Soviet Milk: the most important film of the year

“Soviet Milk” is a significant event in the contemporary Latvian film industry. The film is predicted to be the most influential and powerful Latvian film of 2023. In it, Ināra Kolmane reflects on events of the past that still haunt us today: questions of independence and sovereignty are still as painful as freshly cut wounds.

Love to the rescue

Although based on Nora Ikstena’s autobiographical book “Soviet Milk”, the film is a fully independent work of art. The novel tells the story of three generations of Latvian women during the Soviet occupation. The period from the 1940s, when the first Soviet tanks invaded Latvia, to the singing revolution in the Baltics in 1987-1991. At that time, people went out on the streets to fight for the restoration of their country’s sovereignty and independence.

Unlike the book, film focuses on the life of a young, promising doctor, Astra (Maja Doveika). As a gynecologist, she is the first person to experiment with artificial insemination in the USSR. But then the Soviet regime destroys the life of an outstanding and talented personality: an uncompromising and uncomfortable woman in conflict with the system, she is exiled to the countryside. Devastated, she gives up not only her joy and love, but even on her newborn child by refusing to breastfeed it.

The daughter (Rūta Kronberga) who has not received her mother’s milk and care grows up to be a cheerful and sweet girl. She helps her mother cope with her difficult circumstances by taking care of her and the two seem to swap roles. Now she gives Astra loving care and a sense of security. Her love is enough for both of them. It turns out that love does indeed have the power to rescue.

The Fairness Frontier

“Soviet milk” can be divided into two parts. Unlike the plot-entangled book, Kolmane develops a smoothly linear story in her work.

In the first part, action is fragmented, piece by piece, facilitated by dynamic editing. The director’s aim is to acquaint the viewer as fully as possible with the history of the characters, to immerse us in the Soviet context of the 1940s. The authentic interior plays an important role in this – old objects and furniture were used in the filming, reflecting the spirit of the Soviet times. For the older generation, it is a reminder from the past while for the youth – a glimpse into lives of their parents and relatives who experienced the Soviet years.

In the second part of the film, image on screen seems to slow down and stretch out like a flowing river. This allows the viewer to become immersed in the story. To feel it deeply. In the second part of movie, focus is no longer on Astra, but on her daughter. The filming took several years, which gave the girl’s character a special dynamism and depth. She grows and changes before the viewer’s eyes. No special effects, everything is real and true.

Genuineness is a characteristic of Latvian cinema, in general. Many directors prefer to work with non-professional actors, and Ināra Kolmane is no exception. It’s about types – there aren’t many actors in Latvia, so the ones that are available have become very well known to the audience. Working with non-professionals gives the opportunity to create new characters. Then the non-professional actors not only get into their roles, but really live the character in front of the cameras. Real people with real stories on screen.

“Soviet Milk” is a canvas of Latvian history, interweaving the fates of different people. The film tells a story of unconditional maternal love, the desire to live an independent life, to work and to take responsibility for what is happening around us. Despite difficulties and harsh external circumstances, love triumphs.