Ilze Falkovska

More Than a Dance

In the heart of Toronto’s vibrant multicultural landscape, a dedicated group of Canadian Latvian immigrants comes together to preserve the traditions of their ancestors through the art of folk dance. Known as 'Daugaviņa,' this close-knit community of dancers spans multiple generations, each member driven by a shared passion for their cultural heritage. As they prepare for the journey of a lifetime—to perform at the 150th Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance Festival in Riga, Latvia—they are not just rehearsing steps, but reconnecting with the rhythms of their roots. The festival, one of the largest such events in the world, drawing almost three times more participants than the Olympic Games, represents a homecoming for many, and a chance to immerse themselves in the culture their forebears cherished.

Stāsts par lielām dziesmām. 1. Latvijas Mūzikas Lielais koncerts.

The musical film tells the story of the birth of a new tradition - the popular music festival and its core idea - to create real Latvian Music Festivals for the audience, which celebrate the diverse multi-generational musical values created in Latvia.

Let Go

The most difficult moment in parents’ lives is when their children leave home. Valentina and her long-awaited and selflessly raised son Ruslan, live in a small Latvian town. Ruslan is now a teenager and a talented young pianist. The town they live in is too small for him to develop his talent, so he should head to Riga to continue his studies. Through this film we follow along the experience and the feelings of the mother who should let her son go - and leave her.

In the Middle

A story of a Latvian family making tentative plans to return to Latvia. Ģirts, a doctor working in Denmark for nine years, receives an invitation to set up a professional practice back in Latvia – a welcome opportunity, as he would like to look after his parents better. But things aren't as simple as that, and his family is divided over the issue.