Premiere Night: Famous Faces and Film Aficionados Gather for “More Like Dance

“More Like a Dance” Premieres, celebrating Latvian Heritage Through Film

The documentary film “More Like a Dance” premiered on Friday, March 14, at forum Cinemas, offering a poignant look at the preservation of Latvian traditions abroad. The event featured appearances from the film’s creative team and Brian Svorks, the Canadian Ambassador to Latvia, highlighting the strong cultural ties between the two countries. Additionally, the folk dance ensemble “Teiksma,” led by choreographer Janis Erglis, performed, adding a vibrant artistic dimension to the premiere.

A Story of Cultural Preservation

Paul Dombrovskis shared his personal connection to the film, stating, “I have always been home to this movie. The film was a special and alarming moment in Latvia and an international audience. He means home and links with Latvia.”

The film follows the Toronto Latvian folk dance group “daugaviņa” as they prepare for the 2023 Song and Dance Celebration in Riga. At the heart of the story is Selga Apse, the dance group’s longtime leader, dedicated to keeping the Latvian language and traditions alive in Toronto. The documentary incorporates private archives from the 1960s, providing an authentic glimpse into the efforts of Canadian Latvians to maintain their identity in a foreign land. The film explores themes of home and the deep connections people have with Latvia and its culture.

Emotional Resonance

The premiere evoked strong emotions from viewers. One attendee remarked, “This is the first emotion that I was happy to look at the Latvian viewers and live their Latvians. A touching experience – how we are preparing for Latvia and dance.”

Film Festivals and Screenings

Prior to its latvian premiere, “More Like a Dance” was screened at film festivals in Toronto, Oslo, and London. Starting March 14, the film is available in Riga cinemas, including “Forum Cinemas,” “Splendid Palace,” “apollo Cinema Plaza,” “Cinamon riga acropolis Alpha,” “Kino Bize,” and “Ksuns,” as well as in other locations throughout Latvia, such as the Talsi cinema “Auseklis,” “Vidzeme” in Madona, and the Kuldiga Culture Center. Tickets can be purchased at cinema box offices or online.

Special Events

A special event is scheduled for March 17 at Forum Cinemas, featuring a meeting with cinema historian Kristin Matisse, film director Paul Dombrovski, and Toronto TDA “Daugaviņa” director Selga Apsi. Other events are planned in different cities:

• March 15 at 9 p.m. – Valmiera cinema “3DCINEMA”
• March 18 at 2 p.m. – Special senior session at Liepaja cinema “Cinamon Liepaja Ball”

Trailer:

Production and Support

“Culture Film,” a Latvian film studio with over 15 years of experience, produced the documentary. The studio is known for its past stories, including “Souls of Souls.”

The film received support from various organizations and individuals, including the State culture Capital Foundation, daugavas Vanagi Toronto, Daugavas Vanagi in Canada, Selga and Edgars Apes, latvian Mobile Telephone, LNAK Education and Culture Foundation, Latvian Song Festival Society in Canada, Latvian Foundation, Latvian Embassy in Canada, Canada Latvian Center Toronto, Peter.Translations, GoPro Latvia, Riga International Airport, St. Peter’s Church, LM Creative Workshop, the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, and the Canadian Embassy in Latvia, National Film Center, and Brewery “Tērvete.”

The film features Selga Apse, Edgars Apse, Edvīns Kalviņš, Jānis Purviņš, Karl Cerps, Liva Zemīte, Lionel Zondo, Anna Ziemele, Tyler scarf, Adam Gravitis, the folk dance group “Daugaviņa,” as well as participants in the XXVII General Latvian Song and XVII Dance Celebration.

“The documentary ‘More like a dance’ reflects the spirit of the Latvian diaspora and their unwavering determination to preserve their traditions.”

“the film tells the story of the Toronto Latvian folk dance group “daugaviņa” to the 2023 Song and Dance Celebration in Riga.”

Conclusion

“More Like a dance” offers a compelling exploration of cultural identity and preservation, showcasing the dedication of the Latvian diaspora to maintaining their heritage.Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this touching and insightful documentary in select cinemas and special events across Latvia. Check your local listings for showtimes and ticket availability.

What traditions from your own heritage do you want to make sure are passed on?

A Conversation with Paul Dombrovskis on “More Like a Dance”

paul, welcome to Archyde. “More Like a Dance” is making waves. Can you tell us what inspired you to create this documentary about Latvian cultural preservation?

Thank you for having me! The film is deeply personal. It started as a way to explore the connections Latvians living abroad maintain with their homeland. Seeing the commitment of groups like “Daugaviņa” in Toronto, preparing for the song adn Dance Celebration in Riga, was incredibly moving. I wanted to capture that spirit and share it with a wider audience.

The film focuses on the “Daugaviņa” folk dance group in Toronto. What makes their story so compelling?

Selga Apse, their longtime leader, is the heart of the story. Her dedication to preserving the Latvian language and traditions within the group is remarkable. The film uses archival footage from the 1960s, showcasing the long history of Canadian Latvians striving to keep their culture alive. It’s about more than just dance; it’s about identity, belonging, and the power of cultural heritage. It highlights the efforts of the Latvian diaspora to preserve their Latvian traditions.

What kind of emotions did you hope to evoke in viewers with “More Like a Dance?”

I wanted viewers to feel a connection to the Latvian experience, whether they are Latvian or not. The themes of home,identity,and cultural preservation are global. We aimed to create a touching, insightful experience that would resonate with anyone who has ever felt a connection to their heritage.

The film has already been screened at several film festivals. How has the response been so far?

The response has been incredible! We’ve received positive feedback from audiences in Toronto, oslo, and London. People seem to connect with the emotional core of the film. the premiere in Riga was especially special, seeing Latvian viewers connect with the story of “Daugaviņa” and other participants in the XXVII General Latvian Song and XVII Dance Celebration.

“More Like a Dance” received support from numerous organizations. how crucial was this support in bringing the film to life?

absolutely essential. We are grateful for the support from the State Culture Capital Foundation,daugavas Vanagi toronto,the Latvian Embassy in Canada,and many others.Their belief in the project allowed “Culture Film” to tell this importent story.The support from the Latvian Song Festival Society in Canada was especially vital.

The film premiered on March 14th and is screening in various cinemas. What special events are planned for audiences?

Yes, the film is now available in Riga cinemas such as Forum Cinemas and Splendid Palace, and in other cities across Latvia. We held a special event on March 17th at Forum Cinemas with cinema historian Kristin Matisse and Selga Apsi. There was also a special senior session in Liepaja on March 18th. Check local listings for showtimes and other events!

If you had to summarize the core message of “More Like a Dance” in just a few words, what would it be?

Unwavering dedication to preserving cultural identity, even thousands of miles from home.

what do you hope audiences will take away from watching “More Like a Dance,” and how do you envision this film contributing to the broader conversation about cultural heritage for future generations?

I hope it inspires a deeper appreciation for the efforts of people across the globe to preserve their cultural identities. Maybe it will ignite conversations within families and communities about what aspects of their heritage they value and how best to ensure continuity for future generations. what traditions from your own heritage do *you* want to make sure are passed on? Let us know in the comments below!