Inhale Exhale – A Poetic Portrait of Life in a Latvian Hospital
Directed by Jean Counet, Inhale Exhale is a 44-minute observational documentary that offers an intimate and poetic glimpse into the daily rhythms of life at the Daugavpils Regional Hospital in Latvia. Filmed during the summer of 2008, the documentary captures a microcosm of human experiences, blending serious, moving, and light-hearted moments into a vivid tapestry of life within the hospital's walls.
The film portrays a wide range of scenes: the joy and exertion of childbirth, the quiet concern of doctors caring for an elderly man in a coma, and the tender interactions between patients and caregivers. In one striking moment, women gathered around a hospital bed break into a passionate song, while elsewhere, two boys in casts form a fleeting friendship. Outside the hospital, helicopters land, seagulls fly by, and life continues beyond the windows.
Counet’s purely observational approach avoids narration or interviews, allowing the colors, sounds, and emotions of the hospital to speak for themselves. Sparse music underscores the documentary’s intimate yet sober tone, creating a deeply immersive experience for viewers.
Festival Recognition
Inhale Exhale received critical acclaim and was screened at numerous international film festivals, including:
Krakow Film Festival
Camerimage
Nederlands Film Festival
Pärnu Documentary Film Festival
A Masterpiece of Observation
Jean Counet’s direction and the cinematography by Finnish DOP Kimmo Jaatinen bring a subtle yet profound sensitivity to this portrait of a community united by life’s fragility and resilience. The film invites viewers to reflect on universal themes of care, connection, and humanity in moments of both joy and sorrow.
With Inhale Exhale, Counet masterfully captures the essence of everyday life in extraordinary circumstances, creating a timeless documentary that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide.
Director: Jean Counet
Screenplay: Jean Counet and Natalija Gnezdova
Cinematographer: Kimmo Jaatinen
Sound: Kirsi Korhonen Kirsi Korhonen
Editor: Mikko Sippola
Music: Tuukka Terho
Produced by: Daniel De Valck and Anne Deligne (Cobra Films)
Screenplay: Jean Counet and Natalija Gnezdova
Cinematographer: Kimmo Jaatinen
Sound: Kirsi Korhonen Kirsi Korhonen
Editor: Mikko Sippola
Music: Tuukka Terho
Produced by: Daniel De Valck and Anne Deligne (Cobra Films)
Pertti Veijalainen (Illume Ltd.)
in co-operation with Natalija Counet (TAM Films)
