30/08/2021 - The Latvian helmer’s latest project is based on the popular novel by Nora Ikstena, which studies the effects of Soviet rule on a single individual

After wrapping the first stage of filming on Soviet Milk in June, and before the several working days scheduled for the winter, director Ināra Kolmane and her team — backed by the Latvian Film Studio DEVIŅI — have now entered the main filming period, which will continue through September. 

A substantial part of the set is a flat in Old Riga, standing in for the house of the main characters during different time periods: the 1950s, 1960s and 1980s. More filming is taking place around the city and other locations in Latvia, as well as in Saint Petersburg, however the later plan might encounter some difficulties due to COVD restrictions in Russia. 

“After a few days of filming in February, when the winter scenes were shot, we are now happy to return to the set and ready to continue working on the highly anticipated film. Looking at the film crew and keeping in mind our supporters, we have a real dream team that will realise the project in the best possible way!” said executive producer Ieva Majore.

The plot depicts a troubled mother-daughter relationship set in the Soviet-ruled Baltics. Beneath the surface lies the story of three generations of women, and the importance of a grandmother giving her granddaughter what her daughter is unable to provide — love, and the desire for life. Director Ināra Kolmane further elaborates: “We are filming scenes reflecting the harsh and emotional destinies of women, set against the background of 20th century historical events during the Soviet occupation. This regime deprived many of faith and honesty while it completely ruined life and goals for others. In the film, we will look at everything from different angles – with the eyes of mother and daughter, revealing the absurdity of the Soviet system, both through the prism of adults who have lost their ideals, and from a child’s perspective.” The screenplay is written by Arvis Kolmanis (scriptwriter for Mona and co-writer for Bille, both directed by Kolmane and dealing with the past). Camerawork has been delegated to Lithuanian director of photography Rolandas Leonavičius (King’s Shift [+see also:
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Three actresses play the leading role of Mother Astra at different stages of her life — Maija Doveika (Firstborn [+see also:
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Production designer Algirdas Garbačiauskas (Lithuania) and costume designer Evija Džonsone have been relying on donations and loans of different Soviet era props and clothing in order to recreate an authentic atmosphere. 

The project has received financial support from the National Film Centre of Latvia and the Creative Europe – MEDIA programme. The general sponsor of the film is the Latvian company DEPO, while one of the co-producers is the Latvian technology and entertainment company Tet.