Vilnius Film Fund: A New Era for Filmmaking in Lithuania’s Capital

A favored filming location for international productions like Stranger Things, “Sisi,” and “Star City,” Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is set to enhance its appeal to filmmakers with the introduction of a new financial initiative. This week, the Vilnius City Council approved the creation of the Vilnius Film Fund, marking the first of its kind in the country, with a budget of €100,000 (approximately $116,700).

The fund, which will prioritize documentary, animation, and feature films, offers up to €30,000 ($35,000) per project for both local and international filmmakers. The inaugural round of funding is expected to be announced later this year, highlighting the city’s commitment to nurturing film production.

Simona Bieliūnė, deputy Mayor of Vilnius City Municipality, expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, “We are pleased to take another major step in promoting the image of Vilnius as a creative, open, and film-friendly city.” She emphasized that the capital has been an active supporter of film education, local film academy efforts, and significant film festivals, asserting that the Vilnius Film Fund will enhance the existing funding mechanisms to attract innovative ideas and bolster the city’s cultural identity through cinematic endeavors.

Jurate Pazikaite, film commissioner and head of the Vilnius Film Office, added, “This initiative is important on many levels.” She noted that a primary goal is to elevate productions that showcase Vilnius, with a selection process focused on the city’s role in the film’s narrative, the involvement of local talent, and the economic benefits to the city. Pazikaite believes that these elements are vital for enhancing Vilnius’ reputation and promoting economic development.

Moreover, Pazikaite highlighted the emphasis on co-productions as a key aspect of the fund. “Creating cooperative opportunities between Lithuanian and international filmmakers positions Vilnius as a regional hub for co-productions,” she stated, suggesting that this initiative will contribute to increasing the city’s visibility within the global film industry while attracting additional projects and funding.

Lithuanian producer Marija Razgutė, known for her work on Vytautas Katkus’ award-winning film “The Visitor,” welcomed the fund, describing it as a significant step by local authorities. “While the budget may be modest, this initiative signals a strong commitment to developing the film industry and aims to enhance Vilnius’ international presence through co-productions. If executed effectively, it could become a vital tool for attracting partners and increasing the visibility of Vilnius,” she remarked.

As the largest of the three Baltic states with approximately 2.9 million residents, Lithuania has evolved into a burgeoning production hub since the introduction of a film tax incentive in 2014, which offers a rebate of up to 30% on production costs. Vilnius, home to over 90% of the country’s film industry, has served as a stunning backdrop for numerous productions, including “Stranger Things 4,” the Norwegian WW2 drama “Nr 24” available on Netflix, and the Disney+ Swedish satire “Whiskey on the Rocks.”

Earlier this summer, Vilnius also wrapped up filming for the Sony Pictures Television and Apple TV+ series “Star City,” as well as transformed into 18th-century Austria for a collaborative German, Lithuanian, and Latvian series about the Mozart family. Pazikaite reported, “In 2025 alone, filmmakers from the U.S., Germany, Ukraine, Israel, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia have selected Vilnius as their filming location.”

With neighboring Estonia and Latvia already benefiting from their own regional film funds, the launch of the Vilnius Film Fund positions Lithuania to further strengthen its film industry and attract a diverse range of international projects.