Sundance Prizewinner ‘How to Divorce During the War’ Acquired in North America by Zeitgeist Films in Association With Kino Lorber (EXCLUSIVE)

Zeitgeist Films in association with Kino Lorber has acquired North American rights to Andrius Blazevicius’ “How to Divorce During the War,” a beautifully directed portrait of a couple navigating the dissolution of their marriage during the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The film made its world premiere as part of the World Cinema Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where Blazevicius received the Directing Award. Zeitgeist Films is planning a theatrical release at New York’s IFC Center this summer with a national rollout to follow.

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The film is set in Vilnius in 2022. High-flying executive Marija (Zygimante Elena Jakstaite) chooses the worst possible moment to inform her husband Vytas (Marius Repsys) she wants a divorce: just one day before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Suddenly the couple must navigate the process of separation as it collides with a refugee and mid-life crisis.

A struggling film director, Vytas is put into a tight spot by having to move in with his Russophile parents, while Marija struggles to find her footing as the war affects both her business and home life. As the reason for the divorce gradually becomes clear, the dissolution of Marija and Vytas’ marriage creates conflicts and opportunities for both of them, while also affecting their ever-observant young daughter Dovile.

Packed with surprises along with much heartache and soul searching, Andrius Blaževičius’ nuanced and timely family drama skillfully depicts the fallout of a marriage against the backdrop of extraordinary events with humor and compassion.

The deal for “How to Divorce During the War” was negotiated by Zeitgeist Films co-presidents Nancy Gerstman and Emily Russo, and Jan Naszewski, CEO of New Europe Film Sales.

Russo and Gerstman said, “We were impressed with the observant and gentle handling of this wrought domestic subject against a backdrop of world politics, and are looking forward to sharing it with North American audiences who will surely appreciate the many levels of cinematic artistry at play in this subtle yet provocative film.“

“We are very happy to have this movie with Zeitgeist and Kino Lorber – the leading labels for quality cinema in North America. We’re glad that they responded to Andrius’ style and the timely message of the film,” added Naszewski.

Written and directed by Blazevicius, “How to Divorce During the War” is an M-Film production in co-production with Red Lion, Feline Films and Bionaut. The film is produced by Marija Razgute and co-produced by Vincent Quénault, Jeanne Geiben, Jessie Fisk, Jakub Kostal and Vratislav Slajer.