Directing
An observation of Latvia and its inhabitants over the course of 16 Sundays. An older woman popping to a cornershop next to her house in her morning dress at the height of winter, while some young men venture out to bathe in the sea through a hole cut in the ice. A bunch of seagulls getting excited at the sight of fishermen by the National Library. A group of Krishnaites singing their songs in a park in the spring, while some older men try to focus on their chess.
It's 1985, and Latvia is still under the Soviet occupation. Haralds Mednis, acclaimed Latvian choral conductor, is expelled from participating at the National Song and Dance festival, and a symbolic Latvian song "Gaismas pils" ("Castle of Light") is excluded from the programme of the festival. However, the choirs and the public shout out Haralds Mednis's name and try to get him to conduct "Gaismas pils", in spite of the censors. This film is an attempt to imagine what the people working for the state apparatus tasked with oppressing any rebellious actuons might have felt at that moment back in 1985.
Struggling composer Filip returns to his roots, seeking inspiration for a new song while grappling with a mid-life crisis. His younger brother, who has been tending to the inherited land, isn't exactly thrilled about Filip's company. As Filip battles self-doubt and the looming threat of abandoning his musical dreams, his brother sees an unexpected opportunity for both of them.
Daniel and Victoria attend a stand-up comedian's performance in a café, but suddenly Daniel feels sick to his stomach. The helpful Sven, who is also in the café, is ready to take Daniel and Victoria to hospital. But it turns out that Daniel and Victoria have a secret.
