Lithuanian cinema in Brussels

On the 6th of May Lithuanian film program will start and run for the whole month in the centre of Brussels, movie theatre “Cinema Nova“.

This movie theatre is well known and popular not just among cinema lovers in Belgium, but also all over the world. “Cinema Nova“, opened in 1997 and from that time theatre’s programming is dedicated to independent films. Their attention is drawn to an extraordinary filmmakers, unknown theories of cinematography and programs created for analysis of some specific (and always changing) themes. Movie theatre became famous as a place, where one can find independent films from all over the world. “Cinema Nova” became a meeting point for cinephiles in general, where one can meet interesting guests from all around the world. It’s a unique place, where even those who normally avoid publicity and attention are representing their movies and meeting the audience.

“Cinema Nova” is interested in Lithuanian films from the very beginning. Even in 1998 Lithuanian films were screened in this movie theatre for the very first time. Now once in few years “Cinema Nova” is programming Lithuanian documentaries and fiction films, introducing filmmakers and emphasising some specific topics and tendencies of Lithuanian cinema. Usually the screenings involve meetings, discussions, exhibitions and different kinds of other events that lead to proper understanding of Lithuanian cinema. A rare opportunity to follow the development of Lithuanian cinematography is offered to the viewers in the capital of Belgium, thanks to exclusive attention that “Cinema Nova” gives to us.

This time Lithuanian program will start with the last film by Šarunas Bartas “Peace To Us In Our Dreams”, where lead actors are director himself and his daughter Ina Marija Bartaitė, whose debut as an actress will be also presented in a short movie by Šarunas Bartas “Children Lose Nothing”. Both father and daughter will be present at the screenings.

Communication between different generations is emphasised in this year’s Lithuanian program. Another two directors from different generations – a father and a daughter – Audrius Stonys and Marija Stonytė will also analyse the evolution of traditions. Two movies by Audrius Stonys “Antigravitation” and “Earth Of The Blind” together with the newest short film by Marija Stonytė “Mountains To Climb” will be screened.

The topic of different generations in cinema will be led to further discussions by screening Lithuanian short films by young filmmakers. Seven short films are included in this program: “l, Veteran” by Darius Jarašūnas, “Left To Wait” by Kęstutis Gudavičius, “Ryba” by Vytautas Dambrauskas, “Nikodemas” by Aistė Žegulytė, “I’m Twenty Something” by Marija Kavtaradzė, “The Fish Of My Life” by Julius Sičiūnas and “On Wednesdays” by leva Javaitytė.

Question about future generation will be asked by presenting documentary “Conversations on Serious Topics” created by Giedre Beinoriūtė, where serious and universal problems of a young person are drawn into attention and shown without any unnecessary distractions.

Another significant topic of this year’s program – Lithuanian independence. Several movies will be screened to represent this aspect in Lithuanian cinema. “Journey through Lithuania” by Vaidotas Digimas will show the development of Lithuania after independence through the foreigner’s eyes. Virginija Vareikytė and Maxi Dejoje will present their film “When We Talk About KGB”, where the control of KGB reveals itself. Moreover, movie “The Green Musketeers” will be presented by director Jonas Ohmanas and producer Teresa Rožanovska and will introduce the viewers with the first environmental activists in Lithuania. And most importantly, the Baltic Way and other events from the period of Lithuanian Wars of Independence will be seen in movies „Baltijos kelias“, created by Arūnas Matelis, Audrius Stonys and „Lūžis prie Baltijos“ by Agnė Marcinkevičiūtė, Gražina Ručytė-Landsbergienė and Vaidotas Digimas. After the screening of last mentioned films, an important guest professor Vytautas Landsbergis will participate in the discussion.

Info by “Cinema Nova“