Visual Representation of Riga: Living Space in Soviet Cinematography
Visual Representation of Riga: Living Space in Soviet Cinematography

Summary/Abstract: This study contributes to the field of the human geography by conducting a content analysis of a vast number of Soviet movies with focusing on development and spatial organization of living spaces in Riga. In this article, the author sheds light on the construction of meaning of space and cultural politics, where relation of dominance is defined and contested in visual representation of Riga’s residential apartments. The aim of this article is to examine the portrayal of lived space of Riga through the movies of the Soviet period. During this research, the author has used a qualitative research methodology based on the best practices of human geography data transcription and coding. The research consists of the analysis of 290 movies. The main findings show that living spaces are frequently portrayed in the Soviet cinema and they form an integral part of the Soviet urban perception. However, state-imposed censorship throughout the Soviet period strictly regulated geographical disposition in representing living spaces through intensifying or neglecting particular areas of Riga. The images of Riga and of living space found in films are often ideologically charged.

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