Hunger Strike Breakfast
Real history. Made up characters. Pivotal events. Philosophical humour. Romantic sparks. Unforgotten feelings.
Have you ever loved someone who loved you back? Major events often begin with small, unnoticed encounters. In January 1991, thousands of Lithuanians took to the streets to protest against advancing Soviet forces. The invasion was halted, but the soldiers seized the Lithuanian Radio and Television headquarters, leaving 700 employees suddenly out of work.
Just yesterday, Mykolas was a director; today, he is no one. A man of principle, he once slipped fancy food from the TV buffet, but now he wonders whether the games played with freedom were worth it, fearing that the occupiers will remember everyone who dared to speak out. Announcer Daiva, well known and admired, is determined to resist, despite feeling lonely and exhausted. Young actor Sigis is eager to help, though he worries the noise might wake his newborn child.
In the darkest moments, people long for a hug or a simple conversation – about feelings, pain, hopes, dreams – even when the future remains uncertain. Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, yet for many, freedom only began to feel real a decade later.
Edvinas Pukšta

Karolis Kaupinis (1987) is a Lithuanian writer and director. He graduated from Vilnius University with an MA in Comparative Politics. Soon after working as a presenter and editor of a weekly political TV programme, he began writing and directing short films. His first short film, “The Noisemaker” (2014), was selected for the Pardi di Domani competition at the Locarno Film Festival and was screened at over 50 international festivals. It won two Silver Crane Awards back in Lithuania in 2015. His second short, “Watchkeeping” (2017), was selected to more than 20 international film festivals. In 2019, he premiered his debut feature film “Nova Lituania” at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. It won several awards, including the Best Picture award at the Athens International Film Festival and numerous Silver Crane awards in Lithuania.
Filmography:
Nova Lituania (Uus Leedu, PÖFF 2019), Badautojų namelis (Hunger Strike Breakfast, 2025)
Award for Best Baltic Film, grant of 5000€ from Piletilevi


