AnnaLOL

The project ANNA LOL exists on the fringes of narrative filmmaking and documentary-style research. Based on the real diaries of a young girl living in Latvia, the film is a sociological experiment, an exercise in trying to understand a generation that has grown up hyper-connected and that yet, can’t help but feel disconnected, perhaps even alienated from the rest of society. Martha Sofia Trence who, between 2018 and 2019 and at the age of 19, wrote the diaries on which the film is based, has entrusted director Ivars Tontegode to fictionalize her deepest most personal thoughts and experiences, hoping it will tell the story of youth today in Latvia. Tontegode has supplemented the diaries with research from Martha’s peers and social workers, obtaining a window into the minds of a part of society and their little-discussed and controversial topics in Eastern European society, such as LGBTQ +, mental health problems, violence against women, bullying in schools, drug addiction, rape, and problems in family. For the process of creating this work of cinema, Tontegode has also drawn inspiration from his students at the art high school in which he teaches film. As a younger teacher, he is able to relate to many of their problems but also understands the generational conflict, a subject that, along with the process of growth and the search for a way of life, fascinates him.

Teenage angst is a cultural staple, especially in times of volatility as we live in today. From J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye to Sofia Coppola’s Virgin Suicides based on Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel, the themes are universal but also important for the local Latvian community. Tontegode explores the search for one’s own identity and belonging, a journey through stranger’s apartments, gaming halls, drugs, and laundry hand-washed in sinks. This is a period where the sensitive nature, bipolar fits, and eccentric inclinations are only part of the process. Thoughts about the meaning of one's existence, the value of life are inevitable, boundaries are tested. The awareness and discovery of sexuality are a constant in a time in which you can choose not only your sexual orientation but also your gender. The story is centered around suicide and the grief of those left behind to deal with it.

All EVENTS included in film are REAL. Tontegode’s and this campaign's MISSION is to expose the facts, to surface them, and by doing so CREATING a reference POINT FOR KIDS to be able to TALK OPENLY about their issues. As the main character and a large part of the actors in the background are selected from non-professional young people and are facing similar issues in they own lives, we are initiating this campaign through such a media as film to highlight problems about which young people are NOT talking with they parents. And we are inviting everyone who supports such a highlighting, support creating of the film and promotional campaign around the project.

Currently, the completion of the project requires funds for a couple more days of filming, as well as post-processing of the film, as well for collecting materials and starting promotional campaign in social medias.

Every donor will get special mention in our FB page plus additional goods depending on donated sum.

Additional visual information in our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_lol_movie/