Opening ceremony

“Arsenals” 2008 was ceremoniously opened with the screening of “Salomé” in the small hall of the Latvian National Opera for guests with invitations, as well as with the screening of the Norwegian silent film “The Bridal Party in Hardanger” and the wedding gown parade in Vērmanes dārzs, which gathered half a thousand people.

Opera guests were awaited by a special surprise - the heads of Salomé and John the Baptist on a plate. Another surprise was the musical accompaniment performed by the musicians of the Latvian National Opera and conducted by the chief choir master of LNO – Aigars Meri. After the opening ceremony, guests were kindly invited to informal conversations in Benjamin’s House,where they could enjoy a special “Arsenals” cocktail. This cocktail was first made just a few weeks ago on Riga best bartenders’ competition under the name of “Jameson” and it will also be available during the festival in “Arsenals” club – “I Love You”. Niall Gately, manager of the famous Irish whiskey company, points out: “Jameson” has remarkable experience in supporting film festivals throughout the world, as we consider films to be a unique kind of art, which allows one to enjoy a wide range of feelings both with help of sound and picture. The cooperation with “Arsenals” is our first this type of project in Latvia. We truly hope that it will be long-lasting and that we would be able to help Latvian film life to become more and more interesting each year – just like excellent whiskey that tastes better and better as years go by.”

In spite of the unexpected cold, quite many people gathered in the open-air screening. Nordea bank awarded everybody who had come in a wedding gown presenting surprise presents – tickets to the most romantic “Arsenals” films this year. After the show the audience could watch only recently restored silent film “The Bridal Party in Hardanger”, which is one of the most significant films representing national romanticism in Norway.

Photo: Janis Buls