Lielais Kristaps: Filmu programma, Pirmizrādes & Ceremonija

Riga’s film scene is set for a busy stretch, with multiple screenings and premieres scheduled between February 26th and 28th. The events showcase a range of Latvian filmmaking, from short films to feature-length documentaries, and offer opportunities to see both established and emerging talent.

Short Film Showcases

Two short film sessions are planned for Thursday, February 26th, at the Angārs space in the Tallinas ielas kvartāls. The first, at 6:30 PM, will feature “Dzelzs,” “Manas pirmās bēres,” “Klusuma harmonija,” “Grestomātija,” and “Kultūras pils.” A second session, beginning at 9:00 PM, will screen “Vērotājs,” “Bardo,” “Putekļu pastardiena,” “No No Place Hotel,” “Aizmiršanas dārzā,” “Tīrība,” and “Žļurga.”

Did You Know? The Rīgas Starptautiskā autoosta (Riga International Bus Station) will host screenings of “Mākslas darbi rodas mokās” on both Thursday, February 26th, and Friday, February 27th, at 1:00 PM.

Premieres and Nominations

Friday, February 27th, brings the premiere of director Laila Pakalniņa’s new documentary, “Putnubiedēkļi,” at the Splendid Palace cinema at 7:00 PM. Also on Friday, Alise Zariņa’s film “Nospiedumi” will be shown at Forum Cinemas. “Nospiedumi” has received nominations in 10 categories this year.

A Focus on Emerging Filmmakers

Saturday, February 28th, will see a screening of nominated short films in the “Best Short Film” category at the Žanis Lipke Memorial at 4:00 PM. The films selected for this screening are “Grestomātija,” “Kultūras pils,” “Putekļu pastardiena,” “Tīrība,” and “Žļurga.”

Expert Insight: The repeated inclusion of films like “Grestomātija,” “Kultūras pils,” “Putekļu pastardiena,” “Tīrība,” and “Žļurga” across multiple screenings suggests these works are considered particularly strong contenders within the Latvian short film landscape. This concentrated exposure could significantly raise their profile.

Several filmmakers are expected to attend the Saturday screening at the Žanis Lipke Memorial, including Andrejs Brīvulis, Betija Zvejniece, Rvīns Varde, and Rūdolfs Gediņš.

Frequently Asked Questions

What films will be shown at the first short film session on February 26th?

The first short film session on February 26th will feature “Dzelzs,” “Manas pirmās bēres,” “Klusuma harmonija,” “Grestomātija,” and “Kultūras pils.”

Where will Laila Pakalniņa’s film “Putnubiedēkļi” premiere?

“Putnubiedēkļi” will premiere at the Splendid Palace cinema on February 27th at 7:00 PM.

Which filmmakers will be present at the Žanis Lipke Memorial screening?

Andrejs Brīvulis, Betija Zvejniece, Rvīns Varde, and Rūdolfs Gediņš are expected to be present at the Žanis Lipke Memorial screening on February 28th.

Will this concentrated series of events lead to increased recognition for Latvian filmmakers on a broader international stage remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly provides a valuable platform for their work.