Born and raised in Lithuania, Vytautus Katkus studied at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cinematography. In addition to his own directing work, Katkus has also left a mark on Lithuanian film as a cinematographer through numerous projects with young Lithuanian directors. In this programme, we present four especially noteworthy collaborations.
Eleonore and Jonas, an elderly couple, ask a real estate agent to sell their flat. While Eleonore barely speaks, Jonas reminisces about their first encounter, which happened 60 years ago in this very flat. Two versions of the past reach us simultaneously – his story via sound; hers via images.
Techno, Mama Saulius Baradinskas / Lithuania 2021 / 18' / DCP / colour / Lithuanian / Fic
Nikita loves to listen to techno music and dreams of going to Berlin to visit the famous club Berghain. His mother Irena doesn’t know about her son’s dreams, and soon enough, their differing expectations clash.
The Nominees Birutė Kapustinskaitė / Lithuania 2024 / 15' / DCP / colour / Lithuanian / Fic
Having lost out on the award for the best actress of the year, Aldona becomes the heroine of the day.
17-year-old Yasha is rebelling against authority, but in 1990s Soviet Ukraine, some of the opposing forces are more dangerous than others. When Yasha hits his breaking point, raw impulses propel him to the precipice of irreparable harm.
Vytautas Katkus is a Lithuanian cinematographer and director who has made a name for himself in the international film scene in recent years. Born and raised in Lithuania, Katkus studied at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Drama, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cinematography. His preference for analogue techniques plays a central role in his cinematic language. He likes to add a touch of magical realism to his films, even when their stories and shots are realistic. This allows him to transport his audience into a world that is both familiar and unexpectedly enchanting, while also emphasizing the timeless quality of the analogue.
Katkus has enjoyed considerable festival success with his last three short films. «Community Gardens» («Kolektyviniai sodai») had its world premiere at the Critics’ Week in Cannes in 2019. The film, which explores a father-son relationship during a slow summer, was praised internationally for its subtle narration and visual poetry. The apparent gentleness of the style conceals an underlying, searing intensity. In 2020, Katkus continued his exploration of human relationships with «Places», which screened at the Venice International Film Festival. His most recent success, «Uogos» («Cherries»), was presented in the short film competition at Cannes. Here, Katkus addresses a familial conflict during an encounter between father and son.
Vytautas Katkus uses natural light and a subtle colour palette to evoke specific moods in his films. His thoughtful and often poetic image compositions enhance the emotional depth of the stories. The director describes his approach as follows: «I simply try to use my films to show my emotions, which I feel I need to express somehow. Very often I find it easier to express my feelings about certain things in pictures than by talking to people.» This philosophy permeates his work. In addition to visual storytelling, he is especially interested in silence, which he employs as a powerful aesthetic tool to communicate unspoken emotions. Katkus often considers the absence of conversation more meaningful and expressive than dialogue. His films challenge viewers to explore the deeper layers of meaning and the subtle nuances of life.
Through his collaborations with young Lithuanian directors, Katkus has also made a significant contribution to Lithuanian film as a cinematographer. With his continuous search for innovative approaches and his dedication to the art of cinema, he remains a key figure in the emerging Lithuanian film scene.
Curated by John Canciani
The Man Behind the Camera
Vytautas Katkus is a Lithuanian cinematographer and director who has made a name for himself in the international film scene in recent years. Born and raised in Lithuania, Katkus studied at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Drama, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cinematography. His preference for analogue techniques plays a central role in his cinematic language. He likes to add a touch of magical realism to his films, even when their stories and shots are realistic. This allows him to transport his audience into a world that is both familiar and unexpectedly enchanting, while also emphasizing the timeless quality of the analogue.
Katkus has enjoyed considerable festival success with his last three short films. «Community Gardens» («Kolektyviniai sodai») had its world premiere at the Critics’ Week in Cannes in 2019. The film, which explores a father-son relationship during a slow summer, was praised internationally for its subtle narration and visual poetry. The apparent gentleness of the style conceals an underlying, searing intensity. In 2020, Katkus continued his exploration of human relationships with «Places», which screened at the Venice International Film Festival. His most recent success, «Uogos» («Cherries»), was presented in the short film competition at Cannes. Here, Katkus addresses a familial conflict during an encounter between father and son.
Vytautas Katkus uses natural light and a subtle colour palette to evoke specific moods in his films. His thoughtful and often poetic image compositions enhance the emotional depth of the stories. The director describes his approach as follows: «I simply try to use my films to show my emotions, which I feel I need to express somehow. Very often I find it easier to express my feelings about certain things in pictures than by talking to people.» This philosophy permeates his work. In addition to visual storytelling, he is especially interested in silence, which he employs as a powerful aesthetic tool to communicate unspoken emotions. Katkus often considers the absence of conversation more meaningful and expressive than dialogue. His films challenge viewers to explore the deeper layers of meaning and the subtle nuances of life.
Through his collaborations with young Lithuanian directors, Katkus has also made a significant contribution to Lithuanian film as a cinematographer. With his continuous search for innovative approaches and his dedication to the art of cinema, he remains a key figure in the emerging Lithuanian film scene.
Internationale Kurzfilmtage Winterthur is Switzerland’s major short film festival. For six days every November, we transform the city into a dynamic short film hub.
Kurzfilmtage offers discoveries for everyone: our thoughtfully compiled thematic programmes address current events or topics that our curators are passionate about. The competition programmes showcase the latest filmmaking from around the globe, while installations, performances, and other specials highlight the diversity of audiovisual forms. And a programme of special events including concerts, readings, and more enhance the festival experience.
A short film is not just a shorter film. Shorts are a distinct art form, which we showcase at our annual festival.
Short films come in all shapes and genres, and how long – or short – they are, varies quite a bit. Simpler production processes allow filmmakers to capture the zeitgeist and quickly respond to trends. Shorts can be entertaining or surprising, they can analyse society, take a political stance, or offer glimpses of worlds unknown to us.
We compile our short films into thematic programmes or specific sections, such as our competitions, paying close attention to the selection and sequence of films in each programme. All you need to enjoy short films is an open mind for new discoveries and surprises.
Competitions
Recent short films from around the world. The best shorts will be presented with awards on Sunday evening.
Hors Concours
Recent short films from Zurich, Switzerland, and around the world screened out of competition.
Main Focus
Films that explore a region, a social phenomenon, or an artistic trend.
Country in Focus
The cinema of a country from contemporary and historical perspectives.
Person in Focus
A spotlight on the work of a filmmaker.
Special Programmes
Short film programmes dedicated to topics that our curators are passionate about – or that are simply fun.
Family Programmes
Short film fun for young viewers aged 6+ and for the whole family.
Expanded Cinema
Installations, performances, and exhibitions present the medium of film in unfamiliar forms.
Special Events
Concerts, parties, readings, and many other events enhance the festival experience.
Talks & Panels
Moderated talks and panels after the screenings offer additional context and insight into films and themes.
Industry Events
A wide range of educational events and networking opportunities.
