Young NoFF Pick: Escape Net

In Soviet-occupied Riga during the 1950s, young Dzidra from Latvia fights her way to the top of the basketball world. She is driven by the hope that playing internationally could reunite her with her brother, who crossed beyond the Iron Curtain and who she believes to be dead. Under the watchful eye of the authorities, the national USSR team rises and becomes an unprecedented European succes; yet along with pride comes political paranoia and the fear of being branded a traitor while abroad. When Dzidra learns about her brother's fate, she is forced to make a difficult decision: escape or remain loyal to Latvia. Escape Net paints is about an iconic women's team that not only made sports history but also ignited the national spirit of an oppressed people. With a strong eye for detail, the film brings to life a story still unknown to many - a tale of courage, love, and the price of freedom in an occupied land.

This second feature film by director Dzintars Dreibergs was previously presented at the Tallinn Black Nights Festival. Escape Net became a massive success in Latvian cinemas, after Dreibergs’ debut film, Blizzard of Souls (2019), had already broken the record for the most-watched film in Latvia.

Escape Net is the Young NoFF Pick of 2026! Young NoFF will introduce both film screenings. They will touch on the theme of the film and will video-interview director and co-writer Dzintars Dreibergs.