Riga International Film Festival Welcomes Ukrainian Films
Date: 2023-10-14 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: DIASPORA
A Grand Start
The Riga International Film Festival, known as Riga IFF, commenced with the premiere of "Invisible Battle," a film by renowned Estonian director Rainer Sarnet. The movie, set in the Estonian SSR during the stagnant Soviet 1970s, takes a humorous and satirical approach to the story of a martial arts enthusiast who seeks training in an unexpected place – a local Orthodox Estonian monastery. This retro-comedy with elements of absurdity and art-house style humorously parodies the once-popular low-budget kung fu action movies.
Documentary Insight
In the festival's main competition program next week, a Slovak-Czech-Ukrainian documentary film titled "Fear of the Light" by Ivan Ostrokhovsky and Pavol Pekarchik will be featured. This combined documentary was shot in the Kharkiv metro during Russian bombardments and follows the life of a 12-year-old boy named Mykita.
Everyday Dreams
On October 20, as part of the "Short Meter" competition, a 15-minute film titled "The Seventh Shift" by Natalia Ilchuk will be screened. The film portrays the challenging yet dream-filled life of a Ukrainian woman juggling four jobs.
Ukrainian Influence
Ukrainian filmmakers have actively participated in two more films of the festival. On October 19, the adventurous film "Erik Stone Heart" by Estonian director Ilmar Raag, known worldwide for "The Class" (2006), will be presented. Visual effects for the film were crafted by the Kiev-based VFX company Snowdog.
A Tale of Love and Choices
Also on October 20, the festival will feature a full-length animated film titled "Peasants" by the Polish-British directing duo Dorota Kobiela-Welchman and Hugh Welchman. This film is based on the novel by Polish classic Vladyslav Reymont. Ukrainian artists contributed to its creation, and the story follows the classic theme of a beautiful but impoverished girl in love with a neighbor who is wealthier.
The festival's organizing committee invites Ukrainians residing in Riga to attend these and other Riga IFF films.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, in early September, "Days of Ukrainian Cinema" took place at the Splendid Palace cinema in Riga, featuring creative meetings with Ukrainian cinematographers.
The Riga International Film Festival, known as Riga IFF, commenced with the premiere of "Invisible Battle," a film by renowned Estonian director Rainer Sarnet. The movie, set in the Estonian SSR during the stagnant Soviet 1970s, takes a humorous and satirical approach to the story of a martial arts enthusiast who seeks training in an unexpected place – a local Orthodox Estonian monastery. This retro-comedy with elements of absurdity and art-house style humorously parodies the once-popular low-budget kung fu action movies.
Documentary Insight
In the festival's main competition program next week, a Slovak-Czech-Ukrainian documentary film titled "Fear of the Light" by Ivan Ostrokhovsky and Pavol Pekarchik will be featured. This combined documentary was shot in the Kharkiv metro during Russian bombardments and follows the life of a 12-year-old boy named Mykita.
Everyday Dreams
On October 20, as part of the "Short Meter" competition, a 15-minute film titled "The Seventh Shift" by Natalia Ilchuk will be screened. The film portrays the challenging yet dream-filled life of a Ukrainian woman juggling four jobs.
Ukrainian Influence
Ukrainian filmmakers have actively participated in two more films of the festival. On October 19, the adventurous film "Erik Stone Heart" by Estonian director Ilmar Raag, known worldwide for "The Class" (2006), will be presented. Visual effects for the film were crafted by the Kiev-based VFX company Snowdog.
A Tale of Love and Choices
Also on October 20, the festival will feature a full-length animated film titled "Peasants" by the Polish-British directing duo Dorota Kobiela-Welchman and Hugh Welchman. This film is based on the novel by Polish classic Vladyslav Reymont. Ukrainian artists contributed to its creation, and the story follows the classic theme of a beautiful but impoverished girl in love with a neighbor who is wealthier.
The festival's organizing committee invites Ukrainians residing in Riga to attend these and other Riga IFF films.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, in early September, "Days of Ukrainian Cinema" took place at the Splendid Palace cinema in Riga, featuring creative meetings with Ukrainian cinematographers.
