Latvian Oscar Entry 'Ulya' Sells to 11 Territories Ahead of Tallinn Opening
New Mountain Films will distribute Viesturs Kairišs's black-and-white film in North America, with deals also covering France, Italy and Brazil.
Latvian film Ulya has closed distribution deals covering eleven territories, including North America, France, Italy, Brazil and the MENA region, sales agent B-Rated International said ahead of the film's opening-night slot at the 30th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. According to Variety, New Mountain Films will handle North American distribution.
The other territories in the package are Slovakia, the former Yugoslavia, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland and Poland. The film is directed by Viesturs Kairišs and produced by Ego Media, Allfilm, Staroń Film and Tremora.
Ulya is a black-and-white film inspired by the life of basketball player Ulyana Semjonova, with Kārlis Arnolds Avots playing Semjonova. Latvia has entered the film as its submission for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars.
Older milestones
Before its Tallinn slot, the film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes and went on to become the second most-watched film in Latvian history, according to Variety. Semjonova, who inspired the story, was born in 1952, stood seven feet tall and passed away in January 2026.
Kairišs and Avots previously worked together on the film January.
Quick answers
Where can I watch Ulya in North America?
New Mountain Films will distribute Ulya in North America, under the deals closed by sales agent B-Rated International.
What is Ulya about?
It is a black-and-white film inspired by the life of basketball player Ulyana Semjonova, with Kārlis Arnolds Avots playing the lead role.
Is Ulya Latvia's Oscar submission?
Yes. Ulya is Latvia's submission for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars.