September 16 / 2011
The Lithuanian contender nominated to Oscar award in the category of foreign film category is Back to your Arms by Kristijonas Vildžiūnas.
The decision was taken by special commission’s secret ballot. Three films participated in the selection.
"I am happy for this film to have an opportunity to start embracing the American conquest land, and this might be a launch in the largest film industry, in the largest country, where the cinema is among the five most important industries, enjoying an enormous audience, it is a wonderful opportunity to show what the Lithuanian film is to a wider audience. This could also open up chances for producers and creators to go beyond borders, to raise funds” said Chairman of the National Culture and Art award winner, Directors Guild of America Award winner, film director Arūnas Matelis.
The film takes us to the post-war Berlin, telling the story of the father and the daughter separated by the Second World War and trying to reunite in the city.
The Lithuanian film selection committee consisted of Arūnas Matelis, film and theater actor Regimantas Adomaitis, film reviewer Gražina Arlickaitė, cameraman Rimvydas Leipus, National Culture and Arts Award winner, film director and cameraman Kornelius Matuzevičius, National Culture and Arts Award winner, writer Icchokas Icchokas Meras.
Father of Kristijonas Vildžiūnas film critic Linas Vildžiūnas withdrew from the Commission due to a possible conflict of interest.
In 2006, the Commission nominated the documentary Before Flying Back to the Earth by Arūnas Matelis. It happened to be the first film from Lithuania submitted as contender for Oscar Foreign Language Film Category. In 2007, there were no contenders selected. In 2008, it was Maris Martinson’s Loss, in 2009, the submission was Gytis Lukšas’ film Vortex. Last year there were no nominations to Oscar award contest.
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