Documentary Filmmaker Mansky Granted Citizenship for Special Merits to Latvia

Photo: LETA

The Saeima on Thursday decided to grant Latvian citizenship to documentary filmmaker Vitaly Mansky for special merits to Latvia, writes LETA.

In an address to the parliamentary commission on citizenship, migration, and social cohesion, Mansky stated that he was born and raised in Ukraine, and after finishing high school, he successfully entered VGIK in Moscow on his first attempt. After graduating, he was assigned to work at the Rostov Film Chronicle Studio, from where he later received an invitation to work in Moscow.

The documentary filmmaker noted that a turning point in his life and that of his wife, Natalia Mansky, was the year 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and began preparations to seize eastern Ukraine.

"For us, it became impossible to be part of this criminal state. We immediately decided to leave Russia. In March 2014, after obtaining a residence permit in Latvia, we moved to Riga," Mansky said, adding that the couple has never regretted this decision.

According to Mansky, over the 11 years spent in Riga, Latvia has become a home for him and his wife. They work at the studio "Vertov," founded in Latvia, where, with the support of the National Film Center of Latvia and international partners, seven films have been produced. These films have represented Latvia at over 250 film festivals and brought more than 50 awards to the country.

Mansky also noted that in Riga, together with Latvian colleagues, the International Documentary Film Festival "Artdocfest/Riga" was established, which has become one of the most important events in the world, especially for filmmakers in the Baltics and Eastern Europe.

He stated that he and his wife continue to study the Latvian language and have already passed the A2 level exam. He emphasized that besides having extensive professional connections in Latvia, they have gained many friends in Latvian society.

"I believe that by becoming a full-fledged citizen of Latvia, I will be able to contribute even more to Latvian culture, thereby promoting the recognition of Latvian culture and the Latvian state in the world," the documentary filmmaker declared.

In letters addressed to the commission, support for granting Mansky Latvian citizenship was expressed by director Viesturs Kairišs, chairwoman of the Fiscal Discipline Council Inna Steinbuka, composer Kārlis Auzāns, and documentary filmmaker Ivars Seleckis.