MOTHER, I LOVE YOU
Mammu, es tevi mīlu
Directed by Jānis Nords
Latvia | 2013 | 83 min | drama | Latvian
12-year-old Raimonds does what he can to make his strict mother proud – he even plays the saxophone in the school band instead of riding his kickboard in a skate park. When he tries to cover up a bad note at school, a spiral of lies is started, which soon spins out of control. Thanks to his friend Peteris, whose mother is a cleaner, Raimonds gets hold of the keys to a fancy apartment and wants to spend the night there. Unfortunately, the owner comes back home with a girl, who not only robs him but also takes Raimonds’ saxophone. The boy has to venture into the night Riga to get the instrument back. When Peteris is accused of robbing the flat, Raimonds has to decide whether to save his friendship or his face in front of the mother. An exciting story about the healing power of truth.
Cast & Crew
Director: Jānis Nords
Screenplay: Jānis Nords
Cinematography: Tobias Datum
Editing: Tamara Meem
Cast: Kristofers Konovalovs, Vita Vārpiņa, Matīss Livčāns, Indra Briķe
Producers: Alise Ģelze (Film Studio TANKA), Gatis Šmits (Film Studio TANKA)
Jānis NordsLatvia
Festivals & Awards
Berlinale – Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury – Best Feature Film
Buster International Children’s Film Festival – Danish Writer’s Guild’s Best Screenplay for Children
Latvian National Film Festival – Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress
Los Angeles Film Festival – Best Narrative Feature
Zlin International Film Festival – ECFA Award
Toronto Kids International Film Festival
Vilnius International Film Festival
Tel Aviv Children and Youth International Film Festival
St Petersburg International Film Festival
Calgary International Film Festival
Rio International Film Festival
Brisbane International Film Festival
Philadelphia International Film Festival
Thessaloniki International Film Festival
Golden Elephant International Film Festival
Tallinn Black Nights
Gijon International Film Festival
press quotes
Nords avoids falling into stereotypes, (…) refuses a moralistic feel-good ending, satisfyingly choosing to emphasize the relief of being up-front. (…) All performances are strong.
Variety
The film touched us deeply, because it gives us a look in the inner conflict of a boy, who learns to take responsibility for his actions and experiences that friendship needs honesty.
2013 Berlinale Generation KPlus jury explanation
“Mother I Love You” captures all of the drama and desperation of a young boy caught in a difficult situation from his unique perspective… Kristofers Konovalovs is perfect for the role… he gives a very detailed and emotionally layered performance.
Indiewire
With an excellent nuanced performance by fresh-faced newcomer Kristofers Konovalovs at its core, the tale of a wayward 12-year-old’s painful transition toward maturity treads familiar turf with disarming confidence.
The Hollywood Reporter
