Vilnius Cinema Spring Festival
In 1995 in a legendary cinema theatre Lithuania the first Vilnius international film festival called Cinema Spring (“Kino pavasaris” lit.) was arranged. Since that time in Vilnius there Cinema Spring festivals are held every early sprig till nowadays.
The main idea of implementing such kind of project was to supplement the Lithuanian cinema with some cinema production of good quality. The idea was born when creators realized the real cinema demand in Lithuania. However, the demand was satisfied with only serial Hollywood films then and there was a lack of accredited films that raise real discussions and break all the stereotypes.
There is no doubt that the festival Cinema Spring earned a wildly respected reputation. Great number of non commercial films directed by professional directors are carefully selected from programs of various world famous professional cinema festivals. The program of Cinema Spring festival doesn’t restrict with only showing professional cinema. There also come many world famous actors like Ian Somerhalder and directors like Emir Kusturica, Mike Leigh, Leos Caraxu participate. Participants of the festivals are able to get acquainted with the real wing of the cinema described by professionals.
The festival usually proceeds 2 weeks each spring. During these days approximately 100 films are shown. For spectators convenience film programs are classified. Films directed by accredited directors are on attachment to category Masters (“Meistrai” lit.). Those works with delighting and shocking scenario are included into program called Brave Vision (“Drąsi vizija” lit.). Attendants of the festival are also able to be the first ones who see debut films by young gifted directors in Debuts program (“Debiutai” lit.). In addition, the most important recent documentary films are shown in program Topical Documentary (“Aktualioji dokumentika” lit.). A special rubric is appointed to Lithuanian cinema. Program called Lithuanian News (“Lietuviškos naujienos” lit.) shows the newest films by Lithuanian directors. Organizers never forget to pay a tribute for foreign exotic cultures as a Special Program (“Specialioji programa” lit.) is dedicated specially for cinema created in far away exotic countries.
Besides being a well organized festival of high cultural and educational level, the Cinema Spring is also a socially responsible festival paying great attention to those who are the weakest members of society. Special free of charge shows are prepared for disabled people, a free educational program for schoolchildren is shown. In addition, projects discussing the hardest global nowadays problems are held, special cinema exhibitions and seminars for film translators and young creators are organized.
Festival Cinema Spring cherishes a bright mission for the future of becoming one of the most famous film festivals in the Eastern Europe and to attract lovers of good cinema from various places of Europe each year. So far the main purpose - to give a chance for people to watch a really artistic and professional films, has been implemented. Probably, that is not everything what had to be reached by organizing Cinema Spring festivals. There is no doubt that each year improving this festival will catch the bigger and bigger attention.
For more information, please visit: www.kinopavasaris.lt