Lithuanian film "Divorce in Wartime" to vie for Oscar

Lithuania has chosen "Divorce in Wartime" as its official contender for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards. The film, the third feature by director and screenwriter Andrius Blaževičius, centers on Marija, an ambitious advertising executive, and Vytas, a film director searching for himself. Their relationship faces a critical juncture when Marija decides to seek a divorce at the worst possible moment.

“

One of the key arguments for choosing this film was its relevance and proximity – it intertwines human relationships with geopolitical reality, as the title suggests. The film feels the backdrop of war – what is happening right next to us, but at the same time it speaks about universal things – anxiety, tension, uncertainty about the future, the collapse of relationships and its impact not only on two people, but on the whole world around them. These themes are recognizable regardless of country or context.

Ignas Miškinis, chairman of this year's national selection committee, highlighted the film's relevance and emotional resonance. "One of the key arguments for choosing this film was its relevance and proximity – it intertwines human relationships with geopolitical reality, as the title suggests," Miškinis explained. He noted that while the film is set against the backdrop of war, a reality close to home, it also delves into universal themes like anxiety, tension, and uncertainty about the future, and the impact of relationship collapse on individuals and their world.

“

In my opinion, the film's strength lies in its simplicity in the best sense of the word: the story is understandable, its characters are easy to identify with, and their motivations are clearly revealed. At the same time, director Andrius Blaževičius managed not to overshadow complex themes – despite the divorce and uncertainty, the film retains a sense of light and a feeling of a path forward. The organic, real acting of the actors also greatly contributes to its impact.

Miškinis praised the film's accessible storytelling and relatable characters. "In my opinion, the film's strength lies in its simplicity in the best sense of the word: the story is understandable, its characters are easy to identify with, and their motivations are clearly revealed," he added. He also commended director Andrius Blaževičius for handling complex themes without overshadowing them, maintaining a sense of light and a path forward despite the turmoil.

“

I am very happy that the love drama "Divorce in Wartime" will represent Lithuania in the pursuit of an "Oscar". I am grateful to the commission that made this decision. I believe this will add even more value to the film internationally – especially in the USA, where the film is being released in cinemas at the end of August. Together with the "M FILMS" team, we will strive to represent Lithuanian cinema in the world loudly and professionally. Of course, we will also eagerly await meeting with Lithuanian viewers in mid-September.

"Divorce in Wartime" has already received significant international recognition, including the Best Director award for Blaževičius at the Sundance Film Festival. It has since been screened at nearly twenty international festivals, earning special awards. Co-produced with Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Czech Republic, the drama is set to premiere in Lithuanian cinemas on September 18. Director Andrius Blaževičius expressed his joy and gratitude for the Oscar submission, anticipating it will add further value internationally, especially with its U.S. theatrical release in late August. Producer Marija Razgutė also celebrated the film's journey, emphasizing Blaževičius's consistent professional path leading to this recognition.

“

Becoming the official Lithuanian contender to aim for an "Oscar" nomination in the Best International Film category is just the first stage of selection. From various p