THE EXALTED
In-Person Screening: Wednesday, November 5, 6 pm
Actor Juris Žagars will present a Q&A following the screening.
Virtual Screenings: TBA
The Exalted (Cildenie)
Juris Kursietis, 98 min, Latvia, Estonia, Greece, 2025
In English, Latvian and German with English subtitles
North American Premiere
In this exquisite Baltic thriller that pushes the boundaries of loyalty and greed, Anna (Johanna Wokalek), an internationally renowned organist whose partner Andris (Juris Zagars) a successful CEO, is suspected of corruption. As Anna proceeds with a lavish birthday party in the countryside, she must navigate a crumbling reputation, moral dilemmas, false accusations, and religious uncertainty. The restless handheld camera draws us into her emotional turmoil, as the foundation of her life collapses alongside her partner’s arrest.
Established Latvian director Juris Kursietis' return to cinema is deeply atmospheric and character-driven, deftly intertwining Anna’s professional life with her personal crisis. The Exalted presents a powerful commentary on loyalty, moral conflict, the weight of public perception and the intersection of personal and public turmoil.
Festival & Awards History
2024 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
Director bio:
Juris Kursietis (born 1983, Latvia) is an award-winning filmmaker known for his sharp realism and exploration of complex social themes. He began his career as a foreign correspondent for Latvian National Television before pursuing a Master's degree in film directing at the Northern Media School in the UK. His debut feature, Modris (2014), earned him Best Director awards at the San Sebastián and Tbilisi International Film Festivals. His second film, Oleg (2019), screened at NYBFF2020, premiered in the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes and won top awards at the Brussels International Film Festival. The Exalted (2024) marks his return to the big screen, showcasing his continued commitment to compelling storytelling and nuanced character studies.