RUNNER

In his second film, Lithuanian director Andrius Blaževičius explores the subjects of love and freedom, as he puts it, "I'm interested in a person's free will and choice to sacrifice their freedom for something important to them."

Blaževičius has created an immensely dynamic drama, set over the course of 24 hours, in which formal elements such as a shaky camera and an unsettling soundtrack significantly add to the main protagonist's emotional state. Marija is played with vital energy by Zygimante Elena Jakstaite, who was chosen for the prestigious European Film Promotion's Shooting Stars program at Berlinale. - Lenka Tyrpáková, Karlovy Vary Film Festival

A unique psychological thriller, capturing diverse issues such as gender, the system, communication, Social Network Services, and freedom, as well as Maria’s personal chase. At the end of the film, we realize that what Maria is looking for is more than just her boyfriend. - Jin Park, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival

"Jakstaite's breakthrough performance as Marija is certainly the stuff of awards, harking back to the spectacular emergence of Jennifer Lawrence." - Neil Young, Film Critic

"A Punchy, Panic-Attack Drama About a Different Kind of Love on the Run"
- Jessica Kiang, Review (Variety)

"A kinetic, pummeling experience"
- Neil Young, Review (Screen)

"A breathless examination of the limits of love, freedom and sacrifice"
- Laurence Boyce, Review (Cineuropa)

Director: Andrius Blaževičius, Scriptwriters: Marija Kavtaradzė, Teklė Kavtaradzė, Andrius Blaževičius, Cinematographer: Narvydas Naujalis, Production designer: Aurimas Akšys, Sound designers: Martin Ožvold, Lukáš Moudrý, Kryštof Blabla, Producer: Marija Razgutė (M-Films),Co-producers: Vratislav Šlajer, Jakub Košťál (Bionaut)