Other events in Baltic States

Signe Baumane's full-length animated picture "Rocks in My Pockets" will be the official selection from Latvia, hoping for one of the five nominations for an Academy Award in the category: "Best Foreign Language Film", informs LETA.

Jury member Kristine Matisa commented that Baumane's film's "international language, intimate story, and the director's courage to look at serious personal issues, can appeal to audiences worldwide."

The film has already earned recognition from notable critics and newspapers, including "The New York Times", and it has won several awards.

Anna Rozenvalde from Latvian Television's Film Division explained that Latvia has a long-time tradition of top quality animated films, therefore she is pleased that a film made in this technique is the nation's "Oscar" selection.

Sub-titled "A Crazy Quest for Sanity", the movie is a story of five women from Baumane's family, including herself, who try to overcome obstacles of life, depression, and madness. "Rocks in My Pockets" mixes events of Latvian history with stories of family secrets, love and marriage.

The "Oscar" ceremony will be held in Hollywood next year on February 22.