Harijs Beķeris

Determined Amateurs

The actors of the amateur theatre troupe in the Eastern part of Latvia (Latgale) live from the heart. In their daily life they are rooted in their own land, but on stage – true to life and funny. They are so strong they enjoy laughing at themselves. In the plays of their director Danskovīte, they do not act, they live for real. Portraits of the members of the Baltinava amateur theatre troupe “Palādas”, rehearsals and behind-scenes of staging the plays. “Determined Amateurs” is the last film by director Olafs Okonovs, after his death completed by his son, director Aleksandrs Okonovs, following Olafs’ idea.

My Mother's Farm

For the post-war generation in Latvia, the dream of the “good old days” became a significant part of the process of regaining independence. The dream of restoring the countryside to the way it was during the first independence is only now seen by most as naïve and unreal. Six episodes that reflect the historical development in the nation parallel to the fate of the director’s mother are used to explore the effects of political order on everyday lives. Though she is now leaving the countryside, the process of moving her life provides a visual stimulus for memories.