Following discussions surrounding Viesturs Kairišs’ biographical drama Uļa, which tells the story of legendary basketball star Uļjana Semjonova, public figures and audiences have shared varied reactions regarding the film’s portrayal.
What You Need to Know About the Film’s Reception
- The Core Dispute: Musician Andris Kivičs publicly criticized director Viesturs Kairišs for depicting Semjonova’s life with overwhelming gloom and despair, arguing that the 2.10-meter basketball icon lived a joyous and globally celebrated life.
- Divided Reactions: While some viewers and cast members praised the film’s emotional depth and artistic merit—notably lead actor Kārlis Arnolds Avots and coach Rimbenieks—others echoed Kivičs’ sentiment that the cinematic framing lacked the joy and competitive triumphs of Semjonova’s career.
- Upcoming Screenings: Despite domestic friction over its tone, the feature continues its international festival run and regional community screenings, including an upcoming presentation in Ventspils district.
Andris Kivičs Criticizes the Film’s Bleak Tone
The controversy ignited when musician Andris Kivičs took to social media to voice his disapproval of the film, nra.lv reported. Kivičs argued that the production’s stylistic choices failed to capture the genuine spirit of Semjonova, who stood 2.10 meters tall and achieved global fame during the late 1960s.
According to la.lv, Kivičs asserted that Semjonova experienced immense joy, success, and extraordinary life events rather than the persistent sadness emphasized on screen. He contended that the cinematic approach leaned into unnecessary misery rather than celebrating the historic athlete’s actual lived experiences.
Cast and Audience Divide Over Artistic License
Public reaction to the film remains deeply polarized. Arvīds, an actor who participated in the production, defended the work in comments reported by nra.lv, describing it as an emotionally resonant and powerful piece that rewarded repeated viewings with new insights and tears.
Conversely, other viewers expressed disappointment. A spectator named Irina noted that she attended the screening expecting an uplifting biographical account to share with her children, only to find the melancholic atmosphere misaligned with Semjonova’s public persona. Another commenter, Lilita, shared a similar sentiment, suggesting that the interpretation risked misrepresenting the basketball star’s legacy.
International Festivals and Regional Showings
The biographical drama traces Semjonova’s journey from a remote Latvian family farm to becoming a world-renowned sports figure following a pivotal class photograph that brought her to the attention of basketball coaches in Riga. Following its debut in Cannes’ “Un Certain Regard” section and its selection as Latvia’s Academy Awards candidate, the film is expanding its reach.
VisitVentspils confirmed that the feature is scheduled for local community screenings, including an upcoming presentation at the Ventavas community center “Mazā Vinda” in the Vārve parish.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| World Premiere | Cannes Film Festival (“Un Certain Regard”) |
| Awards Season Status | Latvian submission for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards |
