Vilnius, Lithuania – March 15, 2024 – The 29th edition of the Vilnius International Film Festival “Kino Pavasaris” kicked off with an opening screening of Jonathan Glazer’s acclaimed film “The Zone of Interest”. The festival, which is scheduled to run until March 27th, invites audiences to embark on a cinematic journey celebrating the transformative power of film. With a carefully curated selection of internationally recognized arthouse cinema, this year’s edition promises to immerse viewers in a diverse tapestry of storytelling, creativity, and innovation.

The Zone of Interest

The message of the 29th VIFF, as summarized by the Director of “Kino Pavasaris”, Algirdas Ramaška is simple yet profound: good cinema does you good. “This year’s program invites the audience not only to enjoy cinema but also to notice how each film affects us and our inner selves,” he explains. 

The Director of “Kino Pavasaris”, Algirdas Ramaška

Dovilė Grigaliūnaitė, the festival’s Head of Program and Acquisitions, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative nature of cinema. “Cinema is valuable because it instigates slow yet significant changes in society: it alters people’s perspectives on others, the environment, raises questions, stimulates consciousness, and awakens empathy”.

Dovilė Grigaliūnaitė, the festival’s Head of Program and Acquisitions

As the largest film festival in the country, Vilnius International Film Festival has garnered nearly 100,000 admissions in 2023 alone, a testament to its enduring popularity and influence. Featuring over 100 films meticulously categorized into various programs, including Masters, Critic’s Choice, Panorama, Special Programs, and Competition, the festival offers a comprehensive showcase of contemporary arthouse cinema.

The Competition presents first or second feature-length films of European directors. Ten titles in the official selection are directed by filmmakers who eagerly delve into the realm of visual storytelling, fearlessly tackling complex social themes while infusing their work with sensitivity and a romantically tender demeanor. Most importantly, they offer audiences a fresh perspective and portend a bright future for Europe’s auteur cinema. 

Competition films:

Creatura 2023 dir. Elena Martin Gimeno

Excursion  2023  dir. Una Gunjak

Hoard 2023 dir. Luna Carmoon

Hounds 2023 dir. Kamal LazraqOmen

In the Rearview 2023 dir. Maciek Hamela

Baan 2023 dir. Leonor TelesIvo

Omen 2023 dir. Baloji

Paradise is Burning 2023 dir. Mika Gustafson

Forever-Forever 2023 dir. Anna Buriachkova

Ivo 2024 dir. Eva Trobisch

Highlighting the festival are world premieres, including “Where Elephants Go” by Gabi Sarga and Catalin Rotaru, and “It’s Not My Film” by Maria Zbaska, featured in the Smart 7 program. These films are poised to challenge boundaries, provoke meaningful conversations, and leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Additionally, the festival dedicates a special program to Lithuanian Film Premieres, highlighting the finest works of local production.

Films Recognised by Viewers and Professionals

This year’s festival offers a program of over 100 films distinguished by their mastery, diversity of themes, importance, original forms of expression, and depth. Among the standout films featured in this year’s program are Jonathan Glazers’ “The Zone of Interest”, Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall”, Molly Manning Walker’s “How to Have Sex”, Matteo Garrone’s “I’m the Captain”, Agnieszka Holland’s “Green Border”, Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s “Evil Does Not Exist” and Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers”.

Io Capitano

Special Programs – Midnight Screams and Dress Code

Vilnius IFF presents special programs that offer unique cinematic experiences, further enriching the festival’s offerings. “Dress Code” invites audiences not only to follow the hidden messages of costume designers in cinema but also to discover the work of prominent figures: Edith Head, Jacques Fonteray, Sandy Powell, and Milena Canonero.

In the “Midnight Screams” section, chilling horror and erotica intertwine, along with the taste of wine and blood. The program includes screenings of cult classics by David Cronenberg and Nagisa Ōshima, Anna Biller’s “The Love Witch”, Paul Morrissey’s “Flesh For Frankenstein” in 3D format, and Harry Kümel’s film “Daughters of Darkness”.

Daughters of darkness

Diverse and Multilayered Lithuanian Cinema

One of VIFF goals is to draw attention to Lithuanian cinema and support its creators. This year, attention will be paid not only to Lithuanian directors but also to other creators and producers who have presented films co-produced with Lithuania at major world festivals.

In total, the program includes 5 feature-length and 7 short film premieres: directors DK Welchman and Hugh Welchman’s “The Peasants”, Artūras Jevdokimovas’s “The Life and Death of a Christmas Tree”, Eimantas Belickas’s “Generation.EU”, Ilze Kunga’s “My Freedom”, Dāvis Sīmanis’s “Maria’s Silence”, Ignas Meilūnas’s “Hoofs on Skates”, Lukas Kacinauskas’s “Happy Next Year!”, Ieva Šakalytė’s “SPA”, Martynas Norvaišas’s “I Buy”, Birutė Kapustinskaitė’s “The Nominees”, Matas Vildžiūnas’s “4°C” and Eglė Davidavičė’s “The One Who Knows”.

The Peasants

Vilnius International Film Festival “Kino Pavasaris” has become one of the most anticipated cultural phenomenons in Lithuania, presenting bold and striking auteur cinema to the wide audiences. The 29th edition promises to be no exception, offering a captivating lineup of films that will inspire, entertain, and provoke meaningful dialogue.

For more information and to explore the festival program, please visit https://kinopavasaris.lt/en/

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