Below are some of the best Lithuanian directors ever. Click on their pictures to discover more about them.
A Brief History of Lithuanian Cinema
It wasn’t until the 1940s, and especially during the Soviet era, that Lithuanian cinema began to find its voice, although under the constraints of Soviet censorship. The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of notable Lithuanian directors who made significant contributions to the country’s cinematic landscape.
Among them, Vytautas Žalakevičius stands out with his film “Nobody Wanted to Die” (Niekas nenorėjo mirti), which became an important part of Lithuanian film heritage. This era also saw the works of Algirdas Dausa and Arūnas Žebriūnas, whose films often focused on everyday life and human relationships, subtly infusing them with social and political commentary.
Post-independence, Lithuanian cinema experienced a resurgence, with directors exploring new themes and narrative styles. Šarūnas Bartas is one of the most prominent contemporary Lithuanian directors, known for his poetic and contemplative style, as seen in films like “Few of Us” (Mūsų nedaug) and “Freedom” (Laisvė). Another significant figure is Arūnas Matelis, whose documentary “Before Flying Back to the Earth” (Prieš parskrendant į žemę) received international acclaim.
Bronze Screen Dream 