Andrius Blaževičius’ relationship drama How to Divorce During the War, which won an award at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and is set for a US theatrical release, has been selected as Lithuania’s submission for consideration in the best international feature film category at the 2027 Academy Awards.
The decision was made by Lithuania’s national selection committee, approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Lithuanian Film Centre said Tuesday.
“One of the main arguments for choosing this film was its relevance and proximity,” said committee chairman and director Ignas Miškinis. “It combines human relationships with geopolitical reality, as the title itself suggests.”
The film is set against the backdrop of the Ukraine war and explores anxiety, tension, uncertainty about the future, the collapse of a relationship and its impact on the people around it. Miškinis said those themes are universal and can resonate regardless of a viewer’s country or circumstances.
He also praised the film’s simplicity and accessible story, saying its characters are easy to identify with and their motivations are clearly portrayed. Naturalistic performances also contribute to the film’s impact, he said.
