The Beginning is part of Uldis Brauns' trilogy dedicated to large-scale construction development and workers in Latvia. The film focuses on the process of building a hydroelectric station in Pļaviņas, on the largest river in the country. Its visual observation of builders, drivers, and engineers at work is accompanied by voice-over commentary, guiding spectators to the poetic side of construction work. The Beginning comes first in many ways; it is the first Riga school film, it is Braun’s directorial debut, the first widescreen format film made in Latvia, and the first part of this trilogy.