Dzejnieks un Auķis

The film, like fragile, sensual, philosophical poetry, evokes the youth of the Poet (Imants Ziedonis) and Auķa (the actress Ausma Kantāne-Ziedone was called Imants), when poetic words in letters and postcards were the lifeline for another person. In his letters, the Poet writes about the cultural figures with whom he travels to distant lands, his observations about places where ordinary people of that time could rarely travel – even to Bulgaria and Poland, as well as Sakhalin. The poet's observations about the people he met in foreign lands, as well as about parties, cafes, and girls, are amusing. In the letters, just like in Imants Ziedonis' poetry, there is their longing for a strong family filled with children, understanding, personality development, as well as contrasts and reflections on their great talents, and how close they are to each other even when they have reached creative heights.

Directed by Guntis Lēmanis, Dzejnieks un Auķis leans on a strong ensemble — Imants Ziedonis, Ausma Kantāne, Kaspars Znotiņš — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2023.