The cinematic celebration dedicated to the arts and culture of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania has once again commenced in New York City. The Eighth annual New York Baltic Film Festival (NYBFF) officially launched its proceedings on November 5, 2025. This year, the prestigious honor of opening the showcase was bestowed upon the Latvian feature film, “Cildenie,” which translates to “The Exalted” or “The Nobles.” This selection marked the beginning of the highly anticipated cultural event, which is hosted and supported by Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America.
The New York premiere of “Cildenie,” directed by Juris Kursietis, was significantly highlighted by the presence of lead actor Juris Žagars. Žagars, who is recognized for his work in projects such as the series “Agency: Central Intelligence,” emphasized the importance of the event, viewing it as a vital connection point between the local film community and an international audience. The narrative centers on Anna, a globally renowned organist, whose life is thrown into turmoil when her partner, Andris (played by Žagars), a successful CEO, falls under suspicion of corruption. As Anna prepares for a lavish birthday celebration, she must simultaneously navigate a collapsing reputation, profound moral dilemmas, and intense religious doubts.
Established in 2018, the festival has traditionally welcomed attendees within the walls of Scandinavia House, cementing its status as a crucial platform for exhibiting the achievements of filmmakers from the three Baltic nations. The 2025 program is structured to provide a comprehensive look at the region’s output, featuring contributions from all three countries. Specifically, the schedule includes three full-length feature films and two short film projects originating from each participating Baltic state.
Beyond the opening night feature, the Latvian contingent offers several other notable works that demonstrate the nation’s diverse cinematic output. The documentary section includes Ivars Seleckis’ “Turpinājums. Pieaugušana” (Continuation. Growing Up), a compelling piece of non-fiction cinema. Furthermore, the short film category will introduce audiences to Zane Oborenko’s animated work, “Iemīlējies Kafka” (Kafka in Love), alongside Ildze Felsbergi’s live-action short, “Kur saulīte naktī gul?” (Where does the sun sleep at night?).
In a move designed to broaden access to the arts, the organizers have implemented an online platform. This digital viewing option will be accessible to audiences across the entire United States from November 10 through November 16. This initiative not only reaches a wider public demographic but also provides continued access to significant works from previous years. Such efforts reflect a commitment to preserving and enhancing the cultural heritage of the region, making it accessible for contemplation anywhere. The collective support provided by the national film centers and diaspora organizations of all three states underscores the significance of the NYBFF as an act of cultural exchange and cooperative creation.