The Nordic & Baltic Oscar Contenders series at Scandinavia House returns this season with screenings of films chosen by the Nordic & Baltic countries to compete for the Oscar nomination for the Best International Feature Film! On November 16, see Latvia’s official nomination for the 95th Academy Awards, January (dir. Viesturs Kairiss, Latvia 2022).

In an autobiographical portrayal of the early 1990s political upheaval that changed the lives of members of the former Soviet Union, aspiring filmmaker Jazis and his friends Anna and Zeps are pursuing their dreams of making movies while enjoying the freedom of young adulthood. But their plans are upended with a collapse of their region’s political system, which also alters family ties and friendships. Through their experiences and participation in nonviolent resistance, the construction of barricades and human shields becomes the defining moment of their coming-of-age.

“A spiky punk energy drives this semi-autobiographical tale of first love and a search for identity that plays out against the turbulent backdrop of Latvia’s 1991 fight for independence”—Screen International

This screening will take place in-person at Scandinavia House in Victor Borge Hall.