Viesturs Kairišs

Regarded as one of the most influential figures in Latvian cinema, Viesturs Kairišs was born in 1971 in Riga, Latvia, and has been actively directing films since the late 1990s. His works, largely characterized by their poignant narratives and gripping drama, span across genres, with his most acclaimed films including 'The Child of Man' and 'Chronicles of Melanie', the latter earning him the Best Director Award at the Shanghai International Film Festival. Kairišs' authorial style is marked by his profound exploration of human emotions, often set against the backdrop of socio-political upheaval.

In a more personal light, Kairišs is a director who has an uncanny ability to unearth the nuanced complexities of the human spirit, making his films not just visually captivating, but also emotionally immersive.