Alūksne cemetery festivals are slated for a unique cinematic treatment as director Elza Gauja and her film crew return to the northern Latvian town for a third year of documentary production on “Kapu svētki.” According to the film studio Picture House, production on the project began in 2024, capturing the distinct local blend of grief, reunion, and public festivity that defines the annual graveside gatherings in Alūksne.
Documenting Alūksne’s Unique Cemetery Culture Through Film
Graveside celebrations in Alūksne stand out for their scale and emotional intensity. According to production notes provided by the filmmakers, the gatherings feature raised glasses, elaborate floral arrangements, passionate embraces, reunions with long-lost relatives, and the occasional resolution of old family feuds, all running parallel to the town’s official festival. Visitors frequently share food and treats near the cemetery gates.
Director Elza Gauja notes that the production team started scouting subjects and shooting initial footage during the August events in previous years. The visual documentation focuses on portraits of various tradition-keepers, capturing both the meticulous preparations at home and the dynamic interactions during the main event. Filming is scheduled to continue through next year, with a projected theatrical release set for 2028.
Did you know?
Alūksne’s unique approach to cemetery festivals merges solemn remembrance with lively social interaction, creating a cultural phenomenon that film crews believe belongs on the big screen.
Production Team, Funding, and Director’s Background
The documentary is produced by Uģis Riekstiņš under the banner of the Picture House film studio. Financial backing for the project comes from the National Film Centre of Latvia and the Alūksne Municipality, according to official production disclosures.
Director Elza Gauja brings an established track record in Latvian cinema to the project. Her previous directorial work includes the fiction feature “Mamma vēl smaida” (Mom Still Smiles), the documentary “Tikmēr Lucavsalā” (Meanwhile on Lucavsala)—which earned the National Film Award “Lielais Kristaps” for Best Debut—and the feature film “Pastkarte no Romas” (Postcard from Rome), which won Best Feature Film at the 2024 “Lielais Kristaps” awards.
In recent years, Gauja has spent significant time in the Alūksne region. Alongside her documentary and narrative film projects, she is developing an artist residency center at the historic “Spēkstacija” site in Karva.
Navigating Production in Alūksne’s Cemeteries
As cameras roll across the local burial grounds, production leaders have issued specific guidance for residents and visitors. Film crews ask the local community to remain understanding when encountering operators with cameras inside cemeteries and other public event spaces.
According to the film team’s instructions, individuals who have no objections to appearing on camera should simply avoid looking directly into the lens. Anyone who prefers to stay completely out of the frame is encouraged to approach the film crew directly to request exclusion.
Pro Tip for Residents:
If you spot the film crew in Alūksne’s cemeteries during the August events and wish to avoid being filmed, speak directly with the on-site production staff to ensure your privacy is respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the “Kapu svētki” documentary be released?
According to the filmmakers, the documentary is scheduled to premiere for audiences in 2028, following several years of seasonal shooting.
Who is directing the Alūksne cemetery festival film?
The film is directed by Elza Gauja, a Latvian filmmaker, actress, and producer known for award-winning works like “Pastkarte no Romas.”
Who is funding the production?
The project is produced by Uģis Riekstiņš at Picture House, with financial support provided by the National Film Centre of Latvia and the Alūksne Municipality.
Can local residents opt out of being filmed?
Yes. The production team asks anyone who wishes to stay out of the frame to approach the crew directly on-site.
Join the Conversation: What are your memories of Alūksne’s unique cemetery traditions? Share your thoughts or local stories in the comments section below.