The Journey of Lithuanian Literature to Film: A History of Adaptations Film Screening „Virto ąžuolai“

In May and June, the Lithuanian Filmmakers’ Union is hosting a film program titled “The Journey of Lithuanian Literature to Film: A History of Adaptations.”

The program features a series of film screenings and discussions, presenting cinematic adaptations of Lithuanian literary works from both the Soviet and post-independence periods. Screenings on June 5 and 10 will take place at the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania.

On June 10 at 6:00 PM, we will screen the film The Oaks Fell (Virto ąžuolai, directed by Gytis Lukšas, 1976), based on the novella of the same name by Juozas Baltušis. The film tells the story of a well-off family living in an interwar Lithuanian village. A dying mother bids farewell to her three sons – Laurynas, Stanislovas, and Antanėlis. As she blesses the youngest, Antanas, she asks the hardworking maid Kazyte to become his wife and take good care of him. However, the young woman’s arrival brings tension not only among the brothers. Kazyte unsettles the lives of other men as well, yet never finds happiness herself. The screening will be introduced by film critic Rasa Paukštytė.

More information about the program available here.

Organized by: Lithuanian Filmmakers’ Union
Supported by: Lithuanian Council for Culture
Film program funded by: Lithuanian Film Centre, AVAKA