The highly anticipated film “How to Divorce During the War” made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2024, unveiling its trailer to audiences. Directed and written by Andrius Blazevicius, the film is set against the backdrop of Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2022, capturing a tumultuous moment in history as the conflict in Ukraine escalates.
The narrative revolves around Marija, a high-powered executive, who chooses an unfortunate time to discuss her desire for a divorce from her husband, Vytas. This conversation occurs just one day before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, setting the stage for a complex exploration of personal turmoil intertwined with global crisis. As the couple attempts to navigate their separation, they confront not only their relationship challenges but also the broader implications of the war.
As the story unfolds, Vytas, a struggling film director, finds himself in a challenging living situation with his Russophile parents, whose beliefs starkly contrast with his own. This predicament leads him to volunteer at a local food bank, where he discovers new purpose and gains recognition through his anti-war performance art.
Marija, on the other hand, grapples with her choices as she attempts to help refugees. Her journey reveals that the life she envisioned apart from Vytas may not be as fulfilling as she anticipated. The cultural clash she experiences while hosting a Ukrainian family in her upscale apartment adds layers of frustration and isolation, prompting her to reconsider her past.
Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė and Marius Repšys lead the cast, bringing depth to the characters’ struggles. The film is produced by Marija Razgutė at M-Films, with co-producers including Vincent Quénault and Jeanne Geiben at Red Lion, Jessie Fisk at Feline Films, and Jakub Kostal and Vratislav Šlajer at Bionaut.
Blazevicius is no stranger to acclaim; his debut feature film, “The Saint,” released in 2016, garnered six national awards and was recognized as one of the most successful Lithuanian films at the local box office. His subsequent film, “Runner,” premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2021, where Jakštaitė was honored as a Shooting Star by European Film Promotion. “Runner” also secured multiple awards from the Lithuanian Film Academy, showcasing the talents of both the leading and supporting actresses.
As “How to Divorce During the War” continues its journey through film festivals, its blend of personal and political narratives resonates with audiences, reflecting the complexities of life during times of conflict. The film’s exploration of human relationships amidst chaos promises to provoke thought and provoke discussion long after its premiere.
