Executive Director of KINO PAVASARIS Konradas Kazlauskas

Renovation (Dir. Gabrielė Urbonaitė)

COMPETITION, LITHUANIAN PREMIERES
Having already traveled through dozens of countries and film festivals, capturing the hearts of international audiences, Renovation finally arrives at Kino Pavasaris. When those who have seen it are asked what it is about, the answer is always the same: love and choices. The film’s protagonist, Ilona, moves into a cozy and romantic apartment with her boyfriend. Soon, a renovation of the building begins. Along with it, Ilona starts to doubt her own choices. At times, this film is compared to the former Kino Pavasaris hit The Worst Person in the World, while the lead actress Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė is called the Lithuanian Renate Reinsve.

The Voice of Hind Rajab (Dir. Kaouther Ben Hania)

MASTERS
If you had to choose just one must-see film at this year’s Kino Pavasaris, it would undoubtedly be this one. It is because of films like this that we keep coming back.

The narrative is based on true events from 2024, when a shattering emergency call recording reverberated around the globe: a six-year-old girl begs for help, trapped in a car in the Gaza Strip where Israel was committing war crimes at the time. The film follows the emergency operators as they attempt to rescue the girl from mortal danger.

After hearing the recording online, the director halted her other project to complete this film within a year and show it to the world. Seeking to draw maximum attention from the international community, Hollywood stars including Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix joined the project as executive producers.

Romeria (Dir. Carla Simón)

MASTERS
This film transports you to Spain in 2004. It tells the story of Marina, who travels to the port city of Vigo in Galicia to search for traces of her father and uncover the truth about her origins and her parents’ lives. Although the film touches upon complex themes, it radiates with Spanish sun and light. The director crafted the film based on her mother’s diary entries. Perhaps that is why it feels reminiscent of the festival’s hit from 2023  Aftersun. Both stories sensitively unravel memories of parents who remained somewhat unknowable.

This film is my personal discovery of this year’s Kino Pavasaris.

Urchin (Dir. Harris Dickinson)

CRITICS’ CHOICE
I waited with great anticipation for the premiere of this film at the Cannes Film Festival. It is a psychological drama directed by the renowned actor Harris Dickinson, who shot to fame after Babygirl.

At the center of the film is Mike, who has lived on the streets of London for many years. He continually tries to break free from the chains of addiction and finally return to an orderly, independent life. Frank Dillane  received the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his convincing portrayal of the troubled Mike. Notably, Harris Dickinson himself steps in front of the camera for a brief cameo.

Father (Dir. Tereza Nvotová)

CRITICS’ CHOICE
The successful life of a young father is turned upside down by a tragic event. The viewer is shaken not only by the incident itself but also by its aftermath – the societal reactions, the sudden condemnation, the sense of guilt, and the emotional and psychological weight. Is it even possible to recover and find meaning in life again after such a misfortune? The film is based on true events.

I recommend this to viewers who enjoyed these previous Kino Pavasaris films: Beautiful Boy, Mommy, Armand, and Anatomy of a Fall.

It Was Just an Accident (Dir. Jafar Panahi)

MASTERS
One of the most significant films of the year, which has been a global talking point for the past year. The film follows a former Iranian political prisoner who unexpectedly encounters the man he believes was his torturer and begins to contemplate whether to seek revenge or let justice take its own course. This is one of the boldest political Iranian films, shot in secret by the director. As a result, he was forced to flee his country.

The film won the main prize at the Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’Or. It has also been nominated for two Oscars. Despite dealing with complex themes, I was most captivated by the film’s humor.

Solomamma (Dir. Janicke Askevold)

COMPETITION, LITHUANIAN PREMIERES
Edita, a journalist, decides to have a child using sperm from an anonymous donor. However, while raising the child, the woman feels a desire to uncover the man’s identity and meet him. Such a plot promises a true comedy-drama.

You will recognize familiar faces in the film, i.e. actors from The Worst Person in the World. The film is part of the Lithuanian Premieres program as Lithuania is one of the co-producing countries. Many Lithuanians contributed significantly to the film’s creation and post-production. I am delighted to see such contributions from Lithuanians!

2000 Meters to Andriivka (Dir. Mstyslav Chernov)

COMPETITION
Most likely, anyone who has seen this film will recommend it. To me, it is the most important documentary I have seen in recent years. It is worthy of an Oscar, a Lion, a Palme d’Or, and every other award.

We must see this film so that we do not forget what is still happening in Ukraine. How young men fight and die for their country’s freedom and every centimeter of its territory. We cannot turn away from the theme of war – we must support Ukraine until the end, because even our smallest support brings it closer to victory. There will not be many screenings, so I urge you not to miss it.

I haven’t seen them yet, but during the festival I plan to watch the comedy The American Dream, the culinary thriller Morte Cucina, the dramas Magellan, Rose of Nevada, Kokuho, Human Resource, and the absurdist comedy A Useful Ghost.