Latvian Cinema Celebrates a Week of Film and Festivities with the “Lielais Kristaps” Awards
From February 23rd to March 5th, Latvia’s national film awards, “Lielais Kristaps,” are hosting a vibrant week of cinematic events for both industry professionals and film enthusiasts. The program features film screenings, premieres, director Q&A sessions, and culminates in the prestigious awards ceremony on March 1st.
A Diverse Program of Screenings and Discussions
The week kicks off on February 23rd with special screenings and author appearances. “Tumšzilais evaņģēlijs” will be shown at “Ola Foundation” followed by a discussion with director Oskars Rupenheits. Simultaneously, Žaņa Lipkes memoriālā will host a screening of “Dzelzs” with director Vitālijs Manskis present to discuss the film. “Mākslas darbi rodas mokās” will also be screened at the Riga International Coach Terminal.
February 24th focuses on short films and student work. “Forum Cinemas” will showcase a selection of short films, including premieres of “Manas pirmās bēres” and “Klusuma harmonija.” Additional screenings are scheduled at “ZUZEUM” featuring “Solomamma” and “Lotus,” and a session with director Dzintars Dreibergs at “Ola Foundation” (registration required).
February 25th continues the short film focus at “Forum Cinemas” (fully booked). “ZUZEUM” will screen “Mūžīgi jauni 2” and “Aizsniegt dzelmi,” while Žaņa Lipkes memoriālā will present “Visi putni skaisti dzied” with a pre-screening discussion with composer Jēkabs Nīmanis. “Mākslas darbi rodas mokās” will also be shown at the Riga International Coach Terminal.
Short Film Showcase and Premieres
February 26th offers multiple short film screenings at the Tallinas ielas kvartāla Angārā, providing a comprehensive overview of nominated short films. The Riga International Coach Terminal will also host a screening of “Mākslas darbi rodas mokās.”
February 27th marks the premiere of Laila Pakalniņa’s new documentary, “Putnubiedēkļi,” at “Splendid Palace.” Alise Zariņa’s “Nospiedumi,” nominated in 10 categories, will also be screened at “Forum Cinemas.” “Mākslas darbi rodas mokās” will be shown at the Riga International Coach Terminal.
Awards Ceremony and Continued Festivities
February 28th features a short film screening at Žaņa Lipkes memoriālā, with several film authors in attendance, including Andrejs Brīvulis, Betija Zvejniece, Rvīns Varde and Rūdolfs Gediņš.
The highlight of the week, the “Lielais Kristaps” awards ceremony, takes place on March 1st at the Riga Congress Hall, directed by Jānis Ābele. The ceremony will be broadcast live on LTV1 and LSM.lv. Viewers can vote for the Audience Award on the LSM website until February 26th at 11:59 PM, with one vote allowed per day.
The cinematic celebrations continue after the awards ceremony in Liepupa Piejūras kino ciems, with screenings scheduled from March 3rd to 5th.
Sponsors and Organizers
The “Lielais Kristaps” national film awards are organized by the Latvian Filmmakers’ Association in collaboration with the National Film Centre and the Ministry of Culture of Latvia. The event is supported by the Riga City Council, “LMT grupa,” and “Hannu Pro,” with collaboration from the Riga Congress Hall, the Latvian National Archives, “Cinevera,” “Valmiermuiža,” “Wellton Hotels,” “Mārtiņa Beķereja,” “Alkoutlet,” and “Illy.”
FAQ
When is the “Lielais Kristaps” awards ceremony?
March 1st at 9:00 PM at the Riga Congress Hall.
Where can I watch the awards ceremony?
Live on LTV1 and the LSM.lv portal.
How can I vote for the Audience Award?
On the LSM website until February 26th at 11:59 PM, one vote per day.
