Ticket sales from a special charity screening of the biographical feature film Ula were donated to the Latvian Olympians Social Fund, supporting sports veterans, tv3.lv reported. The fund was led for many years by legendary basketball player Uļjana Semjonova, who ensured that once-distinguished athletes did not face hardship without support after their professional careers ended.
The charity event took place on October 13, 2026, continuing Semjonova’s lifelong advocacy for retired athletes, according to 1188.lv. Every ticket purchased for the screening directly funded assistance for sports veterans across Latvia. Following the film, audiences met actor Kārlis Arnolds Avots, who portrayed Semjonova and co-authored the script and film idea.
Avots expressed surprise at the warm reception from audiences. He noted that international colleagues filming abroad found it difficult to believe a black-and-white art film about an unusual personality could outperform major American blockbusters like Spider-Man. The exact fundraising total was tallied after ticket sales closed.
Box Office Success and International Reception
The feature film opened in Latvian cinemas on September 16, 2026, following a premiere at the Splendid Palace on September 15, 1188.lv reported. During its opening week, the film drew 23,000 viewers, marking the strongest domestic start for a Latvian film since 2019. By its third week, the film maintained the number-one spot at the local box office, drawing a total of 60,000 viewers.
The international journey for Ula began much earlier at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, where it debuted on May 21, 2026, in the Un Certain Regard competitive section, as reported by la.lv. The world premiere brought a seven-minute standing ovation inside the theater, with actors and filmmakers walking the red carpet alongside international figures like Penélope Cruz, Tilda Swinton, Marion Cotillard, and Demi Moore. Latvian patron Maksims Mališko also attended the Cannes screening.
Following its festival run in Cannes, the film opened festivals in Lübeck and Tallinn in November and held its North American premiere in New York. The National Film Centre of Latvia selected the feature as the country’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Biographical Narrative of Uļjana Semjonova
Directed by Viestur Kairiss, Ula explores the life of Semjonova in 1960s Latvia, focusing on a period of growing up, self-acceptance, and finding one’s place in the world. Standing nearly two meters tall, the protagonist faces constant scrutiny regarding her height from her surrounding community. While basketball offers new opportunities, she yearns for an ordinary life free from judgment.
The film is a four-country co-production between Latvia’s Ego Media, Estonia’s Allfilm, Poland’s Staron Film, and Lithuania’s Tremora, distributed in Latvia by ACME Film. The script was written by Kārlis Arnolds Avots, Līvija Ulmane, and Andris Feldmanis, with Guntis Trekteris producing. Polish cinematographer Wojciech Staroń filmed the project, and Ieva Jurjāne designed the artistic direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who funded the production of Ula?
The film is a four-country co-production involving studios Ego Media from Latvia, Allfilm from Estonia, Staron Film from Poland, and Tremora from Lithuania.
How many viewers did the film attract in Latvian cinemas?
The film drew 23,000 viewers in its opening week and reached a total of 60,000 viewers by its third week at the box office.
Where did the film hold its international premiere?
The world premiere took place at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2026, competing in the Un Certain Regard section.
Which organization received the ticket proceeds from the October charity screening?
The ticket proceeds were donated to the Latvian Olympians Social Fund to assist sports veterans.