Leonīds Leimanis

"The Maestro of Latvian Cinema", Leonīds Leimanis was born in 1914 in Riga, Latvia, and was notably active in the film industry from 1949 to 1982. The director primarily worked within the genres of drama and romance and is renowned for his films such as "Nāves ēnā" (In the Shadow of Death) and "Četri balti krekli" (Four White Shirts), which have become pillars of Latvian cinema. Despite his lack of recognition at major international film festivals, Leimanis is highly esteemed in his homeland, with his compelling storytelling and authentic portrayal of Latvian life and culture earning him several national awards. Leimanis is remembered not only as a master craftsman of cinema, but also as a true patriot whose love for his country shone through every frame he shot.