Baltic Sea Docs 30th anniversary programme in Riga and Jūrmala

September 9, 17:00–20:00
Discussion: “Documentary Film Forum Baltic Sea Docs 30 & CE MEDIA 35”
A look back at 30 years of the Baltic Sea Docs forum and its impact on documentary filmmaking in the region. Moderated by Cecilia Lidin (Denmark). Participants: Tue Steen Müller (Denmark), Uldis Cekulis (Latvia), Marianna Kaat (Estonia), Dagnė Vildžiūnaitė (Lithuania), and Darya Bassel (Ukraine).

Followed by a discussion on the future of documentary film over the next 30 years. Moderated by Cecilia Lidin (Denmark). Participants: Sudeep Sharma (USA), Flore Cosquer (Scotland), and Zane Krūmiņa (Latvia).

Venue: Latvian Academy of Culture National Film School, Miera iela 58A, Riga

September 10, 18:30
Meeting with Ukrainian director Roman Bondarchuk and screenwriter/producer Darya Averchenko, discussing film and reality, documenting the Kherson region, and the making of the film “Ukrainian Sheriffs” (2015).

Venue: ISSP Gallery, Berga Bazārs, Marijas iela 13, building 3, Riga

September 10 – October 1, 9:00–18:00 daily
Exhibition: “Ukrainian Sheriffs: Holding On to Home”
What remains when everything changes 

What does it mean to hold on to home when home is no longer within reach? The exhibition returns to the village of Stara Zburivka in the Kherson region and to the people first introduced to the world through the documentary “Ukrainian Sheriffs.” Back then, their everyday life was shaped by village routines, mutual care, disagreements, humor, and two local “sheriffs” who helped keep order in a place without a permanent police presence.

Russia’s full-scale invasion changed that life irreversibly. Occupation, separation from home, and uncertainty became part of the same community’s story. Yet the connection to home does not disappear when returning there is no longer possible.

Venue: Art Station “Dubulti,” Zigfrīda Meierovica prospekts 4, Jūrmala

September 12, 13:00
Screening of “Ukrainian Sheriffs” followed by a meeting with the filmmakers.
Venue: Jūrmala Culture Centre, Jomas iela 35, Jūrmala

Activities on the film “Ukrainian Sheriffs” are organized by the “Avantis” association in cooperation with Baltic Sea Docs