Vilnius Poker cinematographic project

Vilnius is constantly changing, but the city’s DNA remains the same. Ričardas Gavelis’ novel Vilnius Poker is a timeless ode to Vilnius that is still relevanr now, more than three decades since its first publication. For the capital’s anniversary, Vilnius Poker is coming back to life on the big screen and in exhibition and concert halls. Film director Donatas Ulvydas has taken on the impressive feat of giving the legendary work of literature a visual body.

Vilnius Poker is a mystified story about life, love and death in a city that exists beyond time, memory and reality. This movie reveals a different perspective of the city and forms a new Lithuanian urban mythology. Jazz is an inseparable motif of the novel Vilnius Poker. As one of the main scenes of the novel takes place in an abandoned church where musicians secretly perform avant-garde jazz, the programme is being presented in one of Vilnius’ churches. Thus, to celebrate its 700th anniversary, Vilnius is receiving a film as well as a unique avant-garde jazz composition. To discover the many perspectives of Vilnius Poker, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures used in the filming of the movie was initiated.