The European Film Promotion, an organisation dedicated to promoting European cinema, has announced that Lithuanian actor Šarūnas Zenkevičius has been selected for the prestigious European Shooting Stars programme, which highlights rising stars in European cinema. For the first time, actors from all three Baltic States have been included in this initiative.
According to the European Shooting Stars jury, Šarūnas Zenkevičius captivated them with his ability to portray his character with a rich emotional palette in the film The Border (Siena, directed by Ignas Jonynas and produced by Rūta Jekentaitė and Martynas Mickėnas, Baltic Productions). As the narrative intensifies, the actor masterfully sustains the building tension without resorting to melodrama. Instead, he conveys an underlying energy, like a bomb on the verge of detonation. The jury praised Zenkevičius as an exceptionally talented actor with immense potential.
This year’s programme will take place from 14 to 17 February during the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. Zenkevičius, along with nine other selected actors, will be introduced to international media, the film industry, and festival audiences. The event will conclude with the European Shooting Stars awards ceremony on 17 February.
Joining Zenkevičius in the programme are Latvian actor Kārlis Arnolds Avots, Estonian actress Maarja Johanna Mägi, Cypriot Marina Makris, Danish actor Besir Zeciri, German actress Devrim Lingnau, Icelandic actress Elín Hall, Montenegrin actress Lidija Kordić, Portuguese actor Vicente Wallenstein, and Swedish actress Frida Gustavsson.
Zenkevičius studied acting at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre under the guidance of Eimuntas Nekrošius and Silva Krivickienė, earning a master’s degree.
Ignas Jonynas’ feature film The Border (Siena) marks Zenkevičius’ first leading role in a feature film. The story follows Vilius, an ornithologist who, due to unexpected circumstances, becomes entangled in smuggling. For Vilius, this marks an escape from the oppressive routine of life following his wife’s death, as he raises his daughter alone. The Border is set to premiere in Lithuanian cinemas in 2025.
Over his career, Zenkevičius has also performed nearly twenty roles in Lithuania’s leading theatres, collaborating with acclaimed directors such as Eimuntas Nekrošius, Oskaras Koršunovas, and Gintaras Varnas. Additionally, he plays in the band Judu and hosts his own show, Underrated, on Palanga Street Radio.
In Lithuania, candidates for the European Shooting Stars programme are nominated by the Lithuanian Film Centre, with the selection process conducted in collaboration with the Independent Producers Association and the Lithuanian Actors Guild.
The European Film Promotion network unites organisations from 37 European countries, working together to promote European cinema and talent within Europe and internationally. The network organises screenings of European films at international festivals and markets, supports film promotion, introduces talented European filmmakers and producers to foreign markets, and facilitates networking events.
To date, three Lithuanian actors have been selected for the programme: Aistė Diržiūtė in 2015 (The Summer of Sangailė, directed by Alantė Kavaitė), Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė in 2021 (Runner, directed by Andrius Blaževičius), and Džiugas Grinys last year (Pietinia Chronicles, directed by Ignas Miškinis).
