Dozens of films and TV series shot in Vilnius, newly discovered urban spaces, and stories that transport viewers to various historical periods marked the city’s farewell to 2024. As in previous years, film crews from Scandinavian countries, Germany, and the United States showed the greatest interest in the capital.
According to the Vilnius Film Office, in 2024, a total of 21 feature films and TV series, 4 short films, and 11 student projects from LMTA (Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre) were filmed in Vilnius’ public spaces, amounting to 36 productions. Last year, filmmakers from Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Belgium, Ukraine, Sweden, Germany, and the United States worked in Vilnius on commercials, TV series, and films.
Among the major projects were the TV series “The Cruise” (produced by “Dansu”), based on the horror novel by renowned author Mats Strandberg; the period drama “Sisi 4” (produced by “Nordic Productions”), aired in over 100 countries; the Danish TV series “Oxen 2” (unnamed); and the sci-fi film “We Come in Peace” (“Dansu”), which tells a story of alien arrival.
As in previous years, many Lithuanian and international professionals—including actors, technical staff, and others—worked on these productions. It is estimated that filming activities in 2024 created over 2,000 temporary jobs.
In addition to international filmmakers, Vilnius was also a hub for Lithuanian directors, including Mantas Verbiejus, Danielius Minkevičius, Jurgis Matulevičius, Gintė Regina, Gabrielė Urbonaitė, Aušra Giedraitytė, Dovilė Gasiūnaitė, Saulius Baradinskas, and others.
A total of over 420 filming sessions took place in Vilnius’ public spaces, according to the statistics gathered by the Vilnius Film Office. Viewers worldwide will see scenes from Vilnius’ Old Town and various iconic locations, such as the Lithuanian National Philharmonic building, Pasazo Alley, Gediminas Avenue, Vilnius skyscrapers, and spots in lesser-known city districts like Naujoji Vilnia, Naujamiestis, and Justiniskes.
On screen, Vilnius transformed into London, Berlin, Stockholm, Hamburg, Vienna, and cities in Eastern Ukraine. The city also portrayed different historical periods, ranging from the 19th century and 1940s Germany to the 1990s and contemporary urban settings.
In 2024, numerous complex filming sessions took place, featuring stunt performers, hundreds of dancers on the streets and squares, staged elaborate protest scenes, actors riding horses, artificial snow and rain and much more.
Vilnius – in advertisements for famous brands
In 2024, over 70 global and Lithuanian brand commercials were filmed in Vilnius’ public spaces. These included brands such as KFC (“Grandma Enterprise”), “La Maaf” (“The Magic”), “Tesco” (“247xRadioaktivefilms”), “Meridian” (“247xRadioaktivefilms”), as well as a music video for the band “Indochine”.
