The Moment Before

Walking through the streets of Riga, you meet all kinds of people, some may support Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Depending on where and when you are, these people could be on every corner in the city center. But you also come across those who are ready to resist a possible invasion. Some are more hesitant, others more confident. Do we all - friends, acquaintances, strangers - share the same values? Or are we sometimes interacting with people driven by hatred or completely different beliefs to ours?

A passionate defender of Ukraine might find love in Riga, but her thoughts are still consumed by the war she escaped. She’s caught between fighting the enemy and struggling with her own emotions. How can you love someone who might be your enemy? Is it possible to heal from the pain of war, or to escape the grip of grief and anger?

This immersive cinematic experience, filmed in one-shot, blends documentary, theatre, fiction, and music, creating a powerful, multi-layered journey. It takes us through a flow of emotions, connecting the past and present, and even finding moments of hope and freedom in the midst of tragedy. It’s an opportunity to explore the emotional impact of war, personal struggle, and the possibility of healing.