Competition Programme  

An old factory chimney is the biggest eye-catcher in a small and remote community in the Latvian countryside. Kids are horsing around and adults are nowhere to be seen. In The Chimney everything revolves around seven little blonde girls growing up in this rural place. Laila Pakalniņa takes the time to truly explore and capture the everyday life of their childhood, and thus a beautiful ode to the innocence of childhood is born which brings you instantly back to your own early years.

Laila Pakalniņa  

Laila Pakalniņa studied film directing at the Moscow Film Institute and TV journalism at Moscow University. She has directed and written several short films and documentaries as well as three full length films, which have been shown at the Cannes and Venice film festivals. Pakalniņa’s compelling films are stunning to watch as they are so visual and colourful. Her stories are often carried with gentle irony and strong symbolism.  

Selected Filmography  

On Rubik’s Road / Pa Rubika ceļu (2009)
Three Men and Fish Pond / Par dzimteniti (2008)
The Hostage / Ķilnieks (2006)
Water / Udens (2006)
Dream Land / Leiputrija (2004)
The Oak / Ozols (1997)