Latvian actor Karlis Arnolds Avots is set to make his Cannes Film Festival debut with 'Ulya,' a film he stars in and co-wrote, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section on May 21.
Latvia's Cinematic Rise
Latvia, with a population of 1.8 million, has recently gained attention in the film industry, notably with 'Flow's' Oscar win for best animated feature in 2025. Now, Avots is bringing further recognition to the Baltic country with 'Ulya.'
A Champion's Story
'Ulya' is directed by Viesturs Kairišs, who previously worked with Avots on 'January.' The film tells the story of Uljana Semjonova, a legendary Latvian basketball player who overcame personal challenges to achieve international success. Semjonova won the Soviet Union’s national championship and the European Champions Cup 15 times each, and earned Olympic Gold medals in 1976 and 1980.
Avots, who knew Semjonova personally, shared, “Her story moved me so much, and I just realized that this is my 'Hamlet.' Actors are always searching for stories that can emotionally disarm them.”
Transforming for 'Ulya'
To portray Semjonova, Avots, who stands at 6’5”, adapted his physicality to match the 7’ tall athlete. “I’m quite an athletic guy. I can dunk. So, I had to find her different rhythm and get my body closer to hers,” he explained. This transformation included a two-year commitment to avoiding weightlifting to better embody her early awkward movements.
Avots emphasized the authenticity required in portraying Semjonova. He conducted extensive research, consulting with Semjonova herself and her teammates, and using photographs to capture her essence.
Future Projects and Impact
Avots has been recognized as a rising talent, selected for the European Shooting Stars showcase at the Berlin Film Festival in 2025. He will also appear in Amazon Prime Video’s 'Bloodaxe' and the BBC's 'Honey,' expanding his international presence.
Reflecting on his Cannes debut, Avots expressed, “It has been a dream of mine. I felt it could land somewhere special. So I’m very happy.”
Avots’s journey from aspiring sportsman to acclaimed actor highlights his dedication to storytelling, particularly stories about misfits and societal outcasts. As he states, “If you call one person a freak, then we are all freaks. Instead of pointing fingers, I think we have to celebrate our differences more.”
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/cannes-rising-star-karlis-arnolds-avots-ulya-interview-1236587637/
