Meet Saulius Baradinskas | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Saulius Baradinskas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Saulius, what is the most important factor behind your success?
All my life, I have had a dream of becoming a film director. I wouldn’t say that I am a cinephile, but I was always attracted to how film magic works. I remember the first time I went to the cinema when I was a kid; I had so many questions: where is this world, and how can I live in it? So, 12 years ago, when I started working on this dream, I became a “magician” behind the camera. But the biggest fulfillment came when I understood how many beautiful and talented people I met when I created movies. I have always been grateful to work together, so now, “gratitude is the new attitude” when I start to direct a new film. I will always thank everyone who works with me because this is the biggest blessing to me – to frame my relationship with people in art. When I collaborate with people, I feel the biggest purpose in my life. And I met so many great people in Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to move to LA in 2o23, where I started my journey to become a film director in Hollywood one day. I feel that I am on the right path. And I am grateful that a lot of people helped to study in the US.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a film director who has already made 4 films and am currently living and studying in Los Angeles, California. Being directing is not easy because you constantly have to deal with rejections. But I am also a skateboarder who has skated for two decades, So I was blessed enough to build my resilience. Also, I never had a plan B; I go all in if I do things.

In 2021, my short film“TECHNO, MAMA, premiered, ” in the 78th edition of the Venice Film Festival. After being shortlisted in 2022, the short film was officially nominated for best short film in the 2022 European Film Academy Awards. This film was screened in more than a hundred film festivals and won over forty awards. That was a huge success for my career internationally, and I am continuing to grow as a filmmaker here in the US. Although I see myself as a young director, I was always patient enough to wait for my moment. Sometimes in life, you have to be patient and work on what you know the best. The rest will happen, and it’s just a matter of time.

I am currently developing a feature “Concrete Music” musical film in Europe. My directed works have reached more than 100 million views on the YouTube platform. I have studied, directed, and filmed various projects in Japan, the US, the UK, France, and Germany. Also, I have been noticed for directing music videos that have already received recognition in the Baltic states.

Also in 2019, Saulius premiered his debut short film, “Golden Minutes.” This short film was filmed in one take and on film. The main role was created by famous Scottish actor Billy Boyd and my good friend, who starred in Lord Of The Rings. The short film was screened in the Louvre at Rencontres Internationally Paris/berlin, won the New York Short Film Festival, and traveled to more than 50 film festivals worldwide.

Filmmaking is a constant journey of growth, and every new film is a new lesson for me. I am a passionate, caring, and loving film director who is always open to work with creative people, because I truly love my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start with a nice brunch at “Beachwood” cafe, where we would have some American breakfast. Then, on the way, we would stop by “Brew” in Los Feliz to get some good iced latte. Then we would hit the beach – we would go to Manhattan Beach to skate and hang out by the ocean with friends. If he is not tired, we will go on a hike to see the sunset in Griffith Park and the L.A. panorama at night, but if he is, there is no better place to watch a movie than the “Vista” cinema theatre. I think my friend would be so excited, so we could go to Big Sur over the weekend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One of the most inspiring institutions that I have had the opportunity to witness in my life is the American Film Institute. I was invited to study film directing for a Master’s degree in 2023. In this school, I met a lot of talented people who became my friends, but most importantly, teachers who supported my talent and journey in Hollywood. Being part of this community really helped me to dive into my studies with full passion and also pursue my career. I will graduate from AFI Conservatory in 2025, but already I can tell that these studies are one of the best things that have happened to me in my career. And especially when I had to move from Europe to Lithuania, with a little AFI help, I felt more local in L.A. Also, this school created a safe space to shine for my talent. Also, I am really grateful to my wife, Beata Tiskevic, who moved to the US together this year. She is one of the most supportive people, and she was always there for me. I am lucky to have her around.

Website: https://www.baradinskas.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sauliusbaradinskas/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sauliusbaradinskas/

Twitter: https://x.com/sbaradinskas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saulius.baradinskas

Image Credits
The credit are listed on the photo names