Before the Light (Svārstības), dir. Kristīne Briede, 75’, Latvia, 2023
Female Protestant ministers who wish to serve God, the Church and people as pastors in today’s Latvia can only do so under the wing of foreign churches. Latvia is the only country in the world whose official Lutheran church has banned the ordination of women. While some female ministers leave the country to build lives as pastors elsewhere, others carry on serving as second-rate assistants or other church workers in Latvia. However, some female theologians are ready to fight for a future in a more equal society.
National Premiere February 23, 2023
Cinematographer Jānis Šēnbergs
Sound Director Artis Lūsis
Editor Andris Grants
Original Music Sniedze Prauliņa, Rihards Zaļupe
Producers Antra Gaile, Ieva Ūbele
Production Company Rucka Art Foundation
In Co-production with Baltic Balkan Productions (Latvia)
Supported by
National Film Centre of Latvia
State Culture Capital Foundation of Latvia