It is often cited as a prime example of "uncomfortable" cinema, using a fly-on-the-wall approach to capture shocking intimacy.
(English title: Family Instinct ) is a raw and controversial Latvian documentary film released in 2010 that explores the cycles of poverty, social exclusion, and incest within a rural community. 🎬 Cinematic Profile Director: Andris Gauja Producer: Madara Melberga Runtime: 58 minutes Genre: Documentary / Social Realism Release Year: 2010 🎥 Plot and Themes
The film follows , a young woman living in extreme poverty in a remote Latvian village.
The narrative tracks her year-long battle to keep her children out of state custody while living in squalid conditions.
The film portrays a bleak, "wilder-than-fiction" environment populated by heavy drinkers and social outcasts.
⚠️ The title "Gimenes lietas" also translates to "Family Matters" or "Family Affairs" in Latvian and is occasionally associated with the former Latvian Ministry for Children and Family Affairs ( Bērnu un ģimenes lietu ministrija ).
Zanda has two children fathered by her own brother, who is in prison during much of the filming.