The American Academy of Film Arts and Sciences will present the 94th Oscar Awards on March 27, 2022. The Oscar Committee of Lithuania, comprised of members of the Lithuanian Cinematographers Association, has chosen one more Lithuanian candidate for the award.
The first film, a documentary by Giedrė Žickytė titled “Šuolis“ (The Jump) will be featured at the European Union Film Festival on November 26. It is the story of Simas Kudirka, a Lithuanian sailor who dared to defect from a Russian ship, his fate to be determined by two US presidents. Director Žickytė was inspired by this event and hopes that her film will inspire others. It shows that every person, every action is important and meaningful, and the quest for freedom is unquenchable, even in our darkest hours. This film will be in the running for best documentary.
A recently added contender for best foreign film will be “Izaokas” (Isaac) by director Jurgis Matulevičius. His first film was offered for the European Discovery category in the European Film Award, and also entered the International Film Critics’ Association (FIPRESCI) competition.
The film is based on a short story by Antanas Škėma about Andrius Gluosnis, who murders a Jew, Isaac, during the horrific massacre in the Lietūkis garage in Kaunas, in 1941. This is a story of the Holocaust, the horror of war and the relationship between two friends and their love for the same woman in newly-Soviet Lithuania.
Oscar committees will choose the five best foreign films submitted from countries around the world. These will be submitted to the Academy to compete for the Oscar. Committee favourite The Jump has won the most award over the past year in numerous film festivals.
Trailers of both films are available for viewing on YouTube.
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