Baltic documentary film played an important role during the Soviet era. The main emphasis was on visuality and use of metaphor, and though the official cinematic language was propaganda-based, the films were also a poetic tribute to Life and Humanity. This film showcases those exceptional works and their directors – individuals who expound their ideas and views decades after the creation of their masterpieces: Herz Frank, Uldis Brauns, Ivars Seleckis, Mark Soosaar, Andres Sööt, Robertas Verba, Henrikas Šablevičius and Aivars Freimanis.

Several “Baltic New Wave” films have not only been included among the all-time-classics in their respective countries, but are also recognized internationally. One of the most awarded is Ivars Seleckis’ “Šķērsiela” (“The Crossroad Street”), which won the European Film Award for Best Documentary in 1990. In turn, Estonian director Mark Soosaar’s film “Woman From Kihnu” premiered in 1975 at the Cinémathèque Française in Paris, where it was introduced by none other than Jean Rouch.