On August 14, at 20:30 local time, the former Mežciema sanatorium grounds in Daugavpils will host a free open-air cinema screening of the Latvian crime drama “Tumšzilais evaņģēlijs” (“Dark Blue Gospel”), according to the Daugavpils City Municipality Public Relations Department and the Daugavpils City Municipality Tourism Department (Visit Daugavpils). The event invites local residents and city visitors to experience the film inside one of Daugavpils’ most historically significant and recognizable architectural landmarks.
Set against the backdrop of 1990s Riga, “Tumšzilais evaņģēlijs” follows a young State Police criminal police investigator named Romāns Skulte as he begins his career at the 21st Police Precinct in Riga's Central District. Driven by initial enthusiasm, Skulte quickly learns that idealism falls short when confronting the criminal world, forcing him to bend rules and principles to tackle the underground world. The production earned recognition in 2026 by winning the Latvian National Film Award “Lielais Kristaps” in the category of Best Feature Film, as reported by municipal sources.
The outdoor screening offers free admission, and organizers note that attendees can purchase fresh popcorn and refreshing beverages on-site. The historic Mežciema sanatorium grounds, known for their unique architectural heritage and cultural landscape, provide an atmospheric setting for summer evening gatherings. The screening follows a concert held at the same location on August 13 as part of the “Musical August in Daugavpils” festival, according to Visit Daugavpils.
Transportation and Logistics for Attendees
To help visitors return home smoothly after the credits roll, the municipal transport company SIA “Daugavpils satiksme” will operate a special additional bus run on Route No. 4, designated as “Autoosta – Cietoksnis – Mežciems – Autoosta” (Bus Station – Fortress – Mežciems – Bus Station). The extra service is designed specifically to assist passengers traveling from Mežciems toward the Jaunā Forštate residential district and the city center.
According to municipal transport schedules, the special bus will depart the main Bus Station (“Autoosta”) stop at 22:55, arriving at the “Mežciems” terminus at 23:15 for the return trip via Jaunā Forštate. Additionally, filmgoers can utilize regular transit options, including the Route No. 5 bus (“Autoosta – Mežciems – Cietoksnis – Autoosta”), which departs the Mežciems stop at 22:50. Local authorities encourage attendees to arrive early to enjoy the historic surroundings before the screening begins at 20:30.
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