30th Thomas Mann Festival to Feature Director Karolis Kaupinis

Nida, Lithuania, will host the 30th Thomas Mann Festival from July 11-18, 2026. The festival, named after the Nobel laureate, centers on intellectual discussions about history and contemporary issues. This year's theme is 'Time Out of Joint. Hope.'

Director Karolis Kaupinis is a prominent guest, scheduled to present his latest film, 'The Huts,' and deliver a talk on July 13. His presentation, held at the T. Mann Memorial Museum, will explore hope as a deliberate choice and effort, drawing parallels to the U.S. Declaration of Independence's emphasis on the pursuit of happiness. Kaupinis, known for films like 'Nova Lituania' and 'The Huts,' has also been a vocal figure in cultural community protests.

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This declaration affirmed the inalienable right of every person to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Karolis Kaupinis views the pursuit of happiness almost through the eyes of the U.S. Founding Fathers – as a decision for hope. A decision that can be avoided, but which has a price.

Dr. Irena Vaišvilaitė, a historian and diplomat, will moderate the discussion with Kaupinis. She noted that Kaupinis views the pursuit of happiness through a lens similar to the U.S. Founding Fathers, seeing it as a decision for hope that carries a price. Vaišvilaitė, a former advisor to President Valdas Adamkus and ambassador to the Holy See and UNESCO, will also lead a Q&A session.

The festival will also screen Kaupinis's film 'The Huts' on the evening of July 13 at the newly renovated 'Agila' cinema hall. The screening will be introduced by Kaupinis himself, with Dmitrijus Gluščevskis moderating.

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the properly answered question of meaning creates faith, without it hope is impossible.