Latvian Myth. A guide back to oneself
The upcoming feature documentary “Latvian Myth” serves as a deep cultural expedition. It is the brainchild of Human Collective agency, passionate storytellers eager to reconnect with their roots and ancient wisdom as the source of unlimited knowledge and creativity.
In the landscape of contemporary culture, the Human Collective Agency stands as a beacon of storytelling that intertwines cultural and personal narratives to bridge diverse worlds. “Latvian Myth” is the agency’s latest and most ambitious project, delving deep into the rich culture of Latvian traditions and their resonance in today’s world. Currently in production, this documentary has already sparked significant interest and support in global communities, especially through its ongoing Kickstarter campaign that’s set to conclude on June 22nd.
“Our biggest mission is accessibility,” explains Conor Gorman, the co-founder of Human Collective Agency. ‘‘There is a division between people who are into indigenous culture, and people who are not. And the sad thing is that in the world there are problems, huge problems because there is a lot of segregation and consumerism, alienation and mental health issues.” Our passion is in bridging that gap of understanding, and how we could learn from indigenous culture, values and communities for a better future for all.
Who Are the Visionaries Behind the Agency?
The Human Collective Agency is driven by a passionate team whose roots and inspirations are as diverse as the stories they tell. The founders - Masha Segale, Conor Gorman, and sisters Agnese Āboliņa and Diāna Vaznele – grew up surrounded by a confluence of cultures and artistic influences.
The founders’ paths crossed with those of equally passionate individuals, each bringing their unique cultural heritage and professional expertise to the table. Diāna and Agnese, raised in the forests of Latvia, share a deep appreciation for folklore and indigenous wisdom, which perfectly complements Conor’s background growing up in the commercial world, of music, advertising and fashion in Yorkshire and London, and Masha’s interest in embodied practices, music, theatre and contemporary art. This blend of commercial sensibilities and deep cultural appreciation became the bedrock of their collaborative efforts.
Their combined experiences in fashion, art, and documentary filmmaking have culminated in the creation of “Latvian Myth”, a documentary that is not merely a cinematic film but a deep cultural expedition. This project aims to capture the essence of Latvian traditions through immersive storytelling, offering viewers a personal and intimate look into the lives and practices of tradition keepers and cultural custodians, as we dive into this multi-narrative film and personal stories of the characters around the theme of belonging.
The agency’s commitment to creating spaces where stories can be shared and celebrated is evident in their approach to filmmaking and community engagement. They believe in the power of stories to heal, to educate, and to connect, and they are dedicated to bringing these stories to the forefront of global consciousness.
“We aim to continue exploring and documenting cultural practices that may not be widely known but hold significant value and wisdom,” explains Diāna. “Our goal is to create content that not only entertains but also educates and inspires.”
What inspired “Latvian Myth”?
“Seeing Latvian music played for the first time 10 years ago, and seeing this incredible unity of community. And wondering why, why is this there? And we don’t have this in the UK. What is the special secret of this?” says Conor, Recounting seeing his close friend singing at the London Latvian Choir, and having a feeling that it held something larger that he wanted to explore and that we could learn from.
Diāna adds, ‘‘Our team was inspired to create this film by the desire to preserve and reveal Latvia’s unique living intangible cultural heritage to Latvians and the world audience.”
“Latvian Myth” follows the journeys of Conor Gorman, an Englishman, and Diāna Vaznele, a diaspora Latvian, as they delve into the depths of Latvian traditions. Their paths intersected through their shared passion for cultural storytelling and curiosity of their differences, ultimately leading them to create this feature documentary. Diāna, reflecting on her journey, shares, “I grew up deep in the countryside in Bauskas rajons, surrounded by my family’s involvement in forestry, nature, art, and music. Moving to London for film studies, I sought happiness but found deep loneliness and sadness, especially after my grandfather’s death.”
This emotional struggle led Diāna to the London Latvian Choir, where singing folk songs awakened her respect and love for her ancestral wisdom and practices. “I began to notice familiar plants in the parks of London that I once foraged with the elders of my family. This discovery brought me a new sense of peace and belonging to this Earth, wherever I was,” she explains. For Conor, a constant feeling of displacement from Yorkshire to the rush of London and it’s effect on his own mental health, which led to a pull to what could be the answers for change, a feeling that values and community of traditional practices may hold the answer, within this scenario his pull was Latvian culture. Through this, feeling a stronger pull to also go more in depth with his own roots and practices in the UK.
How did Diāna and Conor meet?
Their collaboration began at a choir rehearsal where Diāna met Conor, a film director with a fascinating life story. They quickly bonded over shared existential concerns and the rise of mental health issues in urban environments as they have experienced it themselves. “Often, our conclusions led to the fact that Latvians have managed to preserve a great treasure – knowledge of traditions, which helps maintain a connection with nature and the environment in today’s chaos,” says Conor. This realisation sparked their desire to create “Latvian Myth”, aiming to highlight the holistic lifestyle, values and community Latvians embrace through their traditions.
What drives the filmmakers?
The primary motivation behind “Latvian Myth” is to preserve and reveal Latvia’s unique living intangible cultural heritage to both Latvians and a global audience. “In today’s world, rapidly transformed by globalisation, material desires, and individualisation, the ‘Latvian Myth’ can serve as a guide back to oneself and the value scale of ancestors, promoting collective responsibility and growth,” Diāna emphasises.
Conor adds, “Latvians’ knowledge of traditions, their respect for nature, and the celebration of ancient ‘pagan’ holidays offer a holistic approach to life. We wanted to participate in creating a modern world where we are not just consumers, but creators of the world we live in.”
What do the filmmakers hope to achieve?
Their goal is not only to document these traditions but to restore their importance in modern society, exploring how ancestral wisdom can be integrated into contemporary lifestyles to create a healthier world. “We are inspired by the desire to preserve and reveal Latvia’s unique cultural heritage, which promotes community and identity,” says Diāna.
The Kickstarter Campaign: How Can the Community Support “Latvian Myth”?
The Kickstarter campaign for “Latvian Myth” has seen remarkable support, demonstrating the community’s belief in the project. “We are not just seeking funds; we are validating the importance of preserving and sharing cultural narratives,” Conor explains. The campaign aims to raise the necessary funds to complete the documentary, ensuring the filmmakers can bring their vision to life with the quality and depth it deserves.
What are Human Collective Agency future plans?
Beyond “Latvian Myth”, Human Collective Agency envisions a future filled with more stories celebrating cultural diversity and human connections. They also plan to create a series of short films, more feature films, podcasts, other multimedia content and installations, delving into various traditions and practices worldwide, fostering a greater appreciation for how culture shapes our lives.
Diāna explains more on “Latvian Myth”, “We have something beautiful to show to the world, that’s why we are a mixed foreign and Latvian team, in order to most successfully show the project to foreign markets, as well as motivate international recognition of Latvia.”
How can one be part of this cultural journey?
As the Kickstarter campaign for “Latvian Myth” nears its conclusion, Human Collective Agency invites everyone to be part of this cultural journey. By supporting the campaign, backers contribute to more than just the making of a film – they become part of a larger movement dedicated to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage.
Visit the Kickstarter page to learn more about “Latvian Myth” and support the project. Together, we can ensure these vital cultural narratives continue to inspire and connect us all.
Support “Latvian Myth” on Kickstarter.
For more updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow Human Collective Agency on social media and join the conversation about the importance of cultural preservation and storytelling.
“The ‘Latvian myth’ can serve as a guide back to oneself and the value scale of ancestors, which promotes a collective sense of responsibility and growth, as well as an understanding of our heritage,” both directors agree.
