Filmed in several seasons – spring, summer and autumn – Elsa Gauja’s new acting film was made in 24 shooting days. The film is the heartfelt story of two elderly people, Ernest and Alvina: Alzheimer’s disease enters their daily lives unexpectedly, but their long-cherished dream of taking a romantic trip to Italy proves stronger than that.
“Filming was a beautiful, difficult and moving process,” admits director Elza Gauja, whose idea for the film came from a personal experience in her family. “Finally we managed to fulfill the dream of the characters in the film: a trip to Rome. I can’t wait for the editing to finish and for us to see the film on the big screen! I am extremely grateful to Indra Burkovska, Jānis Jarān and the rest of the actors and the film crew for the work and patience it took to make the film happen. This film is a film of the heart.”
Actor Jānis Jarāns shares his sentiments: “Many people use the term ‘coincidence’, but for me it’s God’s will – this time he sent the young, talented and sweet director Elsa Gauja into my life, and she persuaded to participate in a film in which dementia appears. A very relevant topic, which is not talked about much these days. After watching the film, one should think hard about one’s brothers and sisters, in general – about the elderly comrades. .. Thanks to all the film crew for wonderful summer and spring shooting in Rome… And, of course, a sweet thank you to my colleagues – director Elsa Gauja and my charming partner, wife Indra Burkovska and eyes! “
Indra Burkovski, who plays the role of Alvina, adds: “The story of Elsa Gauja’s film reminds us of the value of our life and the beauty of a life where you can make your dreams come true. You just have to really want it. None of us know our fate, but I believe that the film will make you believe in love. The moment of filming the film was very interesting and unforgettable, the film crew was charming. While filming the post office scenes, I remembered the my school days in Kuldīga, because my mother was a postman for many years and I went to help her. Now, when it’s time for modern communication, it’s hard to imagine what it was like to wait for the postman at that time.”
The script of the film was written jointly by playwright Elizabete Lukšo-Ražinska (series Things Tutas, Amy and Roo, Ukulele etc.) and director Elza Gauja, who made her debut last year with two feature films: a documentary Meanwhile in Lucavsala and comedy Mom is still smiling. The cinematographer of the film is the expert Aleksandrs Grebnevs, the artist Ieva Kauliņa, the costume designer Kabish. The film is produced by the studio Image Home in cooperation with the Latvian Academy of Culture and Film Studio riverbed. The producers of the film are Uģis Riekstiņš, Marta Šleiere, Elza Gauja and Andris Gauja. The film is expected to reach audiences in the fall of 2023.
As admitted TV3 group Latvia communication manager Kārlis Pozniakovs: “In recent years, we have witnessed the development of the domestic film industry and the growing demand for high-quality feature films. We are sure that Postcard from Rome, which is filled with both touching moments and heartfelt humor, will be able to appeal to domestic audiences, gathering viewers both in cinemas and later in front of television screens.”
The main financiers of the film are the State Cultural Capital Fund and TV3 Group Latvia, the film will be offered as Go3 original content.
