Marta Selecka: “I am sure that the audience of our film – students from grades 1 to 9 – still believe in miracles, and it would be good to arouse in them the fantasy of having such a boy with superpowers in their class or having them themselves.”
Photo: Anatoly Subhankulov
22:19 on November 20, 2024
Zigmunds Bekmanis, “Kultūrzīmes”, JSC “Latvijas Mediji”
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Last Sunday, the premiere of the adventure film “Bum!”, intended for the audience of children and teenagers, took place at the cinema “Forum Cinema”, which tells the story of thirteen-year-old Hugo, who after an unfortunate fall from a skateboard gets superpowers, becomes the most popular boy at school, but because of this, his life does not change easier. The directors of the film are classmates Andra Doršs and Marta Selecka, who is also known as the creator of “Tutas lietu” and one of the presenters of Latvian Television’s informative programs “Ziemeļu puse”, “TE!”, “Literatūre” and “Tava darišana”, but for this long another one – “Garainis” – has joined the list of programs.
– Tell me, Marta, how do you manage all this?
M. Selecka: – I guess from the outside it really looks crazy, because when I mentioned to my work colleagues that I will have a new program on Latvian Television again, it seemed that everyone gasped in horror and thought that I was an adventurer. Maybe working in the media gives people the feeling that we appear so many places, as if we double up, being on the screen. But in fact, “Garainis” came very naturally, because for some time, together with my colleagues Ugis Olti and Gustavus Terzenas, we wanted to expand our activities. Namely, the “Literature” format, where we had a lot of viewers, and it was they who encouraged us to look more broadly, including other genres of art.
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A year ago, while creating a story about the exiled writer Gunaras Janovski, writer Osvaldas Zebri and I went on a long trip around England, and such trips are the best places for creative conversations. That’s how the idea of ”Garaini” crystallized, but for a long time it was not clear what we would call this show. In the end, Imants Ziedonis led us to this name because he has a book called “Garainis kos kos kebojing”. And it turned out really appropriate, because we knew from the beginning that there would be long scenes (slow message), and also the spirit is always involved in this show. The filming of “Garaina” was once again a very interesting stage in our creative life, which is not over yet. Although the program has already appeared on Latvian Television, we still have to film the last episode, in which the artist Helena Heinrichsone will talk about the director Ligita Viduleja.
– Having worked side by side with Gustav Terzens for many years in many programs, you must already understand each other from half a word or even a glance. However, making a feature film, and one about adventures for children, is completely different. How did you come to the realization that you need to try your hand at this genre of cinema?
– In parallel with serious adult projects on television, I have also been working in the children’s field for quite some time – I created the popular TV series “Tutas lijas”. Many other children’s programs are being created under the auspices of my company “Ausma Media”. For example, we create the children’s and young people’s series “Emi and Roo” for “Tet” television. I have been working on these projects together with my classmate and friend Andra Doršs for five years, so when the opportunity appeared to apply to the children’s film competition, we realized that all the aces were in our hands, because we have been doing just that for years.
Participating in contests is always like a lottery, but this time the dice matched in such a way that we drew the lucky lot with our application – we got funding and could start working on the adventure film “Bum!”. Of course, it was a completely different process than filming the series – the most difficult work I had done so far. A film is a marathon, as opposed to television’s sprint projects. Filming requires a different discipline, but it was also very interesting. I’m glad we did the job as well as we could.
– How long was the film making process? How did the script come about and where did you shoot?
– It seems that about four years passed from the idea to its implementation. We wanted to talk about the cool life of teenagers in the film. We didn’t want to make their coming-of-age story or drama. I think we have enough sad movies. The youth audience lacks exactly the fun movies. That’s why “Boom!” the message is positive, appropriate to the genre of adventure comedy with sentimental digressions that evoke empathy in the audience. From the very beginning, we decided not to do anything sad, to create a fun, happy, but somewhat instructive story.
