VILNIUS: The Independent Producers Association of Lithuania (NPA) and LAPA Lithuania have developed guidelines to resume filming in Lithuania. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania approved them on 18 May 2020.

VILNIUS: The Lithuanian Government  has provided extra funds of 16.7 m EUR within the Economic Stimulus and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Mitigation Action Plan.

VILNIUS: The Vilnius International Short Film Festival is now inviting filmmakers to submit films to the 14th edition and its two competition programmes – International and National. Filmmakers can submit fiction, documentary, animation, experimental and hybrid genre films of up to 30 minutes, completed after January 2019. Submission deadline: 31 July 2020. Films can be submitted via the www.shortfilmdepot.com platform.

VILNIUS: The Vilnius IFF is going digital and will also present a new experiential film season Aerokinas - the journey begins at the first drive-in cinema, which will open at the Vilnius Airport on 30 April 2020.

VILNIUS: The Lithuanian Government has allocated additional resources of 2 m EUR to the Lithuanian film sector to support cinemas, new productions, distribution, individual filmmakers, TV and audiovisual content. The measure is implemented by the Lithuanian Film Centre, which is analysing the current situation in the film industry. The decision on additional funding will be made after the evaluation of already completed production, required changes to projects, and emerging problems related to raising funds from traditional sources.

VILNIUS: Film premieres have been postponed and the production of some films has stopped in Lithuania due to the COVID-19 crisis.

VILNIUS: Traditional cinemas remain closed, but one Lithuanian company has found an alternative way to keep film in the public eye. Lithuania‘s first drive-in cinema ŽMONĖS Cinema Drive-in opens on 17 April 2020.

VILNIUS: The Lithuanian Parliament approved an additional 5 m EUR in assistance to artists, culture professionals and cultural organisations impacted by the COVID-19 crisis on 8 April 2020. The film sector will receive 2 m EUR.

VILNIUS: The Metamorphosis of Birds / A Metamorfose dos Pássaros from Portuguese director Catarina Vasconcelos, an engaging portrait of a family, was awarded Best Film in the European Debut Competition of the 25th Vilnius International Film Festival, which was held online from 19 March to 2 April 2020.

VILNIUS: Lithuanian government has decided to close cinemas from 13 to 27 March 2020. Vilnius International Film Festival Kino Pavasaris will be held online from 19 March to 2 April 2020.