Grandpa More Dangerous than Computer is a story about an 8 year-old boy from the city, Oskars, who has to spend the summer with his grandfather in a small town in the countryside. Unfortunately, his grandfather does not like computers, dirty dishes or lies; however, he does live by certain principles. From fighting to cooperation and even friendship – what could happen? “Grandpa connects with his grandson not just in that he is a good craftsman, and that he is good at his job, but mostly with a personal kindness and poise,” explains director Varis Brasla.
Children are played by Markuss Jānis Eglītis from Carnikava and Eva Ozola from Kuldīga. Adult roles are played by Mārtiņš Vilsons, Akvelīna Līvmane, Mārtiņš Meiers, Lauris Dzelzītis, Uldis Dumpis, Alise Polačenko, Vizma Kalme, Inese Pudža, and others. Cats are played by Samuraj Lux Hugo Boss from Ventspils and Muris from Rīga. Other animals also appear in the film.
With over 50 years of experience, the film’s director, Varis Brasla, is among the Latvian cinema classics. During his career, he has been a part of 13 feature fictions, four of which have been awarded a Lielais Kristaps for best film at the National film festival. Three of Varis Brasla’s directed films have earned him the reputation as a talented children’s film director. He fantastically manages to create a positive comedic atmosphere as well as the stylistics of a childhood world and, furthermore has a great ability to work with young actors.
The story is written by Varis Brasla’s long-time stylistic companion, Alvis Lapiņš, together with whom they have created many exceedingly popular family films. The rest of the production team is made up of experienced professionals – DOP Uldis Jancis, artist Mārtiņš Milbrets, sound director Anrijs Krenbergs, composer Emīls Zilberts and producer Gatis Upmalis. The film is produced by the studio F.O.R.M.A., known for its experience in family film production. The studio won the hearts of many with films like “Little Robbers” (Mazie laupītāji) (2009), directed by Armands Zvirbulis and “Waterbomb for the Fat Tomcat” (Ūdensbumba resnajam runcim) (2004), also directed by Varis Brasla.
With the premiere approaching, creators of Grandpa More Dangerous than Computer are organizing various special events, such as the competition for kids up to 18 “Vectēvs, kas labāks par datoru” (Grandpa better than computer), that asks them to film their summer experiences with their grandfathers and send them in until July 31.
Translated by Mārtiņš Petrovskis
