Ukrainian Film Days in Riga: Films, Dialogue & Cultural Diplomacy

Ukrainian Film Festival to Strengthen Cultural Ties with Latvia

A Ukrainian film festival will be held in Latvia, aiming to foster cultural exchange and cooperation between Kyiv and Riga. The event kicks off with a roundtable discussion focusing on “Prospects for Ukraine’s Cinematographic Development and Co-production with European Cinematographers.”

Over three days, the festival will showcase five Ukrainian films – two documentaries and three feature films – representing both established and emerging filmmakers recognized internationally.The program explores a range of themes including war, peace, love, identity, history, and contemporary life.

The documentary selections include “We were Recruit” (dir. Lubomir Levickis) and “The Defeat of the Russian Empire” (dir. Ivan Timin), a documentary almanac examining Russia’s aggressive wars and challenging pro-Russian narratives.

Feature films to be screened are “Why Am I Alive” (dir. Villen Novak), “Crazy” (dir. Denis Tarasov),and the critically acclaimed “Such a Warm Autumn” (dir. [Director’s name not fully provided in source]). “Such a Warm Autumn” tells the poignant story of Ukrainian emigrants returning to their homeland decades after leaving during the Soviet occupation, to reconnect with their past and rediscover themselves.

Legendary Ukrainian actress Galina Sulima, known for her role in “Such a Warm Autumn,” will be heavily involved in the festival’s organization and execution. Organizers emphasize the festival’s role as a vital platform for cultural diplomacy and the promotion of ukrainian cinema throughout Europe.

All screenings are free to the public and films will be presented in Ukrainian with Latvian subtitles.