Lithuania to Release New Musical Film 'Betono Muzika' in 2028

Lithuania is set to welcome a new musical film, "Betono Muzika" (Concrete Music), with its release planned for the winter of 2028. Director Saulius Baradinskas has nurtured the concept for this ambitious musical narrative for seven years, with the financing process alone requiring five years of perseverance.

The film is described as a continuation of the themes explored in the short film "Betono Vaikai" (Concrete Children), delving into the concepts of freedom, rebellion, and the culture found within residential districts. Adding to the project's pedigree, acclaimed screenwriter Eglė Vertelytė, known for the recent cinematic success "Pietinia kronikas," has joined the creative team.

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This is the biggest, most creatively ambitious, and unique film of my career. I am ready to give it my all. I have waited my whole life for this moment and am incredibly grateful to my wonderful team, who are my greatest inspiration.

Director Baradinskas expressed his lifelong dedication to the project, stating, "This is the biggest, most creatively ambitious, and unique film of my career. I am ready to give it my all. I have waited my whole life for this moment and am incredibly grateful to my wonderful team, who are my greatest inspiration."

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When you read the script yourself, you hear all the dialogues only in your inner voice. But when all the actors read it together, embodying their characters, you feel like you're in a radio play. I heard the script completely differently.

The cast features a blend of rising stars and seasoned professionals from Lithuania's music and theater scenes. Domantas Starkauskas, leader of the band "Abudu," will play the lead role of Rokas. He is joined by a talented ensemble including Martynas Berulis, Kotryna Ciūnytė, Gustas Vičkačka, Gertrūda Paužaitė, Miglė Gudžinskaitė, and Aistė Šalčiūtė. Esteemed musicians Andrius Mamontovas, Jurga Šeduikytė, and Algirdas Kaušpėdas, along with actors Laurynas Jurgelis, Valentin Novopolskij, Ilona Balsytė, Vaidotas Martinaitis, Vaiva Mainelytė, and Arūnas Vozbutas, will also appear in the film.

Initial script readings have deeply impressed the cast. Singer Andrius Mamontovas likened the experience to a radio play, noting how hearing the dialogue read by all actors brought the script to life in a new way. Jurga Šeduikytė highlighted the genre's magic, feeling that the script's emotional arc naturally led to singing rather than speaking, capturing a youthful energy that allows for rediscovering one's inner teenager.

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I was very happy when reading the script. I felt that emotionally everything was brought to the point where you no longer want to talk, but to sing. There is a lot of youthful energy here, which allows you to regain and remember your inner teenager. All boundaries are open, so this is a very beautiful process that I am really looking forward to.