2024 IN-PERSON SCREENING LINE-UP
LIFE AND LOVE (Elu ja armastus)
Helen Takkin, Estonia, 2024
118 min. In Estonian with English subtitles U.S. Premiere
In 1933, a young woman, Irma, embarks on a journey, leaving behind the countryside for the bustling heart of the city. Her fate converges with a middle-aged printing house owner. leading to the inception of a heart-wrenching love story.
Director Helen Takkin will present a Q&A following the screening of the film.
In-Person Screenings: Wednesday, November 6, 6:30 pm (Opening Night with VIP Reception)
Saturday, November 9, 12 pm
THE MAMMOTH HUNT (Mamutų medžioklė)
Aistė Stonytė, Lithuania, 2024
94 minutes. In Lithuanian with English subtitles
New York Premiere
In 1968, then famous Lithuanian theatre director Jonas Jurašas directed a scandalous, avant-garde, anti-Soviet performance The Mammoth Hunt. After 50 years in exile, he embarks on a detective quest to find where the secretly recorded 16mm film reel of his play has disappeared. Along the way, he encounters the ghosts of the past.
Director Aistė Stonytė will present a Q&A following the screening of the film.
In-Person Screening: Thursday, November 7, 7 pm
A POSTCARD FROM ROME (Pastkarte no Romas)
Elza Gauja, Latvia, 2024
88 minutes. In Latvian and Italian with English Subtitles
North American Premiere
Latvian couple Ernests and Alvīne discover they can take advantage of a lottery scheme to fulfill their lifelong dream of traveling to Rome. As they embark on their international holiday, it becomes clear that Alvīne's Alzheimer's disease is rapidly progressing – a reality that neither party is ready to face.
Director Elza Gauja will present a Q&A following the screening of the film.
In-Person Screening: Friday, November 8, 6 pm
8 VIEWS FROM LAKE BIWA (Biwa järve 8 nägu)
Marko Raat, Estonia, Finland, 2024
126 minutes. In Estonian with English subtitles
North American Premiere
A poetic fairy tale set in an isolated Estonian fishing village. On the shores of a shimmering lake, two teenage girls discuss their love interests, whispering prayers and poems while watching yachts sail to Kyoto. But magic is fading around them in the wake of a recent disaster, as villagers indulge in erotic art and spiritual spells; and it soon becomes clear that intimacy won’t help them process their loss.
Producer Ivo Felt will present a Q&A following the screening of the film.
In-Person Screening: Friday, November 8, 8:15 pm
Reception following the screening hosted by the Estonian Ministry of Culture.
BALTIC SHORTS PROGRAM
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania 2024
80 minutes.
6 short films from the Baltics from up and coming directors.
In-Person Screening: Saturday, November 9, 3 pm
MARIA’S SILENCE (Marijas klusums)
Dāvis Sīmanis, Latvia, 2024
104 minutes. In Latvian, German and Russian with English subtitles
North American Premiere
A powerful historical drama based on the true story of Maria Leiko, a famous actress who, late in her career, becomes a witness and victim to the brutal choices of the Stalin regime.
In-Person Screening: Saturday, November 9, 5 pm
TOXIC (Akiplėša)
Saulė Bliuvaitė, Lithuania, 2024
99 minutes, In Lithuanian with English Subtitles
New York Premiere
A gritty coming-of-age drama. Dreaming of an escape from the bleakness of their hometown, two teens form a unique bond at a local modeling school, where the promise of a better life pushes girls to violate their bodies in increasingly extreme ways.
Director Saulė Bliuvaitė will present a Q&A following the screening of the film.
In-Person Screening: Saturday, November 9, 7:30 pm
Reception to follow the screening hosted by the Lithuanian Film Center.
PARADE (Paradas)
Titas Laucius, Lithuania, 2024
94 minutes, In Lithuanian with English subtitles
New York Premiere
A Baltic comedy following a former couple’s decision to finalize their divorce through Catholic Court — with unexpected consequences.
Director Titas Laucius will present a Q&A following the screening of the film.
In-Person Screening: Sunday, November 10, 2:00 pm
KELLY - SOMEONE ELSE’S DREAM
Helen Lõhmus and Leana Jalukse, 93 min, Estonia, France 2024
93 minutes, In Estonian and English with English subtitles
U.S. Premiere
Kelly Sildaru shot to international fame in 2016 when, at the age of 13, she became the youngest Winter X-Games gold medalist of all time in slopestyle, the most dangerous discipline of freestyle skiing. Delving into the dark side of competitive sports, the documentary explores the immense pressure young athletes face and the toll it takes on their mental well-being.
Producer Helen Lõhmus will present a Q&A following the screening of the film.
In-Person Screening: Sunday, November 10, 4:15 pm
FLOW (Straume)
Gints Zilbalodis, Latvia/France/Belgium, 2024
84 minutes, No dailog.
A wondrous journey, through realms natural and mystical, Flow follows a courageous cat, capybara, lemur, bird, and dog after their homes are devastated by a great flood. From the boundless imagination of the award-winning filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis (Away) comes a thrilling animated spectacle as well as a profound meditation on the fragility of the environment and the spirit of friendship and community.
Screenwriter Matīss Kaža will present a Q&A following the screening of the film.
In-Person Screening: Sunday, November 10, 7:00 pm
Reception following the screening hosted by the Permanent Mission of Latvia to the UN.