MANA Brīvība

In the midst of an impending revolution, 33-year-old Alicija, member of the Polish minority in Latvia, becomes the charismatic leader in the political fight against the Soviet dictatorship. Even in Russian-speaking areas, she boldly calls for Latvia to leave the Soviet Union. But soon, Alicija finds herself in a hardly manageable balancing act when her husband is suspected of working for the KGB. This film reveals Alicija's inner conflict and the ambivalent aspirations of the “Popular Front” members in the midst of the political upheaval. With visually stunning scenes, filmed in pale Soviet colors, MY FREEDOM not only portrays the emancipatory struggle of a woman, but also the differentiated and multi-layered confrontation of a nation with their identity. In this context Ilze Kunga-Melgaile creates a gripping kaleidoscope of love, passion and betrayal – and the unbreakable longing for freedom. MY FREEDOM is Latvian’s candidate for the Oscar in the category International Film.

Text: Joshua Jádi