From enterprising dramas to a TV series inspired by the Danske Bank scandal, Baltic projects look for inspiration in the most unusual places. According to director Ove Musting, behind “Business as Usual,” the goal was not to judge the characters, “but to understand how the system seduces them.”

“This is a world where bankers behave like aristocracy, where Danish executives function like kings and where oligarchs appear almost mythological: charming, terrifying, and willing to offer unimaginable wealth for a few drops of blood.”

Corruption doesn’t start with grand criminal masterminds, he states, but with “small compromises made by normal people who believe they can outsmart the devil. ‘Business as Usual’ is thrilling, absurd, visually bold and painfully relevant. It shows how billions can flow silently across Europe, beneath the radar of politicians and regulators – until one day, the truth becomes too big to hide.”

Just like in “War on Women” about networks spreading anti-women and anti-LGBTQ message, called by producer Elina Litvinova a “story with increasing urgency for the global audiences and the protection of human rights and democracy.” She adds: “It’s a deeply moving personal journey while shedding light on global issues.”

As for documentaries, Šarūnas Bartas opens up about personal tragedy in “Laguna,” Aistė Žegulytė comes close to microorganisms in “Holy Destructors” and in “A Goodnight Kiss,” the life of Holocaust survivor Irena Veisaitė might inspire those struggling today.

“So far,both national and international audiences have shared the same response: the film has a deeply calming effect. Even tho the film shows the brutal experiences of the 20th century and carries an unsettling sense that history’s darkness is returning, our heroine, through her humanity and inner strength, seems to offer a way to endure in these turbulent times,” she said.

In “Morten” by debuting director Ivan Pavljutškov, where a teen is suddenly faced with two girls in his life, “threads of folklore weave through the narrative, giving the film a sense of timelessness, as if the past breathes softly alongside the present.” Pavljutškov notes: “It contains elements of magical realism, but they remain subtle, serving the story in a delicate, poetic way.”

New Projects Unveiled at Black nights Film Festival

A new thriller series, inspired by the Danske Bank scandal, is in growth. The series follows Artur, who rises to become the favored banker of Russian oligarchs. According to creator Musting, the series’ tone blends dark comedy, crime thriller, and character-driven drama, drawing comparisons to “The Wolf of Wall Street,” “Snatch,” and Nordic psychological realism. Producer Evelin Penttilä of Stellar Film states the aim is to reveal the mechanisms of dirty money in an entertaining way and is seeking co-development and financing partners for an international series.

“China Sea” (Lithuania, Taiwan, Poland, Czechia) directed by Jurgis Matulevičius, marks the first co-production between Lithuania and Taiwan. The film centers on a martial artist finding refuge in a Taiwanese restaurant and features a cast from both countries performing in a unique hybrid dialect of Mandarin and Lithuanian. Producer Ieva cern highlights the significance of co-producing with Taiwan, especially given the current political climate, and praises the outstanding cast brought to the film.

“A Goodnight Kiss”

Documentary

(Lithuania,Estonia)

A tender and intimate portrait of an elderly couple navigating the complexities of aging and memory loss,”A Goodnight Kiss” is a deeply moving exploration of love,commitment,and the enduring power of human connection. Director Kristina Buozytė and Tadas Vidmantas craft a sensitive and observational film that avoids sentimentality, rather offering a raw and honest glimpse into the daily lives of Nijolė and Petras. The film beautifully captures the small moments – a shared meal, a quiet walk, a gentle touch – that define their relationship, even as Petras’s dementia gradually erodes his memories. It’s a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we love.

“Holy Destructors”

Documentary

(Lithuania, France, Latvia)

Director: Aistė Žegulytė

Shown at IDFA and also Black Nights, this creative documentary takes on the incredible world of… fungi and other microorganisms, as well as the never-ending circle of life. “I’m incredibly happy that after six years of living with fungi and with the people who became the film’s protagonists, our premiere finally happened. Onyl with them could all these magical adventures come to life,” notes Žegulytė, also known for “Animus Animalis (A Story About People, Animals and Things).” Produced by Studio Uljana Kim, it was co-produced by To Be Continued and Studio locomotive.

“Morten”

(Estonia, Lithuania)

Conductor: Ivan Pavlyutškov

“no Me Without You“

(Estonia)

Dir: Janno Jürgens

Described as a psychological thriller about all-consuming love and revenge, now in post-production, it’s “set in a Nordic jungle where three women collide.” “The love-hate dynamic between sisters is a mystery. Our way of grappling with this is by placing the characters in an extreme situation – a chain of events that seems unbelievable, painful, even veering into the realm of fantasy – at the center of which their deepest emotions are revealed,” says Jürgens. “His vision has transformed a deeply emotional narrative into a visually compelling, immersive experiance, blending drama, thriller, and horror elements,” add producers Marju Lepp and Manfred Vainokivi.

“Ulya”

(Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Lithuania)

Dir: Viesturs Kairišs

This drama, written by Livia ulman, Andris Feldmanis and Kārlis Arnolds Avots, follows a teenager.

delving into “War on Women”: A Documentary Overview

The documentary “war on Women” is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the rollback of women’s rights across Europe and the United States. Produced as a collaboration between Estonia,Romania,germany,and the UK,the film doesn’t focus on a single event,but rather a coordinated,decades-long strategy to undermine reproductive freedom,LGBTQ+ rights,and gender equality. It reveals how a network of conservative activists and organizations,often funded by wealthy donors,are actively working to dismantle hard-won progress.

Key Themes and Arguments

The documentary meticulously details the tactics employed by anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ groups. It highlights how these groups strategically target legislation, manipulate public opinion through misinformation, and cultivate relationships with politicians to advance their agenda.A central argument is that this isn’t a spontaneous backlash,but a deliberate and well-funded campaign. “War on Women” demonstrates the interconnectedness of these movements, showing how strategies triumphant in one country are replicated and adapted elsewhere. The film also emphasizes the impact of these policies on vulnerable communities, notably women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.

The Role of Funding and networks

A significant portion of the documentary investigates the financial backing behind these movements.It traces the flow of money from conservative foundations and individual donors to organizations actively working to restrict women’s rights. The film exposes the role of think tanks and lobbying groups in shaping public policy and influencing legal decisions. It reveals how these networks operate across national borders, sharing resources and coordinating strategies to achieve their goals. This interconnectedness makes it difficult to counter their influence, as they can quickly adapt to changing circumstances and exploit loopholes in the legal system.

Impact and Reception

“War on Women” has sparked considerable debate and discussion as its release. Critics have praised its thorough research,compelling storytelling,and urgent message. The film has been screened at numerous film festivals and has garnered attention from human rights organizations and activists.It serves as a wake-up call, urging viewers to recognize the threats to women’s rights and to actively defend them. The documentary’s impact lies in its ability to connect the dots, revealing the larger pattern behind seemingly isolated attacks on reproductive freedom and gender equality.

Key Takeaways

• The rollback of women’s rights is not accidental, but a deliberate strategy.
• Conservative organizations are well-funded and operate across national borders.
• Misinformation and manipulation are key tactics used to undermine public support for women’s rights.
• Vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected by these policies.
• Active resistance and advocacy are crucial to defending women’s rights.

Looking ahead

“War on Women” is a crucial film for anyone concerned about the future of gender equality. As these movements continue to gain momentum,it’s vital to understand their tactics and to develop effective strategies to counter them. The documentary serves as a call to action, encouraging viewers to become informed, engaged, and active participants in the fight for women’s rights. The ongoing struggle demands vigilance, solidarity, and a commitment to protecting the hard-won freedoms of generations past.

Publication Date: 2025/11/24 11:17:32