“Once upon a time in Vilnius” - 700 years of the city, 7 documentary series, 7 heroes and the diverse authenticity of Vilnius.
The film testifies to the hypothesis that a city is people, because who knows a city better than those who live, work, create, experience, visit, discover. That is why the best way to present and talk about Vilnius is through the stories and experiences of its people.
Upcoming event
March 11
Menų fabrikas LOFTAS
Vilnius
Join us for a special screening of "ONCE UPON A VILNIUS" on March 11, 2024, in celebration of Lithuania's Independence Day. The event is for free, but you have to register. Don't miss out!
Stay tuned for a Q&A session with the film's creative team after the screening. 🎬🇱🇹
It all begins with an idea
How it started?
ONCE IN VILNIUS initiative born in 2021 through innovative means involved Vilnius residents and city guests not only in celebrating the 700th anniversary of Vilnius throughout the year, but also in the making of a movie about Vilnius.
What’s your Vilnius?
In the end of 2022 the mobile application "Once in Vilnius" so called “Vilnius’ Instagram” was released. In one year more than 4,500 people shared their videos and images of Vilnius in the app.
Greetings to Vilnius
Greetings to Vilnius on its 700th birthday occasion flowed from various parts of the world. Well-known musicians, performers, painters, actors, directors, athletes, cultural and public figures, Vilnius residents and fans of the city responded to the invitation of the Once in Vilnius team. On Vilnius bday, January 25th, an exceptional gift - the longest greeting to Vilnius was created. Overall more than 500 selected video or photo authors were involved in a publicity campaign.
7 short movies about Vilnius
Professional filmmakers throughout 2023 created 7 short films presenting Vilnius city that were enriched by videos of the people uploading them to ONCE IN VILNIUS mobile app. Each film is a short story that will help you see Vilnius through the eyes of 7 characters, the heroes of the film. All heroes and their stories are very authentic, vivid, characterful - just like Vilnius itself. Traveling through the films and feeling heroes’ plot lines, maybe you will find a part of yourself and your reason why you love it.
Who are the heroes?
The film about Kamilė, a young creative woman from Vilnius, allows you not only to walk around Užupis, but also to experience the sensual side of Vilnius, and the story of Hedvika, a Czech who has been living in Lithuania for several years, talks about integration in Vilnius and the LGBTQ+ community. We will get to know the composer Migluma - together we will spend the night in the most popular places of the capital and see what the creative people look like behind the scenes. A couple from Cameroon, living in Vilnius and developing their business, will enter their world, show the bustle and colors of the city's markets and reveal multicultural integration. Courage and efforts to live beyond everyday life - in the sensitive and inspiring story of the blind poet and editor Alvydas. World Break Champion Nicka's ambition, dedication and self-confidence inspires not to stop. And, probably, there is no one who knows the atmosphere of the districts better, who feels the pulse of the city, than the taxi driver Laurynas, who takes residents on various routes every day.
Movies premiere
ONCE UPON A TIME movies premiere was held in Art factory LOFTAS in December 12, 2023, where 300 invited guests - people involved in movie’s creation, project implementation and communication, film creative team, film’s heroes, sponsors, partners and industry people participated.
Film’s creative team
7 short documentary series “Once upon a time in Vilnius” were directed by LINA LUŽYTĖ (2 films) and ELVINA NEVARDAUSKAITĖ (5 films).
Editing directors: RIČARDAS MATAČIUS and KOSTAS RADLINSKAS
Cameramen: ANDRIUS SELIUTA, ELVINA NEVARDAUSKAITĖ, LINAS ŽIŪRA
Music: VICTOR DIAWARA, ADAS GECEVIČIUS, MARIJUS ALEKSA, AFRODELIC, MIGLĖ PALKEVIČIŪTĖ, KAMILĖ GUDMONAITĖ.
Sound design: ADAS GECEVIČIUS.
Colorist: JUSTINAS VENCIUS
Graphic design: AHA, KĘSTUTIS BIDVA
Animation: MANTAS BEGINSKAS
Casting: LINA LAURA ŠVEDAITĖ
Production manager: VIKTORIJA PROKOFJEVA
Producer: ŽIVILĖ DIAVARA
And many more.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN VILNIUS official trailer
Once upon a time in Vilnius 7 short movies will be available online in the end of 2024. If you want to see documentary series before they appear online, we invite you to register. You will get the information about the films and their upcoming free public screenings and times.
I want to see the movie
4,500+ people have already shared the moments of their city. What does your Vilnius look like? Together, let's show the world the beauty and uniqueness of Vilnius.
Download the app and share yours or explore how other people are seeing Vilnius? Maybe you will find something surprising?
If you’re interested in partnering on the distribution or screening the movies please get in touch with us
A project dedicated to Vilnius 700th anniversary
Vilnius’ anniversary is being celebrated in 2023, when Vilnius was first mentioned in historical written sources 700 years ago. The “Vilnius 700” anniversary celebration program initiated by Vilnius City Municipality is curated by Vilnius Tourism and Development Agency “Go Vilnius”.
More information about all the events dedicated to Vilnius’ 700th anniversary can be found on the website www.700vilnius.lt