We hired Loti Eglīti to write the script, and she coped very well with creating an original script, that is, our story is not based on the motifs of a book, but we come up with it ourselves. Together with the director Andra, we sat and brainstormed what the characters and events should be, remembering our class and the common experience at school. Someone must be a leader, someone must also be a hooligan. It was very important for us to have miracles in the film. I am sure that the audience of our film – students of grades 1 to 9 – still believe in miracles, and it would be good to arouse in them the fantasy of having such a boy with superpowers in their class or having them themselves.
– How was the selection of the new actors? How easy or difficult was it to find actors for the main character Hugo and the other children?
– It was quite difficult. First of all, children of the sixth and seventh grades, who were supposed to film according to the script, are growing very quickly at this age. At the premiere of the film, when I met my young actors, I saw that many of them had already broken their voices. Therefore, we left the choice of actors to the last moment, because we were afraid that they would change noticeably during the filming, especially the boys. Looking for the main characters, we went around schools a lot. My previous experience as a casting director at Film Angels Studio was very helpful in this process.
The selection was also greatly helped by the fact that the filming took place at Liepāja State 1st Gymnasium. We liked the beautiful school building, and the principal Helvijs Valcis was also very responsive. When it was clear that most of the film’s adventures would take place in Liepāja, we focused more on the people from Kurzeme in the selection of actors.
So Hugo (Adrians Petrovics) comes directly from Liepāja, from the same school where we filmed. Only he did not study in the gymnasium class. Eliza Kļava, who plays the main female role of Karla, is also from Liepāja, as are several hooligans. On the other hand, Dāvis Ozols (Toms in the film) is from Riga.
– How was the discipline on the set? Now, young people cannot tear themselves away from their smartphone screens for a moment.
– We had an agreement that no one would use mobile phones on the set, including the film crew. The same condition was for drinking cola. Of course, phones and coke could be used in the lounge, but not on the field. Every morning, everyone involved, including make-up artists, lighting, cameramen and us directors, had a morning circle in which they had to remember and tell in a few sentences some feeling from their childhood, for example, what was their favorite book or where did they want to go. We did this to unite as a team for the common work of the day.
– Movies “Boom!” in the promotional trailer, you can see people flying through the air, Hugo painfully crashing into a pole. What miracle workers did you attract?
– Recently, modern technologies have developed rapidly. Gone are the days when only Hollywood could do real stunts. Now we can create miracles ourselves – all technical possibilities are right here in Latvia. All special effects were made in Riga, they were created by artist Kaspars Murelis.
– But technical innovations are not cheap. Was the competition allocation enough for the film, or did you have to look for outside supporters?
– We were lucky that with our application we started in a special competition where the money for the liquidation of the consequences of covid was distributed. The rules of the competition promised advantages for children’s films, and we hit the right time. Almost all the production costs of the film were covered by the financial allocation of the competition. I think that the scales tipped in favor of our project, also thanks to our previous long-term experience in creating children’s content.
– In the public space, there was a message that “Bum!” even before its premiere in Latvia, it has been nominated for several international film competitions. How is the decision made when the film is ready and ready to be presented to festival juries and audiences?
– In my opinion, “Boom!” is a children’s film, not a competition film, so I am pleasantly surprised that so many film festivals have included it in their program. We will go to Estonia, Lübeck, even Boston to participate. Perhaps somewhere else, but the producers of the film know better. It usually happens when the film is almost ready – edited, processed and dubbed – then applications are sent to film festivals appropriate to the genre.
– It seems that going to festivals in the near future will take you a lot of time. Does this mean that the creative process will take a break?
– The positive thing is that we are two directors and we can also divide the responsibilities of the film “Bum!” during the representation period. It was wonderful to work together with Andra during the filming process. I felt a great relief that I have a partner with whom I can discuss everything. The children affectionately called us female directors (laughs).
