CapitalFoundationVīlandes 3LV1010 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7503 177Fax + 371 7503 897kkf@kkf.lvwww.kkf.lvFilmmakers Union of LatviaElizabetes 49LV1010 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7288 536Fax + 371 7240 543lks@delfi.lvLatvia Film ProducersAssociationElizabetes 49LV1010 Riga Latviafestivals@navigator.lvDepartment of Screen and StageArt, Academy of CultureDzirmavu 46LV1010 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7243 393Fax + 371 7141 012zirgupasts@lka.edu.lvwww.lka.edu.lvEurimages NationalRepresentativec/o National Film CentrePeitavas 10/12LV1050 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7358 860Fax + 371 7358 877eurimages@nfc.gov.lvLatvia State Archive ofAudiovisual DocumentsŠmerļa 5LV1006 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7529 822Fax + 371 7529 954fonds@delfi.lvwww.arhivi.lvMedia Desk Latviac/o National Film CentrePeitavas 10/12LV1050 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7358 857Fax + 371 7358 877mediadesk@nfc.gov.lvwww.mediadesk.lvMAIN DISTRIBUTORSBaltic Cinema13. janvāra 8LV1050 Riga LatviaTel +371 7357 608Fax +371 7357 627forumcinemas@forumcinemas.lvwww.forumcinemas.lvACME FilmKr.Valdemāra 33-8BLV1011 Riga LatviaTel +371 7338 027oskars@acmefilm.lvINTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALSRiga International Film ForumArsenalsMārstaļu 14LV1050 Riga LatviaTel +371 7210 114Fax +371 7280 445arsenals@latnet.lvwww.arsenals.lvInternational Festival of FilmActors “Baltic Pearl”Blaumaņa 26-18LV1011 Riga LatviaTel +371 7289 019Fax +371 7289 040info@balticpearl.lvwww.balticpearl.lvInternational Animated FilmFestival BiminiEzermalas 4/2-50LV1006 Riga LatviaTel + 371 6887 867Fax +371 7540 066info@bimini.lvwww.bimini.lvRiga International Children FilmFestival “Berimor’s Cinema”Mārstaļu 14LV1050 Riga LatviaTel +371 7221 620Fax +371 7820 445sonora@arsenals.lvwww.arsenals.lvRiga InternationalFantasy Film FestivalMārstaļu 14LV1050 Riga LatviaTel +371 7221 620Fax +371 7820 445zane@arsenals.lvwww.arsenals.lvYouth Film Festival“Happy 2ANNAS”Annas 2LV1001 Riga LatviaTel +371 9107 124Fax + 371 7614 7892annas@inbox.lvwww.re-lab.lv/2annasBaltic Sea Forum forDocumentariesc/o National Film CentrePeitavas 10/12LV1050 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7358 858Fax + 371 7358 877zanda.dudina@nfc.gov.lvwww.mediadesk.lvInternational DocumentaryFilm SymposiumAmatu 5LV1941 Riga LatviaTel/Fax +371 7210 022pipars@mailbox.riga.lvwww.latfilma.lv/symposiumInternational Film Forum “AndThe Word Became Film...”M.Pils 6-4LV1050 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7222 061ilze@stunda.lvwww.stunda.lv17

Supported byThe National Film Centre of Latvia is a state financed governmentalorganisation overseeing the film branch in Latvia, grantinggovernmental financial support to Latvian films, preserving thenational audio-visual heritage, promoting Latvian films abroad, cooperatingwith the relevant international and national organisations andorganising training for Latvian film professionals. We are members ofthe EURIMAGES Foundation as of 2001 and MEDIA Plus as of January,2002. At major international events we work together with Estoniansand Lithuanians under the co-operation platform BALTIC FILMS. Weare keen on attracting film, television, and video production to Latvia,stimulating inward investment, creating employment opportunitiesfor creative staff, technicians and support service companies.Published by:National Film Centre of LatviaPeitavas 10/12, LV1050 Riga LatviaTel + 371 7358 878Fax + 371 7358 877nfc@nfc.gov.lv, www.nfc.lv