New Baltic Projects Take on Politics, Grief and an Olympic Champion

Stellar Film, a production company based in the Nordics, is currently seeking partners from the Nordics and beyond to co-develop, package, and finance a new project into a truly international series. Evelin Penttilä, a producer at Stellar Film, expressed the company’s eagerness to collaborate with partners from various regions to bring their project to life on a global scale.

One of the projects in development is “China Sea,” a co-production between Lithuania, Taiwan, Poland, and Czechia. Directed by Jurgis Matulevičius, the film tells the story of a martial artist seeking refuge in a Taiwanese restaurant. With a cast from both Lithuania and Taiwan performing in a hybrid dialect blending Mandarin and Lithuanian, the film explores cultural connections and political themes in a unique and captivating way.

Another project in the works is “Flesh, Blood, Even a Heart” from Latvia, directed by Alise Zarina. Set to premiere in January 2026, the film delves into universal struggles of healing old wounds with a parent and maintaining love in a partnership. Producer Alise Rogule describes the film as a blend of humor and heartbreak, exploring post-Soviet trauma in Eastern Europe and the generational impact of historical events.

“A Goodnight Kiss,” a documentary co-production between Lithuania and Estonia, follows the final years of Holocaust survivor Professor Irena Veisaitė. Directed by Giedrė Žickytė, the film showcases Veisaitė’s resilience and humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity, drawing parallels to present-day global challenges. Featuring the music of composer Arvo Pärt, the film offers a poignant reflection on compassion and resilience.

“Holy Destructors,” a documentary co-production between Lithuania, France, and Latvia, explores the world of fungi and microorganisms, highlighting the interconnectedness of life and the natural world. Directed by Aistė Žegulytė, the film takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey into the hidden world of fungi, revealing the beauty and complexity of these often overlooked organisms.

Lastly, “Laguna,” a documentary from Lithuania and France directed by Šarūnas Bartas, premiered at the Venice Film Festival. Bartas reflects on personal tragedy and renewal in the film, sharing his emotional journey through loss and rediscovery. With a deeply personal narrative, the documentary offers a glimpse into the filmmaker’s inner world and creative process.

These projects represent a diverse range of storytelling styles and thematic explorations, showcasing the talent and creativity of filmmakers from the Nordics and beyond. Stellar Film’s collaboration with international partners underscores the importance of cross-cultural exchange and creative collaboration in the global film industry. Salumets travels across the continent to meet women who are fighting back against these attacks, including feminist activists, politicians, and academics. The documentary explores the roots of this backlash and the strategies being used to combat it. Salumets hopes that by shining a light on these issues, she can inspire others to join the fight for gender equality. The powerful and timely film is a call to action for audiences to stand up against discrimination and fight for a more equal world for all.

Overall, the lineup of films at the Black Nights Film Festival showcases a diverse range of stories and voices from the Baltic region and beyond. From coming-of-age dramas to psychological thrillers to biographical sports films, there is something for every film lover to enjoy. These films not only entertain but also challenge audiences to think critically about the world around them. The festival is a celebration of the art of cinema and a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent. With each new film, audiences are transported to different worlds and given a glimpse into the lives of characters they may never have encountered otherwise. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it remains a vital part of the international film community, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling to audiences around the world. Together with my co-writer Tereza Nvotová, the director of ‘Father,’ we set out to create a film that delves deeper than a traditional journalistic exposé. Our goal was to produce an investigative film that not only presents evidence but also evokes a strong emotional response in our audiences. We wanted viewers to not only understand the issues at hand but to also feel the importance of why these matters are significant.

The film, titled ‘Three Brothers,’ is a collaborative effort between production companies Gambit Film, Doc Society, Insel Film, Manifest Film, and Allfilm. With a team of dedicated individuals working together, we aimed to shed light on a pressing social issue through a unique and compelling storytelling approach.

Through the lens of documentary filmmaking, ‘Three Brothers’ explores the lives of three siblings who have been deeply impacted by a systemic injustice. By weaving together personal narratives, expert interviews, and compelling visuals, we aim to provide a comprehensive look at the challenges faced by these individuals and their families.

The collaboration between our production team and the talented individuals behind the camera has allowed us to capture the raw emotions and complexities of the subjects’ experiences. By immersing ourselves in their world, we hope to create a film that resonates with audiences on a profound level.

As we navigate through the production process, we are constantly reminded of the power of storytelling and its ability to spark empathy and understanding. By blending emotion with evidence, ‘Three Brothers’ strives to not only inform but also inspire action and change.

With a commitment to authenticity and a dedication to giving a voice to those who are often unheard, our film aims to make a meaningful impact on both individuals and communities. Through our collaborative efforts, we hope to create a cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression on our audiences.

As we continue to work on ‘Three Brothers,’ we are excited to see the impact that our film will have and the conversations it will spark. By working together with a shared vision and purpose, we believe that we can create a powerful piece of storytelling that resonates with audiences around the world.