This fall is very busy for me because I can’t just go to festivals and give interviews, but I also have to work. We still have to film the last episode of “Garainim” and make the programs of the new season of “Literatūres”, which will be shown by Latvian Television from the sixth of January next year. Together with Jānis Kļaviņu, I continue to host the program “Tava darišana” on LTV1, which also needs to be filmed at the same time, because it will be broadcast from March.
– You have also been involved in the events of the 90th anniversary of your uncle’s documentary filmmaker Ivars Seleckas.
– There was an exhibition about the Selecki family in the Cinema Museum recently, and I helped to set up this exhibition. There is a stand about my late father, cinematographer Andri Selecki, and I am also mentioned there. In addition, Ivars is one of the heroes of the new program “Garainis”. He chose to talk about the painter Arvīda Strauj (1907–1999) from Rūjiena, who had only six grades of education. Although professor Vilhelms Purvītis said that he had absolute vision, this painter was not recognized by the art world of that time. I am always in close contact with Ivar Selecki, because we are close relatives. We discuss many topics and I am grateful to have such a strong back. The Selecki name has a lot of weight in society, so even when I got married I kept the surname of my family.
– Of course, you are very busy with various jobs. Do you have time for family?
– Yes, but I try to delegate many responsibilities to others and not to get involved where there is little benefit from me. I have two sons. Knut is already seventeen years old, but Gust is a first grader. My husband Uģis Riekstiņš is very supportive, he is also the director of the film “Bum!” producer.
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Absolutely! Let’s dive into this delightful whirlwind of an article that makes you want to don your superhero cape and tap into your inner child – preferably without falling off a skateboard.
—
### Marta Selecka: “A Boy with Superpowers? I Wish He Was in My Class!”
Ah, Marta Selecka, the creative maestro, has taken it upon herself to sprinkle a little bit of magic (and perhaps some glitter) into the lives of youngsters with her latest film “Bum!” – clearly not to be confused with what happens after too many gym snacks!
### A Trip to the Silver Screen – Minus the Cringe
At the heart of this cinematic endeavor is a 13-year-old lad named Hugo who gains superpowers after an unfortunate tumble. Now, who said skateboards were just for showing off tricks? As it turns out, they also double as the gateway to fame, confusion, and a heap of awkward school interactions. Quite relatable, right? Who among us hasn’t wished for superpowers while maneuvering the minefield that is middle school? “Hey, I can fly… I mean, I can barely pass algebra!”
Selecka mentions that the target audience is kids from grades 1 to 9, and I can’t help but wonder if those poor students are still grappling with believing in miracles – forget superheroes! Perhaps they’re just holding out for a miracle that lets them evade math class!
### From Television to Film: The Talent Transfer
Marta isn’t just throwing spaghetti at the wall; she’s been in the trenches of children’s media for a while. She’s crafted more kids’ programs than I’ve had hot dinners – and believe me, I’ve had quite a few! As she eloquently states, “Participating in contests is always like a lottery…” Well, it seems that luck has certainly been on her side. And, much unlike the lottery, the kids get something to walk away with – imagine them clutching popcorn while dreaming of their own superpowers.
### The “Garainis” Magic
The journey from idea to fruition for “Bum!” has been a marathon – contrasting sharply with the “sprint” nature of television. It’s like cooking a fine meal against the instant ramen culture we live in! Four years in the making, can you imagine the anticipation agony? “Just a bit longer” with a side of “Don’t touch that remote!”
And let’s talk inclusivity. Marta is keen on not producing another depressing coming-of-age flick. It’s a wise choice that reflects a keen understanding of her audience. Kids don’t need more sorrow; they need entertaining escapades. I mean, do we really need another film about teenage angst? What’s next? “The Sadness of Lawn Mowing” starring a depressed teenager named Greg?
### How to Find the Right Cast: A Impressive Gauntlet
Finding the right actors wasn’t an easy task; kids grow faster than the plot twists in their favorite cartoons! I can almost picture Marta standing outside schools like a talent scout eyeing players at a football match, “No, no, too tall! Perfect! But he’s got braces?” The whole process sounds more chaotic than herding cats after a can of tuna!
