The documentary “Is It Easy to Be Young?” not only tracked and immortalized a period of increasing economic and social liberalization, but actually played a part in developing it. In the late ’80s, Latvians’ longing for freedom and the changes brought by perestroika coalesced in the National Awakening (Atmoda), a time of protests, discussion of previously forbidden topics and feverish activity. Within just a few years this had led to the successful restoration of the country’s independence, following almost fifty years of occupation by the Soviet Union.