Elza Gauja is completing her film directing master studies at the Latvian Academy of Culture and previously studied acting. Elza is currently finishing her two debut feature-length films as director, co-writer and producer for the documentary feature ‘Meanwhile in Lucavsala’ (in post-production) and her feature dramedy 'Keep Smiling, Mom!’ (in post- production). The latter was just selected for Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2021 (PÖFF) Works In Progress section. Elza has produced several short films, both documentaries and fiction. Elza's documentary short ‘The Professor and Gena”, which she directed and produced, was just nominated for the Latvian National Film Prize ‘Lielais Kristaps’ in two categories.
Latvia