The National Touch

2014

Documentary

52min

After the fall of the Soviet Union large numbers of immigrants from the East stayed in Latvia for good, Latvians simply call them “Russians”. Over 20 years of independence later mutual suspicion and bias are still there in the most part of the local community. Therefore, a Latvian director involves an independent Russian speaking Norwegian colleague in helping him understand Latvian “Russians” and coming up with an integration plan. But soon enough it becomes clear that only Latvians themselves can manage the challenge. And so begins director’s journey away from the division “us / them”.

Director

Ivo Briedis

Screenplay

Ivo Briedis

Morten Traavik

Cinematographers

Valdis Celmiņš

Jurģis Rudmiezis

Sound

Artis Dukaļskis

Editor

Pēteris Ķimelis

Production Company

VFS Films