### No Smartphones on Set? Is This a Movie or a Time Machine?
In a bold move that makes me question my own relationship with my smartphone, they banned mobile devices on set! Instead of scrolling through TikTok, cast and crew members had to share nostalgic childhood stories. Imagine that circle turning into a competition of who had the most embarrassing school photo. “I once tripped over my own shoelaces… on stage. While doing choreography. With no music!”
### With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Of course, one can’t ignore the modern marvels of technology at their disposal. They’ve transformed special effects into anything but special – they’re downright cinematic sorcery! I can almost hear Marta proclaiming, “We’re no longer just inventing cardboard props; we’re creating wonders!”
And how refreshing to hear this project secured a funding stream thanks to being in the right place at the right time! Almost like winning the lottery but without the existential dread of wondering where all the money went.
### Festivals, Family, and Future Aspirations
Soon enough, they’ll be jetting off to festivals all over the world to showcase “Bum!” – talk about a jam-packed itinerary! They’ll be balancing the glitz and glamour of international film festivals with the daily grind of family life. Marta casually mentions her two sons and supportive husband, but I can’t help but picture her doing a whirlwind dance trying to answer festival calls while dodging the toddler’s latest Lego masterpiece.
In an era where creating content is as easy as clicking ‘post’, it’s clear that Marta Selecka and her trusty co-director are determined to craft something that not only entertains but also inspires the young minds who dare to dream beyond their math exams.
So, to you budding filmmakers and dreamers out there: if you ever found yourself wishing for superpowers in school – well, it looks like Hugo is here to prove you might just need a skateboard, a touch of Kita-vibes, and a sprinkle of imagination to make miracles happen!
—
And there you have it, folks! A vibrant blend of creativity, ambition, and quite possibly the most entertaining trek through childhood dreams. Brace yourselves, because “Bum!” is bound to take those kids on a rollercoaster ride of laughter, adventure, and probably a few resulting nose jobs if they try to replicate Hugo’s stunts!
Last Sunday, the much-anticipated premiere of the youth adventure film “Bum!” captivated audiences at the Forum Cinema, offering an enchanting narrative aimed at children and teenagers. This vibrant tale follows thirteen-year-old Hugo, who, after an unfortunate mishap while skateboarding, gains superpowers that elevate him to the pinnacle of popularity in school, albeit leading to unexpected complications in his life. The film is the brainchild of directors Andra Doršs and Marta Selecka, the latter renowned for her impactful contributions to Latvian media, including her previous work on “Tutas lietu” and her roles as a presenter on notable television programs such as “Ziemeļu puse,” “TE!,” “Literatūre,” and “Tava darišana.” Recently, she has further added to her repertoire with the long-form program “Garainis.”
– Tell me, Marta, how do you manage all this?
M. Selecka: – To the casual observer, my busy schedule may appear overwhelming. When I shared with my colleagues that I would soon launch a new program on Latvian Television, their reactions were a mix of surprise and concern, suggesting they viewed me as an adventurous spirit. Working in the media often gives the impression of appearing in numerous places simultaneously, almost as if one could be in two places at once. However, the development of “Garainis” unfolded quite organically, as my colleagues Ugis Olti and Gustavus Terzenas and I had been eager to broaden our horizons beyond the successful “Literature” format, urged on by our audience’s enthusiasm for a wider exploration of artistic genres.
A year ago, during a creative journey to England exploring the work of exiled writer Gunaras Janovski, writer Osvaldas Zebri and I engaged in deep discussions, leading to the crystallization of the “Garaini” concept. The title was inspired by Imants Ziedonis’s book “Garainis kos kos kebojing,” and it perfectly fit our vision for the show, which would feature lengthy segments reflecting a contemplative style while maintaining a spirited essence. The filming of “Garaina” proved to be yet another fascinating chapter in our creative endeavors that we continue to explore. Although the program has aired on Latvian Television, we still look forward to producing the final episode, featuring artist Helena Heinrichsone discussing director Ligita Viduleja.
