Category: Talks
The microscopic order that defines our macroscopic world
The make-up of any object reveals only one part of its secret. The rest – depends on the arrangement at the macro, micro and nano level. Prof. Gross shows us how arrangement is essential for optimal performance – whether it’s...
Social anthropology turns practical — lessons from cooking with refugees | Ieva Raubiško
What does it mean for strangers to meet, recognize their differences, and work together? Is it possible all? When the European migration crisis brought a small wave of refugees to Latvia, Ieva Raubiško switched from her academic work as a...
The battle for hearts and minds: studying Russia’s influence in Latvia | Martins Hirss
Is Russia winning the so-called information war? Russia’s state-owned media produces high-quality propaganda. Russia invests money in pro-Russia organizations and radicals abroad. But is it working? Are people influenced by Russia’s propaganda? Is Latgale the next Crimea? In fact, the...
What I did not tell about Chechnya | Olga Dragileva
A journalist’s duty is to act as our eyes and ears out in the field, to convey to us the information they collected without distortion. But what if this puts the subjects of the report in danger? How can one...
How to overcome fear? Tips from the world’s first drone jumper | Ingus Augstkalns
In his talk, Ingus Augstkalns speaks about his journey into BASE jumping, his method of overcoming fear, and his drone jump project that put him into the world’s spotlight as the first human to perform a parachute jump from a...
Public speaking needs more introverts, and vice versa | Davis Golds
It is often said that public speaking — the ability to communicate ideas clearly for a larger audience — is a skill for extroverts. However, introverts will often have ideas and visions that they need to share with the world...
What you see when you listen… with your eyes
Elza Volonte has an uncommon ability: sign language is her native tongue, though she is not deaf. Having been raised by deaf parents, Elza holds a unique perspective of being able to observe two worlds simultaneously: one, where listening is...
The Curious Case of Drums
Drums — always there in the background, and more often than not — overlooked. Kaspars Kurdeko challenges traditional views of the drums and takes us on a creative musical journey. He demonstrates the true art of percussion — seeing the...
Hello, please let me capture your personal space
What happens when a young and inexperienced documentarian sets out to portray the personal life of an eccentric individual? When does documenting become prying into one’s private life, and what are the ethical choices a filmmaker faces in such a...
The Hanging Garden
Anything is permitted in Elizabete Balčus’ cosmic garden: looped flute and voice, clicking electro pop beats, and a synthesizer made out of fruit. “The Hanging Garden” is a song from her album “Conarium” and it represents the diversity of identity...