A Latvian Family’s Journey: A Cinematic Exploration of Identity, Memory, and War
Everything Will Be Alright is a poignant documentary film that offers a glimpse into the everyday life of a Russian-speaking family in Latvia.
Directed by Stanislavs Tokalovs, this intimate portrait explores themes of identity, collective memory, and the enduring impact of historical events.
The film follows three generations of women: the matriarch Nina, her daughter Irina and Irina’s teenage daughter.
As the camera observes their interactions, it becomes clear that their lives are intertwined with the complex history of Latvia and the Soviet Union.
A War of Identities
One of the film’s central themes is the struggle for identity.
The family members, though living in Latvia, are part of the Russian-speaking minority.
This creates a unique tension between their cultural heritage and their Latvian citizenship.
The film delves into the challenges of navigating this dual identity, particularly for the younger generation.
The Weight of History
The weight of history is another significant theme in the film.
Nina’s experiences as a war veteran and immigrant shape her worldview and influence her family.
The film explores how historical events, such as the Soviet occupation of Latvia, have left a lasting impact on the family’s psyche.
A Quiet Resilience
Despite the challenges they face, the family members exhibit a quiet resilience.
The film captures their everyday moments, their joys, and their sorrows.
It is a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of family bonds.
A Must-Watch for Documentary Lovers
Everything Will Be Alright is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique perspective on family, history, and identity.
It is a must-watch for anyone interested in documentary filmmaking or the history of Eastern Europe.
Everything Will Be Alright
Indiepix Films
Not Rated
Release Date 12/10/24
Synopsis
The non-fiction debut from award-winning Latvian writer/director Stanislavs Tokalovs, EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT welcomes viewers into the everyday life of the filmmaker’s immediate family who are members of the Russian-speaking community of Purvciems, a suburb outside Riga.
Ninety-nine year-old Nina is the clan’s matriarch, a World War II veteran who came to Latvia in 1955.
Her offspring, Irina, is a university lecturer torn between her husband’s tirades, her mother’s needs, and her 18-year-old daughters’s desires as an aspiring artist.
Together, with cinematographer and co-writer Valdis Celmins, Tokalovs presents an intimate look at the various internal and external conflicts affecting these individuals.
Without promising “everything will be alright,” the film unravels vital questions about integration, collective memory, propaganda, and the war of identities that affects many – both in Latvia and around the world.
Director
Stanislavs Tokalovs
Genre
Documentary
Language
Russian and Latvian with English Subtitles
Official Trailer: Everything Will Be Alright
Movie
Everything Will Be Alright DVD (ARV $24.95)
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