– Having worked side by side with Gustav Terzens for many years in many programs, you must already understand each other from half a word or even a glance. However, making a feature film, and one about adventures for children, is completely different. How did you come to the realization that you need to try your hand at this genre of cinema?
– While I have been involved in more serious projects aimed at adult audiences on television, I have always had a passion for the children’s genre, demonstrated by my creation of the beloved series “Tutas lijas.” My company, “Ausma Media,” has been responsible for several children’s programs, including the new series “Emi and Roo” for “Tet” television. For the past five years, my classmate and collaborator Andra Doršs and I have been developing these projects, and when we were presented with the opportunity to enter the children’s film competition, we realized that our combined experience positioned us perfectly to succeed.
Participating in contests can feel like a lottery. Yet this time, luck was on our side, as our submission received the funding necessary to bring “Bum!” to life, a process that proved to be significantly different from filming a series. Creating a feature film is a marathon compared to the sprint-like pace of television projects. It requires a distinctive level of discipline, but the experience was wholly rewarding, and I’m proud of the work we accomplished.
– How long was the film making process? How did the script come about and where did you shoot?
– The journey from our initial idea to the film’s completion spanned around four years. We aimed to depict the vibrant lives of teenagers without veering into the territory of typical coming-of-age dramas, which often lean towards melancholy; we felt that the youth audience craved light-hearted films capable of delivering joy and entertainment. Thus, “Boom!” encapsulates a positive message, embodying the essence of an adventure comedy while also including some heartfelt moments that resonate deeply with viewers.
The creative writing team was joined by Loti Eglīti, who skillfully penned an original script based on our own story ideas rather than adapting existing literature. Andra and I invested time brainstorming character dynamics and plot details, reminiscing about our own school experiences. We felt it was vital for the film to incorporate elements of magic and wonder, as it is important for the young audience — those in grades 1 to 9 — to maintain their belief in miracles. We hope to inspire fantasies of having a super-powered student in their class or imagining themselves in such a position.
– How was the selection of the new actors? How easy or difficult was it to find actors for the main character Hugo and the other children?
– Finding the right young actors proved to be quite a challenge. Children in the sixth and seventh grades develop noticeably fast, leading to varying degrees of change over the filming period. This concern became particularly evident during the film’s premiere when some actors had visibly changed. We delayed the actor selection process until the last moment, primarily out of fear that the boys, especially, would undergo noticeable transformations. To identify our main characters, we engaged in a thorough search among schools, drawing from my previous casting experience at Film Angels Studio, which proved invaluable.
The selection process was aided further by our filming location at Liepāja State 1st Gymnasium. We were drawn to the aesthetic charm of the school building, and the principal Helvijs Valcis was very accommodating. With many of the film’s adventures set in Liepāja, we prioritized local talent when choosing actors. For instance, Hugo, played by Adrians Petrovics, hails from the very school we filmed at, although he wasn’t a gymnasium student. Similarly, Eliza Kļava, who portrays the character Karla, also comes from Liepāja, as do several other supporting characters, while Dāvis Ozols, who plays Toms, is from Riga.
– How was the discipline on the set? Now, young people cannot tear themselves away from their smartphone screens for a moment.
– To maintain focus and foster a productive environment, we established strict rules regarding mobile phone use on set, mandating that all devices, including those belonging to the crew, remain off during filming. Similarly, we avoided cola consumption in the shooting area. While crew members could use phones and enjoy beverages in the designated lounge, we prioritized a distraction-free atmosphere for the creative work happening on set. Each morning, the entire team, including makeup artists, lighting specialists, cameramen, and directors, participated in a morning circle to share anecdotes from their childhood, triggering feelings of nostalgia and team cohesion for the day ahead.
