The film is based on the life of Melānija Vanaga (1905-1997), a Latvian writer who survived deportation to Siberia in 1941. It is based on Vanaga's book Suddenly, a Criminal / Veļupes krastā. The film stars the Swiss actress Sabine Timoteo.

The Soviet Union carried out two mass deportations from Latvia, in 1941 and in 1949. Approximately 17,000 people were deported from Latvia in June 1941.

The film was produced by Mistrus Media in coproduction with 8Heads Production and Inland Film Company.

Chronicles of Melanie was domestically released in Latvia on 1 November 2016 and became the most popular film in 2016 with more than 75,000 admissions.

The 90th Oscars will be held on 4 March 2018.