We had a chance last Sunday to enjoy the screening of the movie in small Lithuanian city, Palanga. It was really lovely and touching experience. I was very nicely surprised about the quality of Lithuanian Film making, as the industry is so small, or doesn't really exist there. I like the way movie was done: it avoided any "forced" conclusions, analysis, all the stereotypical requirements for "making movie". The real capture of what kind of life is happening in that hospital was speaking for itself. This genre of documentary is also known as poetic documentary. Some of the footage was shot by kids themselves, to capture what was really happening in the hospital when shooting crew left. One hour passed like an eye blink.

This film,actually in English,Before Flying Back to Earth is up for a nomination for an Academy Award in the Best Foreign Film category. It is really a very emotion packed journey through the experiences of children with Leukemia and their parents in a pediatric hospital in Vilnius. It is interspersed with humor and really beautifully done. It is a must see film and I hope it wins a nomination for then more people will see it! The inspiration for this film for Arunas Matelis, the director was his own daughters struggles with leukemia. He then went back to the hospital, befriended the other children and filmed his gem of a picture. It shows how parents actually gain strength from their children. The film is well-shot with English subtitles and has been shown at various festivals throughout the world and has won numerous prizes. I recommend everyone see it that has a chance to.