The first Lithuanian film organization, called the Lithuanian Amateur Filmmakers Union, was established on May 2, 1931, in Kaunas. Its founder and first chairman was the filmmaker Stepas Uzdonas.
After the Soviet occupation, the LKS was partially incorporated and operated as part of the USSR Cinematographers Union, retaining some of its autonomy. During this challenging period, the LKS was led by prominent and authoritative creators of that time: Juozas Baltušis (1958–1963), Jonas Gricius (1963–1968 and 1981–1988), Raimondas Vabalas (1968–1974), and Skirmantas Valiulis (1988–1991).
The LKS was the first of the creative organizations to sever ties with Moscow's dependence, causing a political sensation and the anger of the Kremlin, and prompting other organizations to take similar steps. Many filmmakers were among the leaders or most active participants in the Revival Movement.
Following the restoration of independence, on May 29, 1990, the General Assembly of the Union's members declared the establishment of a public organization—the autonomous and independent Lithuanian Filmmakers Union, uniting professional filmmakers from all sectors. On July 2, 1992, it was registered as a professional-creative union. In May 2005, the Union was granted the legal status of an Artists’ Organization, and 232 of its members were recognised awarded the status of Artist.
From 1991 to 2017, the Union was headed by film director Gytis Lukšas. On June 6, 2017, during the General Assembly of members, film director Arūnas Matelis was elected as the chairman. Currently, the Union operates through nine guilds (as Directors, Cinematographers, Film critics, Animators, Actors, Set designers, Sound designers, Film workers (mixed professions) and documentary directors , each led by guild trustees. The highest governing body is the General Assembly, convened annually. Between assemblies, the Union's activities are managed by the Council of Trustees and the Chairman.
Priorities of the union's activities
Representation of filmmakers' interests and advocacy for increased national film funding, more favorable conditions for film creation, its financing, and evaluation. Increasing the national and international authority of cinema and participating in networking activities.
Creative Programs
Support for the creative activities of the Union's filmmaker members, their participation in international film festivals, organization of premieres, author evenings, and screenings, initiation and promotion of publications on cinematic art, and implementation of educational film programs.
Member Rights
Defense of the copyright, related rights, and social rights of filmmaker members, representation of their interests in various state institutions.
Film Policy
Forming and integrating film policy into the overall context of Lithuania's cultural policy, publicizing current issues in the film community, analyzing and seeking possible solutions, initiating and advocating for Lithuanian laws related to cinema. LKS members are present in all major state commissions where film policy and funding issues are decided. They are also part of the councils of copyright organizations LATGA and AVAKA. LKS representatives regularly participate in meetings at the Lithuanian Film Centre, the Ministry of Culture, the Seimas Committee on Culture and Education, and other institutions.
Film Dissemination
Publicizing information about the activities of Union members, fostering cooperation between international festival organizers, Lithuanian and foreign film critics, distributors, and audiences, and developing creative partnerships.
Membership
The Lithuanian Filmmakers Union is a member of the Lithuanian Association of Artists (LMKA) and the Federation of European Screen Directors (FERA).
The Union currently has 230 members (99 women and 131 men).
