As the day of the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence approaches, a quiet transformation unfolds, far from the homeland’s borders. An enigmatic connection unites the hearts of those who, despite the vastness of oceans and continents, hold on to a shared sense of belonging. It’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and the remarkable power of a common identity that transcends the barriers of time and space.

Take, for instance, the Lithuanian community in New Zealand – a place more than 17,000 kilometers away from Lithuania, with a staggering time difference of 11 hours. Despite the seemingly insurmountable distance, Lithuanians have managed to create a microcosm of their homeland in a distant corner of the world. It is here, in this unlikely setting, that the spirit of Lithuania’s independence burns as brightly as ever.

The story of New Zealand’s Lithuanian community began in the 19th century when a handful of adventurous souls first ventured to this far-flung land. Over time, this intrepid group laid the foundation for a thriving Lithuanian enclave that continues to evolve and adapt to its ever-changing surroundings.

In recent years, a fresh wave of Lithuanians has arrived in New Zealand, reinvigorating the community with their energy and enthusiasm. This influx of newcomers has also brought about a resurgence in the use of the Lithuanian language – a poignant reminder of the bond that unites these individuals despite their disparate backgrounds.

The community, though small, is a diverse tapestry of experiences and stories. Among its members are those who fled the horrors of war, only to rebuild their lives in an unfamiliar land. There are the love emigrants, who journeyed across the world for the sake of their relationships, forging new lives alongside their New Zealand-born partners. And, of course, there are the young adventurers who have arrived on working holiday visas, eager to explore new horizons and opportunities.

Together, these seemingly disparate threads weave a rich, intricate fabric that is both a testament to the community’s resilience and a reflection of its unique character. Through their shared experiences and common heritage, these Lithuanians have forged a bond that transcends the boundaries of time and distance, ensuring that the spirit of Lithuania’s independence is kept alive and well, even in the most remote of locales.

As the world celebrates the Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence, it is worth remembering that the true essence of this momentous occasion lies not only in the tricolor Lithuanian flag that proudly flies in the homeland but also in the hearts of those who, no matter where they find themselves, continue to embody the spirit and resilience that define their Lithuanian identity.

Loosely translated from Itlietuviai.it

Following a successful reception of the first Lithuanian Film Festival in Auckland last year, local expats continue the new-born tradition by offering New Zealanders the latest film gems from their home country, both for kids and adults. Screened at the Academy Cinemas on Sunday, 17th of July, the festival is a part of the international centennial celebration of one of Lithuania’s most prominent cultural figures – poet, filmmaker and artist JONAS MEKAS – a native Lithuanian who emigrated to New York in 1949 and became known as a godfather of American avant-garde cinema collaborating with a host of artists
including John Lennon and Yoko Ono, The Velvet Underground, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, Patti Smith and Sonic Youth.

This year’s festival programme consists of a film for kids, A BUTTERFLY’S HEART (2021), directed by Inesa Kurklietyte; support screening for Ukraine MARIUPOLIS (2016) in memory of film’s director Mantas Kvedaravicius recently killed by Russian soldiers while filming MARIUPOLIS 2 in Mariupol, Ukraine; an international centennial celebration of JONAS MEKAS by featuring IN
BETWEEN (1978) directed by Jonas Mekas and JONAS KEEPS SHOOTING AROUND (2002) directed by Pip Chodorov; and the best Lithuanian film 2022 and the winner of 78th Venice Film Festival in the Horizons category, a section of the main competition dedicated to young and debuting filmmakers, PILGRIMS (2021) directed by Laurynas Bareisa.

After screening the kids’ film A BUTTERFLY’S HEART, the children and adults are invited to join a special Creative Nature Art Workshop to learn how to make sustainable art pieces from natural elements led by local creative Marina Pauliukova. Later in the day, before the closing film, PILGRIMS, the audience is invited to the reception featuring New York-based jazz vocalist and
composer Simona Smirnova. She will perform a few original Baltic folk songs giving a taste of the upcoming Multipart Singing
Workshop on 23rd July at TAPAC, a closing event of the Lithuanian Days Aotearoa 2022.

The festival will host two virtual Q&A sessions with film directors – Pip Chodorov, a filmmaker, curator, Jonas Mekas’ friend, and Laurynas Bareisa, director of PILGRIMS.

All proceeds from screening MARIUPOLIS will be donated to support Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression.

Book your tickets via Academy cinema.

Gavome žinutę iš Mindaugo Stankevičiaus. Jis yra naujas Lietuvos ambasados Japonijoje antrasis sekretorius, pakeitęs Ingą Miškinytę.

Lietuvos ambasada Japonijoje ir šiemet organizuoja išvažiuojamąją konsulinę misiją Naujojoje Zelandijoje. Misija vyks Oklende lapkričio 14 d. 2017, Lietuvos garbės konsulato patalpose.

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Būtina išankstinė registracija, todėl iš anksto kreipkitės į ambasadą [email protected].