The Latvian National Film Prize, known as “The Great Kristaps”, celebrated its 2023 winners in a ceremony that highlighted the best of Latvian cinema.Director david simon’s “Mary’s Silence” took home the prestigious award for Best Feature-Length Film, while Gint Zilbalod’s animated masterpiece “Straume” was crowned Best Animated Film. Simon also earned the title of Best Director for his work on “Mary’s Silence,” solidifying his place as a leading figure in latvian filmmaking.
The awards didn’t stop there. Zilbalod’s “Straume” swept multiple categories, including Best Animated film Director, Best Sound Director (Gurvals Koiks-Gallas), Best Composer (Zilbalodis and Rihards Zaļupe), and Best Screenwriter (Zilbalodis and Matisse Kaza). The film’s success underscores the growing recognition of animation as a powerful storytelling medium in Latvian cinema.
In the documentary category, Antra Cilinskas and anna Viduleja’s “Potter for Potter” was honored as Best Full-Length Documentary. Simultaneously occurring, Jānis Ābele’s “The Call of the Emptiness” was named Best Feature Film, and “Latvian Code.Through the Eyes of the Child” received accolades for its unique outlook. The title of Best Series Film went to “Dumpis,” showcasing the diversity of Latvian storytelling.
The ceremony also celebrated emerging talent. Agnes Laizane’s debut film “My 80 Spring” won Best Debut Film, while Amanda Grīnberg’s “Luna” was recognized as Best Student Film.These awards highlight the industry’s commitment to nurturing new voices.
Acting honors where equally impressive. Andris Keišs won Best Actor for his role in “Eternity Affected,” while Olga Shepicka-Saving was named Best Actress for her performance in “Mary’s Silence.” Supporting roles were also celebrated, with Girts Kester and Ilze Ķuzule-Skrastiņa taking home awards for their work in “Mary’s Silence” and “Assistant,” respectively.
Behind-the-scenes talent was not overlooked. Ivars Sweden was named Best Documentary Director for “Be Faithful to Death,” while Valdis Celmiņš and Marcis Slavinskis won Best Documentary Operator for “Continuation.” Jurģis Kmins earned Best Feature Film Operator for ”Five and Puts of Love Stories in an Apartment.” Sandra Alksne was recognized as Best Assembly Director for “Potter for Potter. Time Witness,” and laura Dišler won Best Artist for “Callen.”
Costume and makeup artistry were also celebrated. Kristine Jurjāne, Ruta Kupla, and Aija Strazdiņa won Best Costume Artist for “Mary’s Silence,” while Santa Sandule took home Best Makeup Artist for “Eternity.”
| Category | Winner | Film/Work |
|—————————-|————————————-|———————————–|
| Best Feature-Length Film | David Simon | “Mary’s Silence” |
| Best Animated Film | Gint Zilbalod | “straume” |
| Best Documentary | Antra Cilinskas & Anna Viduleja | “Potter for Potter” |
| Best Debut Film | Agnes Laizane | “My 80 Spring” |
| Best Actor | Andris Keišs | “Eternity Affected” |
| Best Actress | olga Shepicka-saving | “Mary’s Silence” |
The 2023 Great Kristaps Awards not onyl celebrated outstanding achievements in Latvian cinema but also highlighted the industry’s vibrant future. From seasoned filmmakers to emerging talents, the ceremony showcased the depth and diversity of Latvian storytelling.
Latvian Cinema Shines at the 2024 “Great Kristaps” Awards
The Latvian film industry celebrated its brightest talents at the 2024 National Film Prize “Great Kristaps”,held at the Daile Theater on Tuesday. This prestigious event,organized by the Latvian Cinematographers Union in collaboration with the National Film center and the Ministry of Culture,honored outstanding contributions to Latvian cinema.
A Night of Recognition and Celebration
Among the winners was Zane Oborenko, who took home the award for Best Animated Film for her work “Kafka.Love”. The film, a poignant exploration of love and existentialism, captivated audiences and critics alike.
Meanwhile, veteran director peter Krilov was honored with the Lifetime Contribution Award, recognizing his decades-long dedication to Latvian cinema. Krilov’s work has been instrumental in shaping the national film landscape, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers.
A Diverse Array of Submissions
This year’s competition showcased the breadth and depth of Latvian filmmaking.A total of 15 feature films, including two minority co-productions, were submitted for evaluation. Additionally, the event highlighted eight multi-series films, 14 short films, 15 full-length documentaries, 17 short documentaries, and 11 animated films, one of which was a full-length co-production.
The evaluation process was rigorous, with expert commissions representing professional film industry organizations assessing the submissions.Separate commissions were formed for feature films and animation and documentaries, ensuring a fair and complete review. The final nominees were then judged by an international jury, underscoring the global relevance of Latvian cinema.
the Legacy of “Great Kristaps”
Founded in 1977, the “Great Kristaps” award has become a cornerstone of Latvian cultural heritage. It not only celebrates the latest achievements in filmmaking but also honors the rich traditions of national cinema. In 2016, the award was elevated to the status of a National Prize, further cementing its importance in the country’s cultural landscape.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Awards
| Category | Winner | Work |
|—————————-|————————–|————————|
| Best Animated Film | Zane Oborenko | “kafka. Love” |
| Lifetime Contribution | Peter krilov | – |
Looking Ahead
The “Great Kristaps” awards continue to serve as a platform for recognizing excellence in Latvian cinema while fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.As the event grows in prominence, it not only celebrates the achievements of filmmakers but also strengthens Latvia’s position on the global cinematic stage.
For more facts on the National Film Center and its initiatives, visit their official website.
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|———————–|———————————————————————————|
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