January

Jazis is a young, aimless film student on the precipice of adulthood. The year is 1991, the place is Latvia and the fall of the Soviet Union is in full swing. Jazis is still mostly concerned with teenage matters — the beautiful Anna in class, partying, punk aesthetics, becoming a famous filmmaker, and avoiding being drafted into the Soviet army. But as both the political situation escalates and Jazi's plans for the future seem to fall apart, he is forced to make some grown-up decisions.

January is certainly a tribute to filmmakers, but also to film in general, youth, and a very important historical era in the Baltic countries. Filmed in good old-fashioned 4:3 format and with the consistent use of grainy film, hand-held camera, and dreamy, artistic sequences, the film evokes both the feeling of the early 90s and of being young, creative students with big dreams.