Documentation from the Latvian State Archive of Audiovisual Documents, Latvia, 1942-2010

The Latvian State Archive of Audiovisual Documents (Latvijas Valsts kinofotofonodokumentu arhivs) encompasses the period from the second half of the 20th century until the present. The Archive was established in 1963 in Riga, Latvia. Since 01 January 2011 the Archive has been reorganized into one body, the National Archives of Latvia (NAL) (as well as the State Audiovisual Archive). The Archive contains approximately 27,000 films, one million photo negatives, and 106,000 audio records that are connected to Latvia and to social, political, and cultural events. Records related to the Holocaust can be found in the photo and in film collections. There are approximately 460 photographs related to Latvia during the German occupation period. These photos include images of cultural scenes, street sights, and victims of the German occupation, as well as the German administration and the German Army in Latvian territory. The film collection includes 13 fragments in newsreels and documentary films related to the Holocaust. List of audiovisual documents in the Yad Vashem Archives: The film collection includes fragments of newsreels and documentary films related to the Holocaust. A documentary film, "The Werewolf" ("Vilkachi"), directed by G. Shulyatinsh. A Soviet-style film about the events of World War II in Latvia and Latvia's cooperation with the German regime. The film footage depicts a burning synagogue and an attack on Jews on the streets in Riga. Newsreel “Soviet Latvia” (“Padomju Latvija”) Nr. 5/6, director Nikolajs Karmazinskis. A few shots: the discovery of a mass grave at the Šķedes sand dunes; the mass grave contains the corpses of civilians murdered during the German occupation period (May 1945). Newsreel “Ostland Woche” Nr. 4, director unknown, 1942. A few shots: anti-Soviet exhibition in Riga. Antisemitic posters are visible in some newsreels. Newsreel "Chronicle of Latvia” (“Latvijas hronika”) Nr.14/15; 1990 g., director L. Brušteins. Dedication of the monument at the site of the former Great Synagogue - the Choral Synagogue on 04 July (1989). Bikernieku Forest, Rumbula Forest, people with flowers, a monument to the victims of Fascism; conversation with Johanna Lipke about Zanis Lipke, and a procession through the streets of the former ghetto. Dedication of the Zana Lipke monument at Meza kapi, made by sculptress L. Novozeneca. Newsreel “Soviet Latvia” (“Padomju Latvija”) Nr. 1/2; 1989 Latvia - Our Home; director L. Brušteins The footage includes the establishment of the Jewish Cultural Association of Latvia in 1988, in the former Jewish Theater (view of the lobby; speakers: M. Vulfson and academic J. Stradins; sculptress L. Novozeneca and Rabbi M. Nidels); Jews visiting the former ghetto area; a monument to the victims of Fascism; sculptress L. Novozeneca creates an image of Zanis Lipke, who was recognized by Yad Vashem as a Righteous Among the Nations. Documentary film, “Rescuers and survivors” (“Glābēji un izglābtie”). Studio “Scilla”; director R. Rikards. The film is dedicated to Zanis Lipke, who rescued 55 Jews during the Nazi occupation period in Latvia. 1,193 photographs from the Latvian State Archive of Audiovisual Documents are included in the Yad Vashem Photo Archive. Signature: 9192.