Signe Baumane
Independent Filmmaker
Other Roles: Director, Producer, Editor
Areas of Focus: Animation, Feature Films
Organization: The Marriage Project LLC
Biography
At the age of 14, Signe Baumane began publishing short stories in Latvia. She received a BA in Philosophy from Moscow State University, then started to work at Riga’s Animated Film Studio as a cel painter. With support of government grants, Signe made 3 animated shorts in Latvia, then moved to New York and worked for independent animator Bill Plympton as an art director and production manager. In 1998, Signe received her US green card as ‘extraordinary ability alien’ and began making films at her own studio. In 2005 she became a NYFA Fellow in Film. She received two grants from the Jerome Foundation – one for her animated short “Birthâ€, the other for her animated feature “Rocks In My Pocketsâ€. She also received 3 grants from NYSCA. Signe has written, directed and animated 15 shorts and one feature film, which collectively have been accepted in over 300 film festivals around the world and received many awards.
Films
Rocks in My Pockets (2014)
Role: Director
A poignant and often hilarious tale of mystery, mental health, redemption and survival. Based on true events about five women in the filmmaker’s family, including herself, and their battles with depression and madness.
Birth (2009)
Role: Director
A young woman, Amina (17) is pregnant and afraid to give birth. For consolation and advice she goes to older women but their stories scare her even more.
Teat Beat of Sex (2007)
Role: Director
A 13-episode collection of animated shorts that feature a take on sex exclusively from a woman’s point of view. Shocking!
Veterinarian (2007)
Role: Director
A veterinarian with a broken heart receives unexpected help to heal.
Five Infomercials for Dentists (2005)
Role: Director
These five bizarre informercials introduce dentists to the essential tools of their trade – latex gloves, anesthesia, crowns and chocolate.
Dentist (2005)
Role: Director
An enthusiastic dentist, a reluctant patient and a strange picture on the wall…
Woman (2002)
Role: Director
A personal myth of creation of a woman and her two ways to encounter a man.
Five Fucking Fables (2002)
Role: Director
Five separate, slightly immoral stories.
Natasha (2001)
Role: Director
A story about a neglected housewife who falls in love with a vacuum cleaner.