But the Hour Is Near

Colour, 35 mm
Latvia, 2004, 90 min
Section: Documentary Competition

Synopsis

The protagonists Eriks and Daniels are walking through the streets of Riga. In an effort to win new adherents to the Gospel, they are propagating a new Christian life style. Despite their friendship, the difference in their characters soon appears: from naïve idealism versus vain clinging to material pleasures. In this social documentary, which is a road movie as well, the director looks on as these modern “crusaders without a sword” struggle not only against the scepticism of non-believers, but also the animosity of competing missionaries. Unlike their long dead brothers-in-arms, Eriks and Daniels do not announce their campaign by preaching but rather through street-talking rap. This documentary, partially shot on the street as the involved protagonists encounter unenlightened passers-by in, is a grotesque story of people trying to combine a fanatical faith with earthly longings and the requirements of everyday life.

About the director

Juris Poškus studied English language and literature at the University of Latvia in 1986–1992. For the next three ears he studied and worked in film in California. He also worked as a moderator on the radio. Select filmography: Sunday Morning (1995, short film), 110/220 (1997, documentary), Angels of Death (1999, documentary).