At one of the world’s most important film events – the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, which draws the attention of the global film industry for two weeks every year – Lithuanians walked the red carpet this week. The world premiere of Lithuanian director Arnas Balčiūnas’ short film Class Photo took place at the Cannes Critics’ Week.
“So far, this was the best screening of the film. Of any film I’ve ever been involved in,” A. Balčiūnas laughed after the premiere. “The audience was incredibly engaged, reacting loudly and laughing – there was a wonderful atmosphere in the theatre. For us, it was a huge celebration, and it was great to connect with both viewers and filmmakers from other countries. This Critics’ Week program is very strong and thoughtfully curated, and the quality of the films is truly high. So we enjoyed the evening in every possible way.”
Class Photo is A. Balčiūnas’ graduation film from the National Film School at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, and marks the first time in Lithuania’s history that a student film has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Moreover, it went even further – instead of screening in a dedicated student program, the film competed in the main Critics’ Week short film competition. Alongside nine other short films, Class Photo was selected from 2,400 submissions worldwide.
“International rumors about filmmaking talent in Lithuania are more than justified,” smiled the film’s producer, Morta Verbickaitė (“M-Films”), who is also currently finishing her Master’s degree. “If Lithuanian filmmakers are already entering the international film industry spotlight with student works, what lies ahead for our talents? The Lithuanian delegation in Cannes grows larger every year – this year alone, we are celebrating the premieres of three films connected to Lithuania. It was wonderful to see so many familiar, supportive, and kind faces at the premiere of Class Photo. We are incredibly happy.”
A. Balčiūnas’s short film Class Photo takes viewers to an abandoned school, where Ignas returns and encounters a former classmate. Wandering through corridors filled with conflicting memories, the two try to preserve something that is about to disappear forever.
Written and directed by Arnas Balčiūnas, the film stars Džiugas Gvozdzinskas and Mantas Barvičius. Director of photography: Milda Juodvalkytė, editor: Antanas Skridaila, sound director: Fausta Pilkaitė, composer: Matas Beržinskas, production designer: Rūta Strazdaitė, producer: Morta Verbickaitė. International sales: “M-Films”. Production company: LMTA National Film School (KIMO).
This is A. Balčiūnas’ sixth short film, and his previous works have also gained recognition both internationally and in Lithuania. His debut film Dullness won Best International Film at the Friss Hús Short Film Festival in Hungary; his second work, Hubble’s Law, screened at 25 international festivals, while Passing Napoleon’s Hat received a Special Mention at the Drama International Short Film Festival in Greece. In Lithuania, A. Balčiūnas has won two Silver Crane Egg awards for Best Student Film and has also been recognized at festivals such as Kino Pavasaris, Scanorama, and the Vilnius Short Film Festival.
Photos by Audrius Solominas
