A special screening of the film "Irena" for schoolchildren took place at the Romuva Cinema Center. After the film, the audience participated in a lively discussion with director Giedre Žickytė. The meeting became a great opportunity for young viewers not only to better understand the documentary creation process, but also to take a closer look at the exceptional personality - Irena Veisaitė.
About the movie
"Jump" director G. Žickytė's new work is a sensitive tribute to a prominent Lithuanian cultural figure, a humanist who survived the Holocaust Irena VeisaitėHaving lost loved ones but not succumbing to hatred, Irena chose dialogue, forgiveness and love throughout her life. The film becomes not only a personal historical testimony, but also a reminder for these turbulent times: our attitude, choices and empathy can change the world.
Students are active and curious interlocutors
During the discussion, the students were interested in what a director actually does on set, how creative decisions are made, and what challenges accompany a documentary film crew. The director shared how she was looking for a way to convey the main idea of the film, how the idea to make a film about Irena Veisaitė was born, and what their first meeting was like – which left a strong emotional impression and helped them understand what a delicate narrative this story requires.
The students were also interested in how the everyday moments were selected, allowing the viewer to get closer to the life of the film's heroine. The director spoke openly about ethical boundaries - that there were moments that, due to their intimacy or sensitivity, remained off-screen. She also shared memorable stories from the filming process and the archive of conversations with Irena.
At the end of the discussion, the audience asked her to tell more about Irena's connection with Kaunas, the city where important stages of her life passed and which formed part of her identity and relationship with Lithuanian culture.
We thank the students and teachers for their sincere engagement and meaningful questions.
We invite you to follow Romuva's educational news - more meetings, conversations, and films await you, inviting you to think, feel, and talk.
