Oscars: Lithuania Submits Human Drama 'How to Divorce During the
· science
Lithuania’s Oscar Entry: A Human Drama Set Against the Backdrop of War
The Lithuanian Film Centre has selected Andrius Blaževičius’ “How to Divorce During the War” as their entry for the Academy Award for best international feature film. This film stands out from other contenders, tackling universal human relationships amidst the chaos of war.
On one hand, the themes of anxiety, tension, and uncertainty about the future are timely and relatable. As Ignas Miškinis, chair of the National Selection Committee, notes, “the presence of war can be felt in the background of the film – something happening right next to us.” This underscores the universality of human experience.
However, some might argue that this film risks simplifying complex global issues by focusing on the emotional toll of war on an individual couple. By examining both partners’ attempts to sublimate selfish angst into social activism, the movie is “both empathetic and surgical,” as Guy Lodge notes in his Variety review. But does this empathy come at the cost of nuanced exploration?
The film’s success in festival competitions suggests that audiences are drawn to its portrayal of human relationships. As the world grapples with war and displacement, stories like “How to Divorce During the War” offer a much-needed reminder of our shared humanity.
The selection process for the 99th Academy Awards will take place on March 14, 2027. The presence of this film in the competition raises questions about the role of art in reflecting our shared human experiences and whether it will emerge victorious. Its success has sparked an important conversation about the intersection of geopolitics and art.
The producers, including Marija Razgute of M-Films (Lithuania), Red Lion (Luxembourg), Feline Films (Ireland), and Bionaut (Czech Rep.), have brought together a diverse range of international collaborators to bring this story to life. The team’s participation in markets such as the New Nordic Films Co-Production Market and the Berlinale Co-Production Market speaks to the increasingly global nature of film production.
As we await the outcome of the Academy Awards, “How to Divorce During the War” serves as a poignant reminder that human stories continue to captivate audiences around the world. The trend towards more universal storytelling raises questions about whether this will ultimately lead to a richer or more homogeneous cinematic landscape.
The film’s release on August 21 offers an opportunity for audiences to engage with its themes and characters in a more intimate setting. As we watch “How to Divorce During the War” unfold on screen, let us remember that the stories we tell about ourselves – and the world around us – have the power to shape our understanding of ourselves and others.
The final act of “How to Divorce During the War” is yet to be written, but its selection for the Academy Awards serves as a testament to the enduring power of human storytelling in the face of adversity.
Reader Views
- DEDr. Elena M. · research scientist
While the selection of "How to Divorce During the War" as Lithuania's Oscar entry is well-deserved, I'd argue that its international appeal may be rooted in a misreading of war's impact on relationships. By focusing on individual emotional responses, the film overlooks systemic issues driving conflict. A more nuanced exploration would acknowledge that war's effects are not solely psychological but also socio-politically constructed, perpetuated by power dynamics and economic interests. This oversight risks perpetuating simplistic narratives about human nature in the face of crisis, rather than incisive critiques of global politics.
- CPCole P. · science writer
While Andrius Blaževičius' "How to Divorce During the War" may be a timely and relatable exploration of human relationships amidst conflict, one potential drawback is its Eurocentric perspective. By focusing on the emotional toll of war on a Western-style nuclear family, the film risks oversimplifying the complexities of global displacement and conflict. A more nuanced exploration might have been achieved by incorporating diverse voices and experiences from regions directly affected by war, adding depth to this otherwise engaging narrative.
- TLThe Lab Desk · editorial
The selection of "How to Divorce During the War" as Lithuania's Oscar entry raises questions about the relevance and representativeness of films in these competitions. While Andrius Blaževičius' human drama does tackle universal themes, one can't help but wonder if this film is being recognized more for its timely subject matter rather than genuine artistic merit. Has the Academy succumbed to tokenism, choosing a film that merely scratches the surface of war's complexities? The answer will only be clear after the votes are in and the winner announced.