"It is impossible to escape from old age, but we can show its beauty," says 84-year-old Vika, born in Vilnius, a true star of Warsaw's clubs. The life of this colorful personality is immortalized in the new 2023. in the film "Vika!", which will premiere in Lithuania on Monday, March 25, at an exclusive HBO screening at the "Forum Cinemas Vingis" cinema.
Wirginia "Vika" Szmyt is a charismatic and stereotype-breaking DJ who spends her time surrounded by young people. She refuses to grow old, insisting that age is just a number. But when her health suddenly begins to deteriorate, Vika can no longer deny the passage of time. Will she find the meaning of sharing the joy of life with other seniors, encouraging them to live a fulfilling life? "Vika!" is a portrait of a woman who intends to celebrate life until its end and is a real inspiration for both her peers and those who do not intend to grow old in the future.
An inspiration to both the older generation and the youth
Vika is the oldest DJ in Poland, and maybe in the world. Born in 1938 In Vilnius, a teacher by education, she worked with disabled children and youth with problems, was the director of a juvenile prison for many years, and after retiring became an activist of the silver generation. Vika plays both at dance parties uniting different generations and in the most fashionable youth clubs - always until the morning and in high heels. With her clothes, behavior and lifestyle, she breaks stereotypes and does not intend to spend her old age "sitting like a pelargonium in the window". She is sensitive to the needs of those whose voices are less heard, so she never turns down an opportunity to support older generations, people with disabilities or LGBTQ+ people.
The documentary "Vika!" will premiere in an exclusive HBO screening on March 25. Vilnius International Film FestivalCinema spring" during the industry event "Meeting Point Vilnius". After the screening, there will be a question and answer session with the director Agnieszka Zwiefka and the film's heroine Wirginia "Vika" Szmyt, both of whom will be visiting Vilnius.
"After I took over the helm of Meeting Point Vilnius last fall, the form and format of the events changed, so we are charting a new direction for the coming year. And along the way, a partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is an important step for us. I think there is no better way to start this fun journey than with a screening of the movie Vika! We are very happy that Agnieszka and Vika will be with us in Vilnius", says Ena Rahelić, head of industry at "Meeting Point Vilnius".
"Both Vika and I are very happy that we will participate in the exclusive premiere in Vilnius, especially because we filmed an important scene in this city - Vika's journey to the past and her memories of the war." But we also promise that you will have a lot of fun, because our film is full of good emotions and, of course, musical hits," says the film's director, Agnieszka Zwiefka.
The film was co-produced by HBO Max and My Way Studio. Recently in Latvia the film was awarded the best director award in the "Baltic Focus" program of the "Artdocfest" festival, and it was nominated in the best documentary film category at this year's Polish film awards "ORLY".
