Five new short documentaries exploring critical public health issues in Latvia will premiere on Latvian Television (LTV1) and replay.lv starting November 16th. The “Latvijas kods. Latvija kodje” project will air every Saturday at 5:30 PM, offering viewers an intimate look at pressing health concerns facing the nation.
One of the featured films, “Postpartum,” delves into the often-overlooked emotional landscape of new motherhood. Director Katrina Birkenberg, herself a new mother, shares insights into the film’s creation and the challenges of capturing such a personal experience.
“First of all, I admire moms that they had the discipline to film their everyday life in parallel with all the hundred things that happen in their lives.”
Birkenberg’s inspiration stemmed from her own journey into motherhood. “The idea arose at the beginning of 2024, when I myself had a son,” she explains. “Over the next couple of days it became clear to me that I was missing information about this new world.I wonder why my friends, who are already mothers, didn’t tell me about this carousel of feelings? Maybe they told me that, but I didn’t listen? Then I thought that it was tough for me to define the current feelings, let alone tell others. That’s how I got the idea that I shoudl make a film on this topic, because that’s what I know how to do.”
Recognizing the sensitivity of the subject, Birkenberg opted for a unique approach. “Since I was a new mom myself, I crossed paths with other new moms – it’s no secret that moms-to-be find each other in social network groups, and outside form some kind of support groups. That’s how I got to know the heroines of the film.”
filming took place over six months,capturing the first half-year of the babies’ lives.Birkenberg guided the mothers remotely,encouraging them to document their daily experiences. “Filming lasted for half a year from the birth of the children untill they turned half a year old. The first months are a fragile time for mothers and babies; that’s how I came up with this concept that the heroines would film themselves and I would direct it remotely. It was a big challenge!”
The post-production process proved equally demanding,requiring Birkenberg to weave a compelling narrative from the vast amount of footage. “The most challenging thing was the post-production of the film, when it was necessary to put together a story that would fit in these 26 minutes from the huge amount of material. We realized that we could give a sense of how new moms feel without going too deep into the subject.”
The “Latvijas kods. Latvija kodje” project promises to shed light on vital health issues facing Latvia today,offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of those navigating these challenges.
A new Latvian documentary, “Latvian Code: Postpartum,” offers a raw and intimate look at the multifaceted experiences of motherhood in the modern world. The film,which premiered recently,follows four Latvian mothers as they navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the postpartum period,shedding light on the joys,challenges,and frequently enough unspoken realities of new motherhood.
Director [Director’s Name] eschews a simplistic narrative, instead opting for a nuanced portrayal that reflects the diverse range of emotions mothers encounter.”I liked that the film does not indicate what emotions should be felt, but rather invites you to live while watching – because after all, this is life that happens,” the director shared.
The film delves into the often-overlooked complexities of postpartum life, moving beyond the idealized portrayals frequently seen on social media. As one doctor interviewed in the film notes, “When a mother has given birth, she is sometimes more fragile than children, and life after that is not as rosy as it can frequently enough be seen on social networks. During this time, you go from happiness to despair – it’s a matter of seconds, but it’s all surmountable! Mothers need support – family and community support.”
The film also highlights the importance of open conversations about postpartum depression, a topic that remains shrouded in stigma. “If we remember the tragic events of 2023, when the young mother and her baby disappeared in the forest. It reminds us that postpartum depression is still not talked about much,” the director poignantly states.
“Simultaneously occurring, I would also like to mention that for these four mothers who do not have postpartum depression, the period after giving birth is not an easy phase of life either.”
The film underscores that the postpartum experience is not a monolithic one. “You can’t talk about this stage of life in black and white – everything is bad or everything is good – there is a wide range of feelings in between,” the director emphasizes.
“Latvian Code: Postpartum” also touches upon the declining birth rate in Latvia, a pressing issue with complex social and economic implications. The director notes, “I could make a feature film on this topic. Speaking about the decline in the birth rate,of course,first of all,we are talking…”
The film’s unflinching honesty and intimate portrayal of motherhood make it a powerful and timely contribution to the ongoing conversation about women’s health and well-being. “Latvian Code: Postpartum” is a must-watch for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of the postpartum experience.
A new Latvian documentary, “Latvijas kods. postpartum,” offers a raw and intimate look at the realities of motherhood in the Baltic nation. The film, which premiered recently, follows the journeys of two young mothers as they navigate the challenges and joys of early parenthood.
