Latvia A bold new voice in both filmmaking and writing, Alise Zariņa once reshaped contemporary Latvian cinema with her debut feature Nearby (2019), praised for its contemporary feel, naturalistic dialogue, and strong female perspective. Her second feature “Flesh, Blood, Even a Heart” is set to premiere in March. Zariņa also co-created the TV drama series The Assistant (2024), a candid exploration of social issues in today’s Latvia. A recurring theme in Alise’s work is the female gaze. Her short documentary II Lines, on abortion, received several national cinema awards and was screened internationally, while her first low-budget feature earned her the title of Best Screenwriter of the Year in Latvia. Her outspoken public positions and activism have been recognized with the Latvian PEN Award. She also works in advertising, where she has received both local and international awards for her distinctive social campaigns.
