Lithuanian filmmaker Andrius Blaževičius won the Directing Award: World Cinema Dramatic at the Sundance Film Festival for his latest film, How to Divorce During the War, the production company M-Films said Friday evening.
The film was selected from more than 16,000 submissions worldwide and competed against nine other films in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.
Announcing Blaževičius as the winner, the festival jury cited him “for his immense talent and steady hand in a darkly comedic film about life in times of war”.
“I still find it hard to believe,” Blaževičius said in a statement. “Being selected for this festival alone is a huge recognition and achievement. We saw how strong the films were in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition and were proud to be in such company. To also receive an award is a great honour and joy.”
Producer Marija Razgutė said the award marked an exceptional international debut for the film and a significant moment for Lithuanian cinema.
“We could hardly have wished for a better global launch,” Razgutė said. “Lithuanian cinema has once again shown how sharp, mature and at the same time universal it is. A Sundance award is an important event not only for our film industry but for Lithuania as a country.”
Founded in 1978 by actor Robert Redford, the Sundance Film Festival is one of the world’s most influential film events, known for discovering and introducing new talent that later gains international recognition.
How to Divorce During the War is set in Vilnius in 2022. The story follows Maria, an ambitious executive who chooses the worst possible moment to initiate an open conversation about divorce with her husband – the day before Russia launches its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The film will be released to Lithuanian audiences this autumn. The lead roles are played by Marius Repšys and Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė, a recipient of the European Shooting Stars award. The cast also includes Amelija Adomaitytė, Indrė Patkauskaitė, Gintarė Parulytė, Larisa Kalpokaitė, and Rimantas Bagdzevičius.
How to Divorce During the War is Blaževičius’ third feature film. His previous works, The Saint and Runner, won a total of eight Silver Crane awards in Lithuania.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
