City on the River

The City on the River is a tragicomedy about the ultimate triumph of human virtues in the face of systematic, institutional inhumanity. It tells the story through eyes of a somewhat naive, yet inherently wise soul - a sign-painter/artist Ansis. The sweeping backdrop of the complex history of serial totalitarian occupation puts the story in a global - and extremely relevant – context.

Ansis loves a Jewish girl Zisla but religious and social prejudices put obstacles in the path of their love. Then Naiga, a Latvian, appears and assumes initiative in feelings until, following a chain of misunderstandings, Ansis out of a sudden becomes her boyfriend and, later on, the husband.
Historical events turn the perspective of relationships upside-down as Zisla, the daughter of a rich merchant, turns into the class enemy – a communist. Ansis’ relationship with both the young women becomes explosive when Zisla as a communist who has participated at repressions against Naiga’s father falls victim to Nazis’ persecutions. Now Ansis not only has to choose between his two lovers but literally decide who lives and who dies.