Riga, Latvia – A compelling new documentary, “Putnubiedēkļi” (translated as “Scarecrows”), is captivating audiences with its unique perspective on the often-unseen world within and around Riga International Airport. The film, directed by Laila Pakalniņa, premiered nationally on February 27, 2026, at the Splendid Palace cinema, following a successful debut at the Tallinn International Film Festival “Black Nights” in August 2025. “Putnubiedēkļi” offers a poetic and visually striking exploration of the individuals tasked with maintaining safety on the airfield – the “skrejceļu reindžeri” (runway rangers) – and their interactions with the diverse wildlife that shares the space.
Pakalniņa’s film isn’t simply about aviation safety; it’s a humanist study of the delicate balance between human infrastructure and the natural world. The documentary unfolds over the course of four seasons, highlighting the fragility of boundaries we create and the inevitable presence of nature. It’s a “lidostas vesterns” – an airport western – as described by those involved, a genre blending the starkness of the industrial landscape with the untamed spirit of the wilderness. The film’s core lies in observing the daily routines of the bird and animal control specialists, individuals who work to prevent collisions between aircraft and wildlife, a constant and critical concern for modern air travel.
A Unique Perspective on Airport Operations
The film’s premise, as articulated by Pakalniņa, began with a simple curiosity: what lies within the “belly of the beast,” so to speak – what secrets does the airport hold? She discovered that within this seemingly sterile environment, a vibrant ecosystem thrives. “The airport’s belly holds poetry,” Pakalniņa explained, suggesting a hidden beauty and complexity often overlooked. “Putnubiedēkļi” doesn’t focus on the mechanics of flight, but rather on the individuals who ensure that flight is safe, and the often-surprising encounters they have with the animals that call the airport grounds home. This includes everything from hares and foxes to bees, beetles, and a variety of bird species.
Mareks Arbidāns, a senior bird and animal control specialist at Riga Airport’s Lidlauka Security and Management Department, plays a central role in the film. His unique perspective, captured through his own mobile phone footage alongside the work of cinematographer Māris Maskalāns, provides an intimate seem into a world typically hidden from public view. The film showcases the contrast between the highly regulated, precise environment of the airport and the unpredictable, natural behaviors of the animals that inhabit it. Arbidāns and his team are responsible for mitigating risks posed by wildlife, but the film subtly questions the particularly notion of “control” in the face of nature’s resilience.
Recognition at the Lielais Kristaps Film Awards
“Putnubiedēkļi” has already garnered significant recognition within the Latvian film industry. The film was a central event in the program of the National Film Awards “Lielais Kristaps” (Great Christopher), receiving nominations in four categories: Best Documentary Film Director (Laila Pakalniņa), Best Documentary Film Operator (Māris Maskalāns), Best Composer (Paulius Kilbauskas, Vygintas Kisevičius), and Best Sound Director (Jonas Maksvytis). The national premiere at Splendid Palace was attended by the film’s creative team, industry professionals, cultural figures, and film enthusiasts.
The film’s international journey began at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, where it opened the Baltic Film Competition program in 2025, receiving positive reviews. Following this success, the film’s international distribution was taken over by Rise and Shine, a Berlin-based company with a strong track record in European film distribution. This partnership suggests a wider international audience will soon have access to Pakalniņa’s unique vision.
The Director’s Vision: A Search for Poetry in the Everyday
Laila Pakalniņa is known for her inquisitive approach to filmmaking, consistently seeking to uncover hidden stories and perspectives. Her work often explores the intersection of human activity and the natural world. In “Putnubiedēkļi,” she shifts the focus from the grand spectacle of air travel to the often-overlooked details of the airport ecosystem. The film’s visual style, described as “visually striking” and “based on visual compositions,” emphasizes the beauty and complexity of this environment. It’s a deliberate choice to present a world that most people only experience from a distance, as passengers rushing to their destinations.
Pakalniņa’s previous work demonstrates a consistent interest in exploring unconventional subjects and challenging traditional documentary formats. She is currently working on a new project titled “Čuksti” (Whispers), suggesting a continued commitment to uncovering hidden narratives and giving voice to the often-unheard. Her ability to find poetry in the mundane, as evidenced in “Putnubiedēkļi,” sets her apart as a distinctive voice in Latvian cinema.
Beyond the Runway: The Broader Implications
“Putnubiedēkļi” is more than just a film about airport operations; it’s a meditation on the relationship between humans and nature, and the challenges of coexisting in a rapidly changing world. The film subtly raises questions about the boundaries we create, both physical and conceptual, and the inevitable encroachment of nature upon those boundaries. The airport, a symbol of human control and technological advancement, becomes a stage for observing the resilience and adaptability of the natural world.
The film’s focus on the “skrejceļu reindžeri” also highlights the often-unseen labor that goes into maintaining modern infrastructure. These individuals, tasked with protecting aircraft and passengers, are also responsible for protecting the wildlife that shares the airport environment. Their work is a constant negotiation between competing priorities, a balancing act that reflects the broader challenges of sustainable development.
The film’s success and critical acclaim suggest a growing audience for documentaries that explore complex environmental and social issues with nuance and sensitivity. “Putnubiedēkļi” offers a compelling example of how filmmaking can be used to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, the challenges of human-wildlife conflict, and the need for a more sustainable approach to development.
As “Putnubiedēkļi” continues its festival run and international distribution, it promises to spark conversations about the hidden worlds around us and the importance of finding poetry in the everyday. The film serves as a reminder that even in the most seemingly artificial environments, nature persists, demanding our attention and respect.
The next confirmed step for Laila Pakalniņa is the completion of her new film, “Čuksti,” with production currently underway. Further details regarding release dates and festival submissions will be announced in the coming months.
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