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Restlessly ambitious, emerging directors never fail to surprise with their early mastery and stylistic distinctiveness. These women and men are keen to explore the possibilities of visual language, to reflect boldly on complicated social issues, to let sensitivity and a tenderly romantic attitude in. Most importantly, they offer audiences a fresh perspective and portend a bright future for Europe’s auteur cinema. An international jury will evaluate the films in competition, with the winner receiving a 8,000 euro prize.

LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT OF HERE! But where are you stuck? In yourself and your defeat? Swallowed in your alcohol addiction? In your broken unhealable heart, in your social fears, war and family, in endless icy mountains or in the trunks of trees? This programme is a collection of traps. Shall we face them before we try to escape?

This year, Lithuanian directors will present both fiction and documentary films, some having already toured international festivals, and others just beginning their journey. From Murmuring Hearts, which lit up Tallinn’s Black Nights Film Festival, to the highly anticipated Toxic, which was awarded with the Golden Leopard in Locarno, the program features observational documentaries, coming-of-age dramas, and an existential thriller.