In-Person Screening: Sunday, November 12, 2:00 pm

Director Armands Zvirbulis will present a Q&A following the screening.

Virtual Cinema Screenings: November 13-19

CRIME SOLVING FOR BEGINNERS ( Krimināllieta iesācējam )
Armands Zvirbulis, Latvia/Lithuania, 2022
2 x 45 minutes. In Latvian, Russian, English, Armenian with English subtitles
International Premiere

Set in 1995 Latvia, the series delves into a nation freshly liberated from Soviet control, yet still grappling with the remnants of its past. On a day when Latvia destroys a significant Soviet symbol, a popular nationalist MP's aide is brutally murdered, revealing a political conspiracy in his wake. As a young investigator unravels the complex web of power dynamics, the series constructs three intertwining plotlines, each featuring a protagonist navigating the complexities of this new era – the investigator, a released career criminal, and the formidable Natalia Nolle, whose KGB-trained mind has influenced politicians.

Directed with the flair of Baltic Noir, the series captures the ambiguity of a nation in transition. It delves into a world where old laws no longer apply, and new ones remain undefined, showcasing the challenges faced by individuals shaped by both Soviet and democratic influences. Crime Solving for Beginners employs a distinct narrative structure, following the trajectories of the three protagonists until they converge on the day of Natalia's tragic demise. This multi-layered approach enables the exploration of Latvia's journey from oppression to freedom, while highlighting the intricate connections between personal and political struggles. The series encapsulates the essence of a society grappling with change, revealing the intertwining threads of history, crime, and power within a newly reborn nation.

The first two episodes of this seven episode TV series will be screened in person at the Scandinavia House. All episodes will appear online on our streaming platform the day after.