A Goodnight Kiss

A remarkable woman and leading voice in Lithuania’s culture, Irena Veisaitė lived through the atrocities of two totalitarian regimes, coming out on the other side believing life should be radiant. A deeply personal, nuanced portrait of Irena, the film is a testimony to her humanity, vigour, and courage to live and to forgive. Irena passed away in 2020, early in the film’s production. This led director Giedrė Žickytė to find new ways to bring her story to life, exploring its emotional and historical contours through footage from Irena’s final year, unseen archives, echoing her memory. Music by her lifelong friend and celebrated composer Arvo Pärt flows through the narrative, evoking reflections on loss and the enduring power of love.