This year, the Baltic Focus program of films made in the Baltic Sea countries offers a diverse and deeply moving perspective on regional and global topics, reflecting on historical and contemporary events and personal experiences.
The film "Trains" (Poland, Lithuania), which is composed of film footage found in the archives, creating a collective portrait of people in 20th-century Europe, becomes a historical and artistic testimony to the lives and experiences of people who have shaped the history of Europe.
Documentary cinema from the Baltic Sea countries also often addresses existential and philosophical themes, seeking connections between science, nature, and humanity. The film "The Art of Looking" (Estonia, Latvia) proves that the boundaries of science and art are not strictly defined – they can complement each other to create a visually captivating and intellectually stimulating viewing experience.
The program explores themes related to the human life cycle, the impact of war, love, loneliness, loss, and hope. For example, the film "Afterwar" (Denmark, Kosovo, Sweden, Finland) offers a contemplative look at the long-term effects of war. The Latvian film "The Moment Before" is an experimental production that breaks the boundaries of traditional documentary cinema, stitching together from different textures a visually rich and emotionally charged view of the differing attitudes of the residents of Riga towards Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The selected films deeply resonate with audiences due to their emotional depth and familiar conditions. "Echo of You" (Denmark) offers a poetic and tender portrayal of elderly people – they share their thoughts about love, loneliness, and life. "The Labour of Pain and Joy" (Finland) examines the process of childbirth, emphasizing its impact on a person's destiny. The documentary "Old Summer" (Poland) tells the story of a 72-year-old woman seeking true love but encountering disappointment. Finally, "The Passing" (Estonia) intimately depicts the pain of grief and loss.
I invite the audience to a thought-provoking cinematic journey to discover the diversity of films in the Baltic Sea region!