Latvia is represented in Karlovy Vary International Film festival 2014 by «Rocks in My Pockets» — the first ever animated feature film selected for the official competition programme.
Latvian — American co-produced animation «Rocks in My Pockets» — «a funny film about depression» is the first feature animation directed by New York based Latvian animator Signe Baumane. It continues author's remarkable and expressive visual style, this time in a whole new approach, merging papier mâché made, three dimensional backgrounds with hand drawn characters.
«Rocks in My Pockets» is a personal story of Signe Baumane about women from her family, including herself, and their battles with madness. The film is packed with visual metaphors, surreal images and her twisted sense of humor. The film's departure setting takes place in 1920's Latvia, giving an insight into women's roles in the period's society as well as complex history of the country in the 20th century.
Prior to «Rocks in My Pockets», the independent animator has directed 15 short films, often known for «controversial subjects of sex, pregnancy and dentists». Signe Baumane films are characterized by a distinct visual style and, as often seen by public, bold feminist statements.
Signe Baumane will be visiting KVIFF alongside «Rocks in My Pockets'» editor Wendy Cong Zhao and producer Sturgis Warner.
The world sales of «Rocks in My Pockets» outside North America is handled by Warsaw based New Europe Film Sales, whose representatives will be available in KVIFF from July 6 to July 10. North American release will be managed by Zeitgeist Films; Latvian version is co-produced by Locomotive Productions.
The KVIFF screenings schedule:
July 7, 2014, 20:00, Grand Hall
July 8, 2014, 13:00, Pupp
July 10, 2014, 11:30, Drahomira Cinema
For more information and inquiries:
New Europe Film Sales: www.neweuropefilmsales.com
Karlovy Vari International Film festival: www.kviff.com
Zeigeist: www.zeitgeistfilms.com
National Film Centre of Latvia: www.nfc.lv
Locomotive Productions: www.locomotive.lv