– Movies “Boom!” in the promotional trailer, you can see people flying through the air, Hugo painfully crashing into a pole. What miracle workers did you attract?
– With the remarkable advancements in modern technology, creating spectacular visual effects is no longer reserved for the film industry giants of Hollywood. We possessed the ability to create impressive special effects right here in Latvia, thanks to the talent of artist Kaspars Murelis, who coordinated all related visual wizardry.
– But technical innovations are not cheap. Was the competition allocation enough for the film, or did you have to look for outside supporters?
– We were fortunate that our application found a niche in a specialized competition aimed at funding projects recovering from the impacts of COVID-19. The guidelines of this contest provided preferential treatment for children’s films, aligning perfectly with our project’s needs. We were able to cover nearly all production expenses through the competitive funding we received, which was surely bolstered by our extensive background in creating children’s content.
– In the public space, there was a message that “Bum!” even before its premiere in Latvia, it has been nominated for several international film competitions. How is the decision made when the film is ready and ready to be presented to festival juries and audiences?
– I believe “Boom!” is primarily a children’s film rather than a competitive one, so I find it pleasantly unexpected that so many international festivals have taken an interest in showcasing it. We plan to participate in events in Estonia, Lübeck, even Boston, among potentially others, while the film’s producers are adept at identifying suitable venues. Typically, we submit applications to relevant film festivals once our film is near completion—having undergone editing, processing, and dubbing.
– It seems that going to festivals in the near future will take you a lot of time. Does this mean that the creative process will take a break?
– The silver lining is that as co-directors, Andra and I have been able to divide our responsibilities, allowing us to represent “Bum!” effectively even during festival circuits. Collaborating with Andra throughout the film production was remarkably fulfilling, and the kids playfully dubbed us “female directors.” This autumn is incredibly busy for me; I cannot solely dedicate my time to festivals and interviews as I have other pressing commitments. We are also approaching the final episode shoot of “Garainim” while preparing for the upcoming season of “Literatūres,” set to air on Latvian Television starting January 6 next year. Simultaneously, I continue to co-host “Tava darišana” on LTV1, which is set for release in March.
– You have also been involved in the events of the 90th anniversary of your uncle’s documentary filmmaker Ivars Seleckas.
– Recently, I assisted in organizing an exhibition about the Seleckis family at the Cinema Museum, which includes a display highlighting my late father, cinematographer Andri Selecki, along with my contributions. Additionally, Ivars appears in our new program “Garainis,” where he reflects on the life of painter Arvīda Strauj, who, despite possessing immense talent, struggled for recognition due to limited formal education. I am grateful for the robust familial support from Ivars, as our conversations around various topics provide invaluable insights. The Selecki legacy carries considerable weight, and I chose to keep my family name, even post-marriage.
– Of course, you are very busy with various jobs. Do you have time for family?
– Yes, I do prioritize family time, striving to delegate many responsibilities effectively while focusing my involvement in areas that yield the greatest impact. I am the proud mother of two sons: Knut, who is seventeen, and Gust, who is just embarking on his educational journey as a first grader. My husband, Uģis Riekstiņš, is an unwavering source of support; he is also a producer and director for “Bum!”
How does participating in festivals influence the creative direction of your future projects?
Duo.” We are committed to continuing our creative journey, and while festival participation will indeed occupy a significant amount of our time, we are also eager to explore new concepts and ideas for future projects.
We view this phase not as a break but as an opportunity to learn and grow. Engaging with audiences at festivals will help us refine our understanding of what resonates with viewers, which is crucial for our ongoing work in children’s media. Plus, the excitement of showcasing “Bum!” on international stages adds another layer of motivation for us. We’re always thinking about how we can bring more joy and creativity into our projects, and who knows what new ideas might emerge during this festival season? So, while we’ll be busy, the creative process is always alive, and we look forward to what comes next!
