Private Project

Kankles: Redefining Tradition

Vaiva Dunaityte, a talented and dedicated 20-year-old musician from Lithuania, has been playing the Kankles- a traditional Lithuanian string instrument- for 12 years. In this film, set against the stunning backdrop of Bournemouth, she shares how the Kankles became an integral part of her daily life, inspiring her to study for a BA in Music Performance (Kankles) at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, compose her own pieces, perform with alternative music bands and pursue a career in music. However, Vaiva is not only a musician but also an inventor, as she created the first-ever electric Kankles, breaking stereotypes and showing that this instrument is not just a relic of the past but something exciting and relevant today. Alongside her storytelling, Vaiva performs traditional Lithuanian, as well as her original compositions, bringing her journey to life through music.

  • Urtė Sabaliauskaitė
    Director
  • Urtė Sabaliauskaitė
    Writer
  • Rugilė Rimeikaitė
    Producer
  • Vaiva Dunaitytė
    Key Cast
  • Bella Parker
    Director of photography
  • Mattie Salmon
    Editor
  • Fraser Auerbach-Dunn
    1st Assistant Director
  • Alex Darda
    Gaffer
  • Til Gorner
    Sound Designer
  • Finn Robinson
    Boom operator
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Music Video, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes 42 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    June 20, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    0 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    Lithuania, United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Arts University Bournemouth
Director Biography - Urtė Sabaliauskaitė

Urtė Sabaliauskaitė is a 20-year-old filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist from Lithuania, currently studying Film Directing at Arts University Bournemouth. Her debut documentary, 'Kanklės: Redefining Tradition' (2025), follows a Lithuanian musician who transformed the Kanklės- a traditional Lithuanian string instrument- by creating its first electric version, challenging perceptions of its sound and place in modern culture. With background in dance, theatre, photography, and music Urtė brings a rich artistic perspective to her work. Passionate about Lithuanian culture, she aspires to create films that intertwine music, movement, and visual storytelling.

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Director Statement

Growing up in Lithuania, I was surrounded by the rich sounds of the Kanklės- a traditional string instrument that carries the weight of our cultural history and identity. Music and tradition have always been deeply meaningful to me, connecting me to my roots and the stories of the past. However, over time, I have observed how traditional musical instruments like the Kanklės are slowly being forgotten.
This documentary tells an important story about preserving this unique part of cultural heritage. The film follows Vaiva, who has developed the first electric Kanklės, bringing new life to an ancient instrument. By blending the traditional sounds with modern technology and effects, she demonstrates how honoring tradition can also involve creativity and innovation.
In the film, Vaiva shares her journey and performs on the electric Kanklės, merging folk music with her own compositions. The instrument itself is remarkable- when unplugged, it sounds like the traditional Kanklės, but when amplified, it opens up new possibilities through effects like reverb, delay, and looping. This blend of old and new highlights how cultural preservation can be a living, evolving process.
Music transcends time and place, and it belongs to everyone. Preserving traditional instruments is essential for keeping cultural heritage vibrant and relevant. Beyond that, I hope this film helps share Lithuanian tradition with wider audiences, bringing greater awareness to the Kanklės and inviting people to simply enjoy the music!