London Baltic Film Festival presents: Ulya (UK premiere)

In 1964, Ulya, an Old Believer teenage girl nearing two meters tall, grows up on a faraway country farm. Her unusual height troubles her family, who wonder if there’s a place for her in the world. When her class photo reaches basketball coaches, Ulya is whisked to Riga to join a famous basketball team. Struggling with her height and identity, she trains hard, but realises basketball can’t fulfil her dream of a normal life. After fleeing back home, Ulya discovers both village life and basketball see her only for her towering height. Accepting herself, she faces a choice: hide or aim to be the best basketball player in the world.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this year and is inspired by the true story of the legendary Latvian basketball player Uljana Semjonova, winner of two Olympic Gold medals, a number of championships from 1968–1989, and an inaugural member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Latvia’s official submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Details about Q&A will be confirmed soon.

The London Baltic Film Festival, a showcase of the latest films from Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania, is the UK’s only celebration of cinema from the three Baltic countries, offering a unique lens into the filmmaking, the people, history, and culture of the three nations.

The festival is supported by the Embassy of Estonia, Embassy of Latvia, Embassy of Lithuania, the Estonian Film Institute, National Film Centre of Latvia, and Lithuanian Film Centre.

This is the sixth edition of the LBFF. Don’t miss out on experiencing Baltic cinema on the big screen.

Please arrive promptly - we do not show adverts.

Part of London Baltic Film Festival 2026 Screened in partnership with London Baltic Film Festival Viesturs Kairiss, Latvia, 2026, 102m.