Italian
Juris Kursietis tackles cultural clashes in “The Exalted”
Latvian writer-director Juris Kursietis, known for his acclaimed works “Soviet Jeans” and “Oleg,” is set to make waves at Tallinn’s Black Nights Film Festival with his latest film “The Exalted,” premiering on November 14. This satirical drama delves into the intricate web of cultural conflicts between Eastern and Western Europe through the story of an upper-class couple.
Exploring the cultural divide
“The Exalted” navigates through the stark cultural differences that often exist between Eastern and Western Europe. The narrative revolves around Anna, a German world-renowned organ soloist, and her husband Andris, a Latvian businessman. Their idyllic life is shattered when Andris is arrested under suspicion of bribery by anti-corruption forces, thrusting Anna into a chaotic world far removed from her meticulously curated existence.
Johanna Wokalek, known for her roles in “Spy City” and “The Baader Meinhof Complex,” stars as Anna, while Juris Žagars, notable for “Troubled Minds” and “The Dark Deer,” takes on the role of Andris. The ensemble cast also includes Judith Hofmann, Hanna Hilsdorf, Yorgos Pirpassopoulos, and Pekka Strang, adding depth and diversity to the film’s character portrayals.
The vision behind “The Exalted”
Arnaud Chevallier, founder of the newly launched French sales outfit B-Rated International, praises the film for its “brilliant and subtle directing” and its “globally relevant themes and multiple languages,” viewing it as a significant addition to their portfolio outside of Estonia, Latvia, and Greece.
Kursietis notes that “The Exalted” offers a profound examination of the perceptions and prejudices that linger between smaller Baltic countries and Western Europe. He acknowledges the discrimination that individuals from Baltic regions often face in a European context, reflecting on this through the personal tribulations of Anna and Andris.
The making of a satirical masterpiece
Kursietis, who shares writing credits with his wife and “Oleg” co-writer Liga Celma-Kursiete, conceptualized “The Exalted” six or seven years ago during a series of high-profile corruption scandals in Latvia. Rather than digging into the specifics of these cases, his focus was on the familial impact and the sudden loss of control experienced by those close to the accused.
The film’s visual and technical craftsmanship is bolstered by the contributions of Oscar-nominated editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis, DOP Bogumil Godfreijów, and Estonian costume designer Jaanus Vahtra, ensuring a compelling and high-quality viewing experience.
Art versus money: A complex relationship
Kursietis is keen to address the ethical quandaries surrounding art and its relationship with money, especially when said money is “dirty or toxic.” With the recent geopolitical shifts, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the source of funding has become an increasingly sensitive topic. Kursietis questions whether artists should concern themselves with where their funding originates, particularly in instances involving “blood money” from controversial sources.
To prepare for her role as Anna, Wokalek underwent six months of rigorous training with celebrated Latvian organist Iveta Apkalna. Despite budget constraints and a tight 19-day shooting schedule in Latvia, the production team, led by Alise Gelze for White Picture, managed to bring the project to fruition.
Looking ahead: New projects on the horizon
Building on his success, Kursietis is already planning his next feature film, one centered on a family with a daughter who has Down Syndrome. Inspired by his own experiences with a brother who has Down Syndrome, he aims to begin filming in the fall of 2025. This upcoming project promises to be deeply personal, continuing Kursietis’ trend of tackling significant social issues through a powerful and evocative narrative lens.
“The Exalted” promises to be a thought-provoking addition to the cinematic landscape, offering audiences a sharp critique of societal and cultural disparities. Kursietis’ ability to weave complex narratives with emotional depth ensures that his work remains both relevant and impactful.
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For more details on “The Exalted,” visit https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/the-exalted. Enjoy discovering the intricacies and profound messages of these cinematic masterpieces.
