International premiere
The End
Death makes us all equal in this bizarre documentary journey on a surreal path towards the ultimate end.
This philosophical and claustrophobic tale explores the consequences of death and introduces a cast of unsettling researchers you'd never want to meet in real life.
Naturalist veterinarian Ilmars examines animal cadavers and is sceptical about the existence of an afterlife. Meanwhile, masked artist Kristians, from a family of witches, collects bones for poetic musical rituals. Malacologist Edgars identifies all the beetles, worms and insects that consume us, while astronomers Anna and Arnis develop more humane methods of processing domestic animals for food.
The film features riveting shots that showcase nature photographer Māris Maskalāns's portrayal of mythological memento mori. The patient and observant time-lapse inserts are eerily captivating. After watching this film, you may find yourself reluctant to be buried in a cheap coffin.
Edvinas Pukšta
Award for Best Baltic Film, grant of 5000€ from Piletilevi