Reported by Variety, the film's international appeal is undeniable, with distribution rights sold to North America (New Mountain Films), France (Destiny), Italy (Invisible Carpet), Slovakia (ASFK), former Yugoslavia (Five Star Distribution), Estonia (Hea Film), Lithuania (GPI), MENA (Teleview), Finland (Cinema Orion), Poland (1989), and Brazil (Belas Arte). These deals highlight the growing anticipation for the film, which is Latvia’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards.
“Ulya” offers a unique cinematic experience, diverging sharply from the conventional biopic format. Inspired by the life of seven-foot-tall Latvian basketball legend Ulyana Semjonova, the film is an arthouse exploration rather than a straightforward sports narrative. Director Viesturs Kairišs shared his artistic vision with Variety, stating, “I wanted to tell a Werner Herzog-esque story about a giant girl living in the countryside.” The black-and-white aesthetic and subjective camerawork aim to delve into Semjonova’s inner world, portraying her struggle with identity and feeling like an outsider.
One of the film's most striking aspects is the casting of Kārlis Arnolds Avots, a male actor, in the lead role of Ulyana Semjonova. This unconventional choice was, in fact, Avots’s long-held dream, which Kairišs initially dismissed. However, after hearing Avots passionately articulate his vision for the role, Kairišs realized the potential. Despite initial skepticism from collaborators who pushed for a standard biopic, Kairišs remained committed to his distinctive approach. Semjonova herself reportedly gave her blessing to the project before her passing in January 2026, finding the casting choice meaningful.
The film’s universal themes of embracing one’s unique identity have resonated strongly with audiences. Kairišs noted the surprising breadth of connection the film has achieved, regardless of viewer size or background. “Everyone is struggling with something they want to hide, but it’s probably the best part of who they are,” he explained. This message has translated into phenomenal success in Latvia, where Kairišs proudly declared, “This film is a blockbuster – we’re already the second most-watched film in history.” Similar positive receptions have been noted at festivals in Cannes, Rome, and Los Angeles, affirming the film’s profound impact on a global scale.
