You are here:

Jelgava '94

Name: Jelgava '94
Director: Jānis Ābele
Released: 2019
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

2019

Director

Jānis Ābele

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Jelgava '94 is a localized, period-specific character study set during Latvia's post-Soviet transition. It emphasizes personal growth and the intersection of individual experiences with societal changes. The film gains strength from its cultural nuance, using global icons to explore the influence of Western culture on Eastern European youth. However, it remains focused on a relatively homogeneous demographic and traditional coming-of-age themes, lacking broader representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Jelgava '94 have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film explores the developing relationship between Jānis and Kristīne, but does not include any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships.

How does Jelgava '94 portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a maternal bond and character-driven drama, but it does not challenge traditional gender roles or hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Jelgava '94?

Fair

Set in 1994 Latvia, the film reflects the local demographic makeup and does not seek to highlight multicultural diversity.

How does Jelgava '94 represent religion and culture?

Good

The film uses Kurt Cobain’s death to illustrate the impact of Western counter-culture on Eastern European youth, challenging the expected portrayal of a localized period piece.

Does Jelgava '94 include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not provide any information about characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Offers a detailed look at the Baltic region during a significant historical period.
Uses global cultural symbols effectively to explore the impact of Western culture on Eastern Europe.

Limited or Absent

Could benefit from including more diverse representations, such as LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not actively seek to highlight multicultural diversity.

Official Synopsis

It is year 1994. Spring. In Jelgava – a small town in Latvia. Jānis (14) – behaves well at school, shows interest in all subjects, and studies well. His mother loves him very much. There are exactly two things happening in one day, which change his life completely. One – a new girl, Kristīne (15), comes to his class and attracts everybody’s attention immediately. And second– Kurt Cobain commits suicide. Until this moment Jānis does not know anything neither about Nirvana, nor about Cobain. But very soon he finds out.

How are these scores produced? →