Germans, Stalin, Rock and Roll: What Foreigners Are Filming in Latvia

This summer, Riga is becoming a filming location for foreign films – and it's all funded by our money. In 2026, the budget will allocate 3.4 million euros, and in 2027, the amount will more than double – to 7.4 million euros.

The Minister of Economy in the Leading Role

The leadership in utilizing subsidies has been taken over by the department of Viktors Valainis (Union of Greens and Farmers), which presented another project to the Cabinet of Ministers at the end of April:

"The filming of foreign movies and the organization of large events contribute to the involvement of local businesses and specialists in international projects, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology, improving professional skills, and increasing the competitiveness of the industry. At the same time, a related service chain is developing – technical support, logistics, accommodation, catering, transportation, and other related services. Large events and foreign films created in Latvia serve as an effective tool for building the image of the state, contributing to tourist flows, investor interest, and Latvia's reputation as an environment for safe, professional, and creative cooperation. This aspect is particularly important in the long term, as it fosters sustainable interest in Latvia as a destination in the context of culture, sports, and entrepreneurial activities. At the same time, the implementation of supported projects creates direct and indirect tax revenues for the state budget."

The Lord of the Rings and Two Prosecutors

The idea is certainly good, but it is unlikely that every viewer will watch the film until the end – or be curious about the filming location.

Of course, there are examples of how tourism inspired by famous film sagas has literally boosted national economies – for instance, the Hollywood trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" had a colossal impact on New Zealand's economy, making it a global center for film tourism. It is difficult to calculate the exact total amount over the years since the first film in 2001, but the impact is estimated in the billions of dollars. The "Hobbiton" village near Matamata has become a major attraction. The ticket price there is about 199 New Zealand dollars (approximately 99 euros), attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, generating huge revenues for the Waikato region...

However, from the perspective of Western producers, Latvia is likely to be portrayed as such places and times that do not inspire much desire to visit.

For example, Ukrainian director of Belarusian origin Sergei Loznitsa chose the now non-functioning "Brasa" prison as a location for his film "Two Prosecutors," which critiques the cult of personality. The main production was handled by a French company, while the organization of filming was managed by Latvian co-producer Alise Gelze and executive producer – Mārtiņš Eihe.

Previously, the same Mr. Loznitsa selected Daugavpils and its "White Swan" prison for his film "A Gentle Creature" (based on Dostoevsky), in a modern Russian provincial style. This clearly shows what a regional center of a European Union and NATO member state looks like.

Box Office Hits

It is worth recalling that the Riga Film Studio was one of the leading studios in the USSR, so our city often appeared in films, especially in the genres of detective, drama, and adaptations of foreign literature. Here are the most famous Soviet films shot in Riga:

• "Seventeen Moments of Spring" (1973): Jauniela Street in Old Riga "played" the role of Flower Street in Bern, as well as a street in Berlin.

• "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson" (1979–1986): The same Jauniela Street served as Baker Street in London.

• "The Theater" (1978): A film featuring Vija Artmane, shot in Riga.

• "Mirage" (1983): A famous detective thriller.

• "Shield and Sword" (1968): Some scenes of the spy film were shot in Riga.

• "Rich Man, Poor Man" (1982): Filmed, among other places, on Nometņu Street.

The display of the aforementioned film locations in Vecā Riga still serves as a mandatory part of the tour for tourists from the former common country. No matter where they come from – be it Kazakhstan or Israel, as the cultural context is important, Swedes and Germans are not interested.

Where We Will Soon See Latvia

"Wild, Wild East" – a historical noir thriller by Polish director Jan Holoubek (known for Netflix series "The Mire," "High Water"). Filming took place in Kuldīga, Riga, and Salacgrīva.

The action takes place in 1943, with the plot revolving around German investigator Martin Wolf, who is investigating the disappearance of a lawyer in an occupied village. His arrival disrupts the fragile balance between local residents, corrupt collaborators, and Nazis, revealing secrets and betrayals. In 2025, our taxpayers allocated 362,030.4 euros for the film, and this year, 872,064 euros will be spent from the Latvian budget on filming.

"Dirt in Your Face". A film directed by Estonian Jaan Kili tells the story of a brave and self-confident 17-year-old Mihkel, who, along with a hard rock band, embarks on a summer journey to perform at the most important music festival of his life. This journey, filled with music, alcohol, and love, becomes a fateful experience that shapes the self-awareness of the Baltic generation in the final years of the USSR.

Filming took place in the picturesque surroundings of Birini Castle. Last year, 611,500 euros of state funding from Latvia was spent.

"Young Stalin". A film about the young Joseph Vissarionovich will be shot in Latvia. The role is intended to be played by the star of "The Seagull," British actor Cosmo Jarvis. The biopic will tell about the early years of the Soviet leader's life, including his involvement in the 1907 Tiflis bank robbery.

The film will be based on the book "Young Stalin" by English historian and writer Simon Sebag Montefiore. The director will be Gela Babluani, known for the films "13" and "The Legacy." The film is produced by Access Entertainment and the Georgian Independent Film Project, with Latvian company SIA Nafta Films involved. The release date of the film is still unknown...

It is worth noting that a feature of modern cinema is the so-called post-production – the final stage of creating a work, when the editor's steady hand erases all sorts of realities that are unrelated to the essence of the film. So, it is quite possible that even if we see the listed films, our regions will be unrecognizable in them.