Krilovs, whose creative activity covers both cinema and theater, is one of the leading Latvian filmmakers, whose works have become an important part of contemporary Latvian cinematography.
He is not only a theater and cinema professional, a prominent theater and film art educator, but also a creative leader.
The representative of the award notes that Krylov’s works offer a deep, personal and intellectually challenging view of society, history and human nature.
He often uses experimental forms of cinematic language to highlight emotional states and inner tension, creating a strong mood and deep visual experience.
Krylov’s films encourage the audience to reflect on the world we live in and ponder questions about the meaning of life and its meaning.
Krylovs was born in 1949 in Riga. In 1966, he graduated from the 47th secondary school in Riga. Until 1969, he worked as a prop designer and director’s assistant at the Riga Film Studio.
In 1975, he graduated from the then prestigious State All-Union Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, where he acquired extensive knowledge and skills in cinematography.
From 1975 to 1990, he worked as a director of documentary and action films at the Riga Film Studio. In 1977, he made his debut with the film “And dew drops at dawn”, which was followed by further feature films and cinemagazines.
Krylovs was one of the first directors who started work at the newly established Riga Video Center when the new era in film production began.
Several video films were made there, including 1990’s “Old Riga inward, Old Riga outward”, “Motherland and freedom”.
The director’s filmography includes more than 20 different films, including those that received both “Big Kristaps” and nominations for this award.
In 1994, together with Uldi Cekulis, Krylov created the documentary film “Between Heaven and Earth – Augšdaugava”, which was awarded with the “Great Kristaps”.
On the other hand, the 2014 film “Latvija at stake” won the “Lielā Kristapa” award as the best full-length documentary film, the 2012 work “Ledlauzis Krišjānis Valdemārs”, the 2008 film “Klucis. The wrong Latvian” received several nominations and awards of the Great Kristaps.
His list of works also includes cultural and historical films, such as 2001’s “Rīga is looking at pictures” and 1995’s “Augšdaugava”, as well as game short films, such as 1990’s “Maestro” and 1986’s “How we left home”. .
Zālīte emphasized that Krylov’s contribution as an acting teacher and mentor is invaluable, because since 1993 he has been teaching and inspiring at the Latvian Academy of Culture, challenging his students to become active, thinking and creative cinema and theater professionals who are able to speak to society through your art.
In 1992, Krilovs received the Jēkabs Duburas award of the Latvian Theater Employees’ Union for his work in theater pedagogy.
He is a notable organizer of cultural life, in 1995 he established the International New Theater Festival “Homo Novus” in the Daugavpils Theater, which he managed until 2003.
Also, from 1997 to 2003, he was the deputy director of the Latvian New Theater Institute. Krilovs is also one of the founders of the Latvian New Theater Institute.
Krylov’s works also include cinema roles: Juška in Dzidra Ritenberg’s 1982 film “The Longest Straw” and politician Niedre in the 2007 national blockbuster “Rīgas Sargi”.
His contribution to the opera genre is also significant, directing such shows as “Lucia di Lammermoor” in 1997 and “Bohemia” in 1995, which proves his talent and ability to work with different art forms and forms of expression.
The award will be presented to Krylov at the presentation ceremony of the National Cinema Award “Lielais Kristaps” at the Daile Theater on February 4.
Exploring the Legacy of Latvian Filmmaker Krylovs: A Conversation with Film Historian Anna Bērziņa
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Latvian cinema has a rich history, and few figures have shaped it as profoundly as filmmaker and educator Krylovs. With a career spanning decades, Krylovs has left an indelible mark on Latvian film and theater, earning accolades like the “Lielais Kristaps” for his groundbreaking works. To delve deeper into his contributions, we sat down with Anna Bērziņa, a renowned film historian and expert on Latvian cinema, to discuss Krylovs’ legacy, his innovative approach to storytelling, and his influence on the next generation of filmmakers.
Krylovs’ early Career and the Birth of a Visionary
Senior Editor: Anna, Krylovs’ career began during a transformative period in Latvian cinema.Can you tell us about his early years and how they shaped his artistic vision?
Anna Bērziņa: Absolutely. Krylovs started his journey in the late 1960s, working as a prop designer and assistant director at the Riga Film Studio. This hands-on experience gave him a deep understanding of the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. After graduating from the prestigious State All-Union Institute of Cinematography in moscow in 1975,he returned to Latvia and began directing documentaries and feature films. His early works, like “And Dew Drops at Dawn” (1977), already showcased his ability to blend poetic imagery with profound social commentary.
The Riga Video Center and a New Era in Latvian Film
Senior Editor: Krylovs was one of the first directors to work at the newly established Riga Video Center.How did this period influence his career?
Anna Bērziņa: The Riga Video Center marked a turning point in Latvian film production, and Krylovs was at the forefront of this movement. During this time, he created several notable video films, such as “Old Riga Inward, Old Riga Outward” and “Motherland and Freedom” (both from 1990). Thes works reflected his experimental approach to cinematic language, using visual storytelling to explore themes of identity, history, and freedom. This period solidified his reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to push boundaries.
Award-Winning Films and Cultural Impact
Senior Editor: Krylovs’ filmography includes over 20 films, many of which have won prestigious awards. Which of his works do you consider most important?
Anna Bērziņa: It’s hard to choose, but a few stand out. “Between Heaven and Earth – Augšdaugava” (1994), co-directed with Uldis Cekulis, is a masterpiece that earned the “Lielais Kristaps” award.It beautifully captures the essence of latvian landscapes and culture. another notable work is “Latvija at Stake” (2014), which won the same award for best full-length documentary.His films often delve into historical and cultural themes, offering a nuanced perspective on Latvian identity.
Krylovs as an Educator and Mentor
Senior Editor: Beyond filmmaking,Krylovs has been a dedicated educator. How has his teaching influenced Latvian cinema?
Anna Bērziņa: Krylovs’ role as a teacher at the Latvian Academy of Culture since 1993 has been transformative. He has inspired countless students to think critically and creatively, encouraging them to use cinema as a tool for social commentary. His mentorship has nurtured a new generation of filmmakers who are carrying forward his legacy of innovation and artistic integrity.
Krylovs’ Multifaceted Contributions to the Arts
Senior Editor: Krylovs is not just a filmmaker but also a theater director and cultural organizer. Can you elaborate on these aspects of his career?
Anna Bērziņa: Certainly. Krylovs founded the International New Theater Festival “Homo Novus” in 1995, which became a platform for experimental theater in Latvia. He also served as the deputy director of the Latvian New theater institute, contributing to the advancement of contemporary theater. Additionally, his work in opera, such as directing “Lucia di Lammermoor” (1997) and “Bohemia” (1995), showcases his versatility and ability to excel across different art forms.
Reflecting on Krylovs’ Legacy
Senior Editor: As we wrap up,how would you summarize Krylovs’ impact on Latvian culture and cinema?
Anna Bērziņa: Krylovs is a true visionary whose work transcends traditional boundaries. His films challenge audiences to reflect on societal issues, while his contributions as an educator and cultural organizer have shaped the artistic landscape of Latvia. He is a testament to the power of art to inspire, provoke, and transform. As he receives the ”Lielais Kristaps” award, we celebrate not just his achievements but also the enduring legacy he has created for future generations.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Anna, for this insightful conversation. Krylovs’ work is truly a treasure for Latvian cinema, and your expertise has helped us appreciate it even more.