From November 15, director Jura Kursieš’ latest work in game cinema – the family drama “Cildenie” – will be shown in cinemas. The filming process was produced by the companies “White Picture” (Latvia), “Stellar” (Estonia) and “Asterisk” (Greece). On Tuesday, October 22, a media event for the new film was held at Forum Cinemas.
The film tells the story of internationally recognized German organist Anna (Johanna Vokalek/Johanna Wokalek) and her Latvian husband Andri (Juris Žagars), the head of an influential state-owned company in Latvia. After Anna’s concert in Germany, the two return to Latvia to celebrate her birthday, but they are met with news about Andra’s connection to the corruption scandal. The pressure of the press is increasing, causing Andris enormous stress. Meanwhile, Anna must balance her husband’s new reputation with its impact on her music career.
Director Juris Kursietis together with the main actors of the film. Photo: Gints Bāliņš/TVNET GROUP
The prototype of the main character is Iveta Apkalnas – the world-famous organist, whose long-term work certainly contributed to the revival of the popularity of the organ in Europe. The musician also took part in the process of making the film, training the main actress to play the organ, and also recorded the film’s soundtrack.
A very extensive and in-depth training was not necessary, because Johanna Vokalek knows how to play the piano and also navigate the script. The hardest thing to learn was to play the “queen of instruments” with the whole body, because both hands and feet have to move equally actively, which have to follow the registers of notes.
Actress Johanna Vokalek (Germany). Photo: Gints Bāliņš/TVNET GROUP
“It was a whole adventure for me,” the German actress, whose biggest boost to recognition came after the 2009 film “Pope Joanna” tells me after the press conference in the lobby of the cinemaThe Pope), which is now and then also shown to our television viewers.
**Cildenie: A Symphony of Drama and Scandal**
So, mark your calendars, folks! From November 15, Cildenie, the latest brainchild of director Jura Kursietis, will be splashing onto cinema screens. But don’t worry, it’s not just another film — it’s a multilayered family drama that intertwines the fine arts of organ playing with the not-so-fine art of scandal. Think of it as Mozart meets the Daily Mail.
Produced by a trio of fantastic companies from Latvia, Estonia, and Greece — yes, Greece, where olives, ouzo, and the occasional ancient ruin provide plenty of distractions — this film promises to be a delightful feast for both the eyes and the ears.
**A Musical Tale of Love and Intrigue**
Now, let’s dive into the juicy bits. The film follows Anna, played by the talented Johanna Wokalek, who is an internationally recognized organist — because who doesn’t want to be associated with something so delightful as a pipe organ? Her Latvian husband, Andri, portrayed by Juris Žagars, is the head honcho of an influential state-owned company. Clearly, it’s like a match made in a melodious heaven… until it isn’t.
After what should be a serene birthday celebration in Latvia following Anna’s concert in Germany, the couple’s life takes a nosedive thanks to some unfortunate news regarding Andri’s ties to a corruption scandal. Suddenly, it feels like every newspaper in the Baltic is sharpening its quills and preparing to ink their next headline. Talk about hitting the high notes in the worst way possible!
**Training with the ‘Queen of Instruments’**
Interestingly enough, the main character’s inspiration is none other than the prodigiously talented Iveta Apkalnas. This woman isn’t just flicking her wrists; she’s been a pivotal figure in reviving the organ’s popularity across Europe. And in a delightful twist, she helped train the main actress for the role, ensuring that Johanna Wokalek could hammer out a few heart-wrenching notes from the organ without needing a life coach.
“It was a whole adventure for me,” Johanna confessed during a press conference, sporting that after-glow of a woman who’s just conquered a massive challenge while still managing to look fabulous.
**Dancing with the Keys: A Physical Art**
But playing the organ, which some might call the “queen of instruments,” isn’t all about the fingers gracefully gliding and the occasional toe tap. Oh no! Both hands and feet need to jump into a complex choreography that would put many a dance-off to shame.
Imagine this: arms flying around like a windmill during a gust of wind while your feet are maintaining a full-on tap routine! I mean, this isn’t just music; it’s a full-body workout. As they say, “If you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with a well-timed foot-pedal extravaganza!”
**Anticipate the Unfolding Drama**
So, there you have it! With a narrative that dances between marital love, musical ambition, and the heavy weight of a public scandal, Cildenie invites us all to revel in the messiness of life. What better way to spend an evening than to immerse yourself in drama and see if Anna can save both her marriage and her music career without losing her mind completely?
Only time will tell if the film can masterfully juggle all these elements without dropping the proverbial organ—but considering the talent behind it, I wouldn’t bet against it. Get ready for what promises to be an entertaining ride, and don’t forget to bring your best concert etiquette — because, darling, this show is about to get wild!
