Vilnius International Film Festival (Kino Pavasaris)

Overview

Kino Pavasaris (Cinema Spring) is Lithuania's most important film festival. Founded in 1995 and held annually in March in Vilnius, the festival presents competitive international and Lithuanian cinema in the Baltic's most artistically distinctive capital city.

Vilnius's extraordinary Baroque architecture -- the city's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site -- and its tragic history as one of the most important centers of Jewish culture in Europe before the Holocaust give the city a particular depth that is reflected in the festival's programming, which has developed strength in films addressing history, memory, and identity.

Lithuania's film culture has produced internationally recognized directors, and the festival provides the most important domestic showcase for Lithuanian cinema alongside its international program.

Key Sections

• International Competition -- films competing for jury prizes
• Lithuanian Film Showcase -- new Lithuanian features and shorts
• Baltic Panorama -- films from Latvia and Estonia
• Documentary Program -- nonfiction features
• Short Film Competition -- Lithuanian and international short films

What Filmmakers Should Know

Kino Pavasaris accepts open submissions. For Lithuanian filmmakers, the festival provides the most important domestic international platform. For Baltic filmmakers, the festival creates connections across the three Baltic states.

Major Awards

• Golden Needle Award -- Best Film
• Best Lithuanian Film
• Audience Award

Festival History

Kino Pavasaris was founded in 1995, shortly after Lithuanian independence, and has grown into the country's most important annual film event.

See Also

For Baltic cinema, see International Film Markets. For the Tallinn Black Nights festival, see Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival.