Children of Karosta (2010)

The documentary is about a family life and problems surrounding them in the environment of Karosta. Karosta also called the Naval port or War Port is a part of Liepāja city. It is a unique place not only in Latvia, but also in the world’s history and architecture. Its environment reflects an interaction of tsarist Russia’s military elegance and Soviet militarism. After the Russian army left Latvia in 1994, Karosta became largely uninhabited and most structures were completely destroyed by vandalism. In late 1990s, the area was troubled by a high unemployment, street crime and drug problems. Today around 8900 people are living there, mostly Russian speaking individuals; less than 25 % of those are Latvian citizens. The rest are considered neither Latvian nor Russian and hold the "alien passports". Till this day the district is seen as a dangerous and ugly place by the rest of the Liepaja. Today NATO has declared the port of Karosta an environmental disaster due to the presence of scuttled Soviet ships in the harbor and large piles of lead‐acid batteries on land. Despite this Karosta is a home for a lot of families with children. The heritage of Cold War has now become their playground. The military underground bunkers, abandoned storehouses, tunnels and batteries are the places where kids spend their days. The environment and the disability to integrate within the society, has made symbolic borders between Latvia and Russia. One of these people fighting for their existence is the family of Cizovi. The lonely mother Viktorija takes care of her seven children, while the oldest son is in a juvenile prison. Due to unpaid taxes, Cizovi family has lost their apartment and now is facing major social problems. Currently staying at a friend’s two‐room apartment, Viktorija tries to find solutions. Apart from the constant search for a job, Viktorija fights the injustice from the local social authorities. Looking for help, Viktorija turns to the local religious day center, visited also by her children. It’s a place where local children can participate in social activities, receive warm food and support – qualities that their parent’s are not able to provide. Already from the moment when the Russian army left Karosta till now, its way of existence has been under a question. The constant misunderstandings between the locals and authorities have not lead to any long‐term development and the future of Karosta children still remains unclear.

Keywords: religious services | school | child | custody of a child | Soviet legacy | raskustes olema  | unemployment | vaeslaps | poverty | learning | View all »