Triskel film series gives insight into life in Baltic countries

Last year, the first Baltic Film Festival took place in Cork to mark Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania’s 20th anniversary of EU hip.

The festival, which is ed by the countries’ embassies, returns to Triskel Cinema on April 4 and 5, in what Estonian Ambassador Kairi Künka hopes will become an annual event.

“Last year’s festival was very successful, and we wish that this tradition would continue this year and hopefully into the years,” she said.

“This festival is a rare opportunity for us to introduce the Baltic culture and traditions to the Irish people.”

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Baltic States regaining independence from the Soviet Union, and Ambassador Künka says it is an excellent opportunity to introduce Irish audiences through the art of film and “give insight into the different viewpoints and nuances of the Baltic States, portraying a unique personality of each country”.

The Ambassador says that similar Baltic film festivals have taken place across the globe and that the three embassies - Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania - are keen to ensure that Ireland keeps its place on the list of countries with a tradition of Baltic Film Festivals, and has a great relationship with Triskel Arts Centre.

The opening night film, Tasty (Gardute), is from Lithuania and directed by Egle Vertelyte.

Ambassador Künka says it offers a delightful glimpse into Lithuanian culture through the lens of a culinary comedy and social satire.

“By focusing on a cooking competition, the movie showcases with a degree of irony Lithuania’s rich culinary heritage and the value placed on food and cooking.

“The first ever Lithuanian culinary comedy mixes witty satire, cheesy TV drama, and lively folk songs, demonstrating our sense of humour and the ability to find joy and irony in everyday situations.”

According to Ambassador Künka, Tasty provides a heartwarming and humorous portrayal of Lithuanian life, emphasising the country’s food traditions, strong community bonds, and the resilience of its people.

“ Tasty tells us that, even in the simplest of surroundings, joy and satisfaction can be found if there is a will.

“It also stresses the importance of ing each other and working towards common goals despite obstacles.”

The Exalted (Cildenie) is a Latvian, Estonian, and Greek co-production that the Ambassador describes as a psychological drama and satire about a powerful elite couple living in north-eastern Europe and enjoying public fame and recognition.

The story follows Anna, a world-famous German musician ed by her Latvian husband Andris, a successful entrepreneur who the Ambassador describes as a Baltic alpha male with money and connections.

“Their seemingly perfect and fulfilling life, one that many would desire and envy, is about to implode by a sudden event - Andris becomes entangled in a major scandal.

“Through awkward misunderstandings, desperate attempts to conceal scandal, as well as shame and anger, the film explores a clash of different European cultures, perspectives and values.”

The Exalted is primarily in English and features a diverse cast of international actors. Ambassador Künka says the director, Juris Kursietis, allows the audience to decide how to respond to the characters’ behaviour.

“Without ing a judgement or imposing a moral com, the director gives an audience an opportunity to reflect on themselves, analyse, evaluate and draw important personal conclusions about who we are and where we are heading.”

The final film in the programme is from Estonia, The Invisible Fight (Nähtamatu võitlus). Directed by Rainer Sarnet, it is a kung-fu comedy set in an Orthodox monastery in the Soviet Union in the 1970s.

Ambassador Künka says the film combines elements and genres not usually seen together in one film or in the era in which it is set, and reflects on a difficult time for the country.

“The Soviet time was not the easiest period for the people in Estonia, as they were unable to express their opinions or ideas.

“You could not travel outside the Soviet states, and anything foreign, like music or movies, was prohibited and unheard of.

“The film does not tell you much about that time period, but is more about the symbols and ideas of the time, and what is the best way to tell the story of that time than to do it through humour?

“We, as Estonian people, love humour, and this movie illustrates the Estonian personalities, which might not be what you expect.”

The Ambassador hopes the festival will resonate with the local Cork community and the vibrant population of individuals from the Baltic countries residing in the county.

The festival aims to celebrate these nations’ rich cultural heritage, fostering connections and shared experiences among attendees from all backgrounds.

The Ambassador envisions this gathering as a unique opportunity to bridge cultures and create lasting memories for everyone involved.

“Our goal has always been to introduce Estonia and its culture outside Dublin,” she said.

“We also want to allow our Estonian community to see and experience the newest cinematics.”

Chris O’Neill, Head of Cinema at Triskel, said, “We are honoured to be part of the second Baltic Film Festival.

“The three specially selected films from Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will offer a unique opportunity to learn more about the lives, history and culture of the three Baltic states.”

After the festival, Triskel will screen two additional Latvian films. Flow, the Oscar-winning Best Animated Feature, will be shown from April 13-16. Away, an earlier film by Gints Zilbalodis, will be screened on April 6.

For more information head to www.triskelartscentre.ie.