Latvian Oscar Contender ‘Ulya’ Secures Global Distribution Deals Ahead of Tallinn Premiere

Variety · 2026-10-28
Latvian Oscar Contender ‘Ulya’ Secures Global Distribution Deals Ahead of Tallinn Premiere

Latvia’s official Oscar submission for Best International Feature Film, “Ulya,” has locked distribution deals across key territories, including North America via New Mountain Films, France through Destiny, and Italy with Invisible Carpet. Additional sales cover Slovakia, former Yugoslavia, Estonia, Lithuania, MENA, Finland, Poland, and Brazil, signaling strong international confidence in the black-and-white drama. The film’s wide reach ahead of its Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival premiere underscores its appeal beyond arthouse circles, with one insider dubbing it ‘a blockbuster’ in its own right. As the awards season heats up, “Ulya” is poised to gain further momentum, with its universal themes and striking visual style resonating across diverse markets. The strategic acquisitions suggest distributors see both critical and commercial potential, positioning the Latvian entry as a dark horse in the international feature race.