London, 1 November 2022 (TDI): Over the weekend, a two-day film festival in Hammersmith featured movies from the Baltic nations of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.
On Friday, October 28, the Baltic Film Festival kicked off with a friendly greeting complete with free wine and a variety of Latvian pastries.
The South Social Film Festival organized the event, which took place from October 28 to October 30 at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith with a view of the Thames.
Two films from each Baltic nation were screened over the two-day festival’s six screenings, which were each followed by a Q&A with the film’s writers and directors.
The Estonian Film Institute, the National Film Centre of Latvia, the Lithuanian Film Centre, and the Lithuanian Culture Institute all provided further support for the project.
South Social Film Festival director Paola Melli stated: “Diversity and inclusivity are the festival’s main themes.
“Watching people become aware of a significantly underrepresented genre of the movie will be incredibly fascinating. We want people to be fearless of other people and open to all kinds of cultures and views.”
Baltic cinema is a distinct and genuine medium, but the industry still has problems with finance and representation. The Baltic film scene was supported by Eitvydas Bajarnas, the Lithuanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK), who also attended.
“The Baltics are very, very good at producing smaller, boutique versions of Hollywood movies that appeal to the spirit. We want to demonstrate both our uniqueness and our Europeanness,” he continued.
The festival was an immersive event that celebrated the Baltic film industry. Ruta Di, a Lithuanian musician, and bassist Michel’le provided live music.
Food served on opening night was provided by Latvian Baked Goods, a North London bakery, and included, among other things, beef pasties, smoked bacon buns, custard rolls, and sauerkraut rolls.
