Daira Āboliņa in Latvian Television programme “Kultūrdeva”: the centenary of the legendary “Splendid Palace” cinema and its future
Daira Āboliņa, Head of the Art Direction at the Faculty of Media and Creative Technologies of RISEBA University, as well as film critic, artistic director and curator of the Splendid Palace cinema, was a guest on the LTV programme “Kultūrdeva”.
The central theme of the programme was the centenary of the legendary Splendid Palace cinema, a monument that has been the centre of remarkable cinema screenings and cultural events for a hundred years. The programme also explored the future of the cinema, exploring its possible evolution and the general direction it could take in the changing world of film watching.
While the traditional cinema experience remains unmatched, the rise of movie streaming platforms has undeniably changed the landscape of cinema. We invite you to watch the full programme (in Latvian language).
Daira Āboliņa has been the artistic director and curator of Splendid Palace for fifteen years. She has a sense of talent and a deep understanding of filmmaking, and has been instrumental in shaping cinema’s legacy over the years. At RISEBA, she is Head of the Art Direction. Her dual roles in the practical and academic fields of filmmaking give her a unique perspective that she uses to enrich the learning experience of the students.
Splendid Palace is more than just a cinema – it is a cultural institution and an architectural jewel. Founded a century ago, Splendid Palace is one of the oldest cinemas in Europe. Over the years, it has hosted countless film premieres, festivals and other cultural events, and has played an important role in shaping the country’s cultural narrative. Everything about Splendid Palace – from its ornate architecture to its carefully curated film screenings – is a testament to its commitment to the arts. As we enter the next century, the cinema remains a beloved cultural hub that continues to inspire, engage and entertain generations of moviegoers.
Daira Āboliņa’s appearance on Kultūrdeva was not only a celebration of Splendid Palace’s past, but also a vision for the future. Her insights were a reminder of the power of cinema to connect people, tell stories and shape culture, and that despite the rise of streaming platforms, there will always be a place for the magic of the cinema experience.