Director [Director’s Name] shared insights into the film’s creation, highlighting the complex social landscape that Latvian mothers face. “The film touches on two main issues,” the director explained. “One is the general uncertainty surrounding the geopolitical situation. The second is the attitude of the state and society towards young families, where Latvia still has room for enhancement. If we, as a country, want to address our demographic challenges, we need to prioritize supporting these families.”
Photo: Still from the movie
Both mothers featured in the film attended the premiere, with one experiencing the film for the first time. “They were both very pleased with the result,” the director revealed. “I was a bit worried that it might be difficult for them to see themselves in such a vulnerable moment, but they handled it well. I’ve also received positive feedback about the film’s bravery in tackling such a sensitive topic.”
One of the mothers had aspirations to pursue further education. “She’s been studying diligently for a couple of months now – on Fridays and Saturdays,” the director shared. “Her husband takes care of the children during those times. Initially, she was concerned about how it would work, but she’s proven that if you’re resolute, anything is possible. The studies are mostly remote, and her husband is doing a fantastic job with the children. Everything is going very smoothly.”
“society needs to understand that young children are not an obstacle for new mothers to work or study. They should be given that opportunity! The multitasking abilities that come with motherhood are truly remarkable!”
Reflecting on the year as filming began, the director expressed a sense of fulfillment. “It’s amazing how quickly events fade from memory as new adventures and challenges arise,” they remarked.”But I’ve never felt so fulfilled. I’m incredibly happy with my decision to become a mother. If I had known how rewarding it would be, I might have had more children by now. It’s easier than I initially thought.”
A groundbreaking discovery in the field of archaeology has unearthed a trove of ancient artifacts in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The find, hailed as one of the most notable in recent decades, sheds new light on the complex history and refined culture of pre-Columbian civilizations in south America.
The excavation, led by a team of international researchers, uncovered a sprawling settlement dating back over 1,000 years. Among the remarkable discoveries are intricately carved pottery,ceremonial masks,and tools fashioned from obsidian and jade. “This site is rewriting our understanding of the Amazon’s past,” said Dr. Elena Ramirez, the expedition’s lead archaeologist. “The level of artistry and technological advancement displayed in these artifacts is truly astonishing.”
The discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the Amazon rainforest as a sparsely populated region before European contact. ”This site demonstrates that the Amazon was home to thriving, complex societies long before the arrival of europeans,” Dr. Ramirez explained. “These peopel were skilled farmers, artisans, and traders, and their culture was deeply intertwined with the rainforest environment.”
“We are only beginning to scratch the surface of what this site has to offer,” Dr. ramirez added. “Further analysis of the artifacts and the surrounding landscape promises to reveal even more about the lives and beliefs of these ancient amazonians.”
The team plans to continue excavating the site for several more years,hoping to uncover further clues about the rise and fall of this lost civilization. The discovery has sparked renewed interest in the archaeology of the Amazon, and researchers are eager to explore other potential sites in the region.
This is a great start to a piece about the latvian documentary “Latvijas kod. Laitvijas kods. Postpartum”. Here are some thoughts and suggestions:
**Strengths:**
* **Compelling subject:** The focus on postpartum experiences in Latvia is timely and relevant, exploring significant issues like mental health, societal support, and the declining birth rate.
* **strong quotes:** Including quotes from the director and the mothers personally featured adds authenticity and emotional weight to the story.
* **Use of visuals:** The inclusion of images, though acting as placeholders currently, suggests a visually engaging piece.
**Suggestions for Betterment:**
* **Structure and Flow:** While the information is present, the structure could be improved for smoother reading. Consider grouping related information together. For example:
* Start wiht a stronger opening paragraph that clearly introduces the film and its main themes.
* Create distinct sections focusing on the film’s message, the challenges Latvian mothers face (including societal and political context), and the personal stories of the mothers featured.
* **Elaborate on Key Points:**
* **Declining Birth Rate:** Expand on why this is a pressing issue in Latvia. What are the social and economic implications?
* **Stigma Around Postpartum Depression:** Provide more details about the stigma surrounding postpartum depression in Latvia. What are the challenges mothers face in seeking help?
* **Societal Support:** discuss what kind of support Latvian mothers need and what steps are being taken (or could be taken) by the government and society.
* **Further Research:**
* **Director’s Background:** Include information about the director’s motivations for making this film. What is their background? Why is this topic important to them?
* **Film availability:** let readers know how they can watch the film. Is it streaming online, playing in theaters, or available on DVD?
**Remember:** This piece has the potential to be a powerful and insightful look at a challenging and important topic. By focusing on structure,elaborating on key points,and adding more context,you can create a truly compelling story.
