Somewhere in the World (dir. Sharunas Bartas)
Drama, 120 min, DCP, Colour
ABOUT THE FILM
Irina fled Ukraine after her husband died at the front and settled in Lithuania with her son. Here she is building a new life with a successful real estate businessman. However, her peace is shattered by news from her sister, who lives in Odesa: their mother has left the hospital without her knowledge and disappeared.
Driven by guilt and worry, Irina decides to return to Ukraine with her partner to find her mother. Upon arrival, she begins to suspect that her mother may have returned to her home village, a place right next to the front line. They are soon joined by her sister's husband, a former soldier, and together they embark on a dangerous journey that takes them deeper and deeper into the war-torn country.
DIRECTOR'S VISION
War has followed humanity since prehistoric times.
As with every profound crisis - remember the old plea, “Save us, Lord, from famine, plague, fire, and war” - war strips away illusions. It exposes not only the problems of a society, but also the truth of each individual. It tears off the “official costume” and leaves the person standing as they truly are.
In this film, we show the war in Ukraine - the most modern, large-scale war of our time. But the story we are telling is not about politics or armies. It is about people.
Because in every war, in every conflict, it is not tanks or missiles that act - it is people. Every weapon becomes a weapon only in someone’s hands. Behind every order, every choice, every cruelty or act of compassion, there is a human being.
Our goal is simple - almost banal - but essential: to show a person. A real person, in real circumstances. Not as a symbol, not as a victim, not as a hero. Just as they are.
CONTEXT AND MOTIVATION
Studija Kinema has always taken geopolitical context into account when producing films. This project will be the third film by Šarūnas Bartas to be shot in Ukraine.
“Seven Invisible Men” (2005) is a story about life in the Crimean steppes, created during a period when the Russian Empire was making yet another attempt to strangle Ukraine - specifically during the poisoning of President Yushchenko.
Film premiered at Cannes Film Festival's 2005 Director's Fortnight
“Frost” (2017) was made during the occupation of Crimea and parts of southeastern Ukraine, amid low-intensity military actions.
Film premiered at Cannes Film Festival's 2017 Director's Fortnight
“Somewhere in the World” will be filmed in a country engulfed by war that is already escalating into a global conflict.
NOW IN PRE-PRODUCTION
Director Sharunas Bartas and producer Alina Lu spent the autumn and winter of 2025 in Ukraine - basing in Odesa and traveling through south-eastern cities torn by war and villages bordering the front line, where destruction coexists with daily life, among those who fight and those who remain.
Life speaks louder when death is near.
Ukraine right now is the place to be. Real. Dramatically painful, yet beautiful.
Studija Kinema is set in motion.
We are open to those ready to join us.