The adventure film Tiger Martindale’s Survival Experts, a Latvian and Lithuanian co-production, has recently completed shooting in Lithuania. Engaging and emotional, this family story takes viewers back to 1990s Latvia. The film features both Lithuanian actors and locations, while the crew behind the camera comes from both Baltic countries and Ukraine.
The story explores a complex yet deeply human conflict between teenage Eva and her American stepmother, Sherry. Both women, each from her own perspective, try to preserve their family bonds and love in the aftermath of a recent tragedy.
“The idea came when I was traveling to film festivals and met a scriptwriter from LA, with whom I connected instantly. We started talking about our childhoods, growing up surrounded by nature, and the moments of loss. What I want to emphasize most is that family – your tribe – is who you make it, the people you love and who support you in life. I want people to hug the person next to them when they walk out of the cinema,” – says director Pāvels Gumennikovs.
Producer Sergei Serpuhov (Baltic Pine Films) explains that key scenes filmed in Lithuania will form the beginning and the ending of the movie. According to him, the production went smoothly, even though both the story and the filming process were quite challenging.
“The end of the shoot feels emotional — after all, it’s been five years of work since the script first landed on my desk. Working with children who aren’t professional actors, managing a tight budget, and filming complex day and night scenes in caves, forests, and interiors was no easy task. But the footage looks great, and I believe the film has strong potential to become a powerful coming-of-age adventure unlike anything seen before in the Baltic region,” – adds the producer.
Lithuanian co-producer Kęstutis Drazdauskas (Artbox) notes that there’s a shortage of films aimed at young audiences across Europe.
“It’s a significant issue – not only in Europe but globally – that too few films are made for children and teenagers. Directors often avoid these topics, sometimes for prestige reasons, sometimes because such films aren’t considered ‘festival material.’ But if we don’t create quality content for young audiences now, we won’t have mature audiences for adult films later. We want young people to have access to stories that shape their worldview and help them understand life – this educational aspect matters deeply to us,” – says Drazdauskas.
An important role in the film is played by Lithuanian actress Milda Gecaite, marking her first international role since returning from the U.S. a few years ago.
“I play Sherry, the stepmother of the main characters – an American woman who marries a Latvian man and becomes part of this family. The family dynamics are quite complex – and that’s the heart of the story. I feel that certain aspects of Sherry reflect my own life. Acting in this role, I process a lot through myself; Sherry and I share a fighting spirit – for truth, for ourselves, for others,” – says the actress.
She adds that in today’s cultural climate, building creative bridges between Lithuania and other countries feels particularly meaningful.
“I feel deeply thankful that I can do what I love – any challenges or hardships pale in comparison. This is not only a Baltic story; it’s a universal one. In today’s world, creating cultural bridges between Lithuania and other countries feels both beautiful and important,” – Gecaite reflects.
Other Lithuanian creatives involved in the production include actor Andrius Paulavičius playing Tiger, production designer Raimundas Dičius and costume designer Aura Narmontaitė.
“I already knew part of the Lithuanian team because I’ve done quite a few commercials here. I love coming to Lithuania and Vilnius – your crews have such strong international experience,” – notes director P. Gumennikovs.
“I’m grateful to work with the Lithuanian team – it’s a wonderful opportunity to merge creative and technical talent, enriching the entire project. When everything comes together, it makes the film even better,” – agrees producer S. Serpuhov.
The film is supported by the Latvian National Film Centre, the Lithuanian Film Centre, Creative Europe MEDIA, and the Eurimages programme.
