January

"I remember, this period [after the collapse of Soviet Union] it was really so intense, so energetic, so full with kind of special extreme energy (...) but there was still this discussion: should you as a free individual go with all the people, or you must go your own way. I really remember this and I don't have shame that for us this individual freedom was even more important that time." - Viesturs Kairišs

The historical drama January, caught on a dreamy Super-8 camera, has already received international recognition. Viesturs Kairišs's autobiographical story follows the director's efforts to become a film director before the collapse of the Soviet Union. The main character, 19-year-old Jazis, documents the invasion of the Baltic countries by the occupiers with his camera.

Viesturs Kairišs is a Latvian opera, film, and theater director with an international reach. His film The Chronicles of Melanie represents Latvia in the pursuit of the best foreign language Oscar title in 2017, January has the same fate. Viesturs Kairišs has won numerous awards, including the Raindance Film Festival Award for Best Debut Film Pa celam aizejot in 2002.