In the memory of the director Mantas Kvedaravičius, two screenings of the documentary MARIUPOLIS will take place – April 15th 6 PM at Sputnik Kino and April 29th 7 PM at Acud Kino.

Last week devastating news broke about the Lithuanian director Mantas Kvedaravičius who was killed by Russian troops in Mariupol. He was documenting the lives of people during the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and everyone who knew Mantas. At the beginning of the war in 2014, Mantas traveled to Mariupol for the first time and created a visually powerful homage to the city in crisis, which premiered at Berlinale’s Panorama section in 2016. Together with Ukrainian Film Festival Berlin we invite you to a special screening of MARIUPOLIS to remember Mantas and show support for Ukraine (all money will be donated to Mantas’ family).

Lithuania, Germany, France, Ukraine | 2016 | Documentary | 96’ | Original with Eng ST

Mariupol in eastern Ukraine, at the mouth of the Kalmius into the Sea of Azov. The city, centered on the steel mills, appears calm, but the approaching conflict between pro-Russian rebels and the Ukrainian army is palpable everywhere. A theater company rehearsing a play for Victory Day on May 9th wishes the city not to be taken over for the premiere while they are devotedly rehearsing dance and singing scenes. The shoemaker’s daughter practices as a war reporter in front of the camera while her father talks to his customers about his faith at work. And the anglers and fishermen hope, as always, for a good catch. Because even if detonations can be heard all around the city, life goes on, accompanied by the ringing of the bells of the Orthodox Church and the squeaking of the tram.

After the sensitive and moving film “Barzakh” (Panorama 2011), which describes the search for a man who has disappeared in Chechnya, director Mantas Kvedaravicius turns again to a conflict area and observes and accompanies the people there. Everyday life develops its own poetry, which occasionally appears absurd.

To support Ukrainian filmmakers, one can go here.

The event takes place as part of the partnership between the Ukrainian Film Festival Berlin and LITAUISCHES KINO GOES BERLIN.