On October 25th, join us for a special screening of the documentary My Hood: Southside (Mana rajons: Pietinis; dir. Julija Juknaitė, Lithuania, 2024), followed by an informal discussion with the film crew! The event will also feature a special appearance by members of Colours of Bubbles, a cinematographic rock band, who will introduce their music and share their personal connections to Pietinis, a southside neighborhood of the biggest town in Northern Lithuania.
Once considered a “wild” neighborhood, Pietinis has recently experienced a cultural awakening, partly inspired by Rimantas Kmita’s celebrated novel Pietinia Kronikas (Southside Chronicles). For the first time, the people of Šiauliai are embracing their unique identity, with newfound pride in their roots, contributing to what is now being called the “Šiauliai phenomenon.” My Hood: Southside, an engaging and vibrant documentary by J. Juknaitė, offers a unique perspective on the now-renowned residential district of Šiauliai. As a native of Pietinis, the director explores the neighborhood’s identity through its history, architecture, archival footage, and people. The film draws attention to an important issue—the legacy of Soviet-era residential areas and the pressing need for revitalization. This grassroots initiative, led by residents and creators, opens broader discussions about the neighborhood’s future.
In this documentary, we get a glimpse into what it was like growing up in Pietinis. Could the neighborhood’s architectural style have contributed to some of the social challenges that emerged here? Pietinis-born musician Julijus Aleksovas, lead vocalist of Colours of Bubbles, discusses these topics with prominent local figures, such as writer Rimantas Kmita, as well as experts in architecture and a historical Rugby team coach, reflecting on the neighborhood’s impact on its people.
Don’t miss this chance to explore the soul of Šiauliai, where identity, art, and community come together in a powerful way.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Julija Juknaitė (b.1988 in Šiauliai) graduated in piano from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, then transitioned into filmmaking, directing concerts across a wide range of styles—from classical to rave—and creating music videos. In 2021, she founded her own production studio Subito Anšlagas and launched the documentary series Faces of Neighbourhoods. Starting with the TV documentary Faces of Neighbourhoods: Markučiai, this year she is making her debut at the Vilnius Documentary Film Festival (VDFF) with her first feature-length documentary Mana rajons: Pietinis.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rimantas Kmita (b. 1977 in Šiauliai) is a distinguished Lithuanian literary scholar, poet, novelist, and translator. He completed his studies in literary theory at Klaipėda University in 2003 and earned his PhD from Vilnius University in 2008 with a dissertation on the modernization of poetry during the totalitarian era in the late 20th century. He has taught Soviet and modern Lithuanian literature and the sociology of literature at Vilnius and Klaipėda universities and is currently an associate professor of creative writing at Vilnius University. Kmita has published several poetry collections, with his works translated into multiple languages. His debut poetry book Nekalto prasidėjimo (1999) received the Zigmas Gėlė-Gaidamavičius Prize, while his novel Pietinia kronikas (2018) was named the Lithuanian Book of the Year and is currently being adapted into a film. His subsequent novel Remyga (2020) was highly praised, receiving multiple literary awards, including the Lithuanian Writers’ Union Award. In addition to his literary work, Kmita has translated and adapted numerous plays and literary texts, and his plays have been successfully staged at major Lithuanian theaters. Kmita has also contributed to Lithuanian cultural discourse through radio programs and curated exhibitions at prominent museums. In recognition of his contributions to Lithuanian culture, he was awarded the “Ad Astra” honor by LATGA in 2022.
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
“Colours of Bubbles” is an independent rock band from Šiauliai, Lithuania, known for their distinctive sound blending elements of alternative and indie rock. Formed by five musicians—Julijus Aleksovas (vocals, guitar), Tomas Grubliauskis (guitar, vocals), Paulius Trijonis (bass guitar, vocals), Titas Joneliūkštis (guitar, vocals), and Simas Olechnavičius (drums)—the band has become a prominent name in the Lithuanian rock scene. Since their debut in 2006, “Colours of Bubbles” have released multiple albums, including “Inspired by a True Story”, “She Is the Darkness”, and their 2019 album “9 MM”, with each record showcasing their evolving sound. The band has earned multiple awards, such as Best Rock Band at the Lithuanian M.A.M.A. music awards, and their song “Truth or Dare” became the anthem for the Lithuanian national football team. In addition to their music career, “Colours of Bubbles” have also contributed to theatre, composing music for plays and collaborating with orchestras, most notably with the Šv. Kristoforo Chamber Orchestra on their live album “Untold Story”. Known for their dynamic live performances, the band continues to push creative boundaries, merging rock with various artistic forms.