Pushing Limits

Sports, physical activity, education, and the transmission of skills from one generation to the next are common themes in Ansis Epners’ films. The director regularly produced the film journal “Sports Review,” continually discovering new ways to depict various sports. He also made films about Latvian sports teams, such as basketball and ice hockey. In the film “Go, Fetch,” both the content and form are infused with the excitement of sports, with some scenes resembling a music video. On the other hand, “Birdies” (a course project by cinematographer Andris Silenieks at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography) and “Echo” offer a sensitive look at childhood and the impact of the school environment on children.

Sports Review, N. 3

Sporta apskats, N. 3 (Maratons)

Newsreel edition with stories about archery competition and marathons in running, cycling and car sports, using the form of personal narrative behind the scenes.

Confession

Atzīšanās

The story of the famous Latvian basketball team TTT is told from the perspective of its long-time captain.

Little Birds

Putnēni

The daily life of the students at the Riga Choreography School consists of physically demanding training, where young people of various ages are working towards the goal of becoming professional dancers.

Horse Play

Gājiens ar zirdziņu

Reflections on human’s relationship with horses throughout the ages and their depiction in art are shown in parallel to the draft horse competition.

Echo

Atbalss

Mazsalaca High School, where both the director and the cameraman once studied, invites us to consider this question.

Go there, bring it

Aizej tur, atnes to

The film explores mass physical education events, competitions, and sports festivals in Latvia, including orienteering, cycling, running, and various other activities, with a significant emphasis on integrated musical performances.