“Comic Con Baltics 2025 sponsored by Samsung” is happening this week – what does the festival program promise?

When people hear about the Comic Con Baltics festival, the first words that often come to mind are comics, cosplay, or Hollywood. However, the event organizers emphasize that the three-day festival offers a much broader program. It invites not only to try the latest games or watch the Cosplay competition but also to engage in discussions. From changes in the education system and comics born during wartime to the influence of artificial intelligence on creativity – everyone will find a relevant and important topic.

Vilnius University: How do we think and learn in the 21st century?

This year, Vilnius University will present a multifaceted program of discussions and presentations at the event. In the discussion “From Owls to the Metaverse,” communication researchers and media experts from the university (Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vincas Grigas, Aleksandra Ketlerienė – Deputy Editor-in-Chief of LRT.lt, and Dr. Saulius Keturakis) will explore how fiction reflects our information reality. Do imaginary worlds shape our language and ways of thinking? What social principles persist even in fantastical universes?

In the discussion “From the School Desk to the Work Desk,” participants will seek answers to questions such as: how does personal responsibility change when learning is no longer governed by a teacher but by internal motivation?

Another key topic – “Mathematics and Informatics in the Age of AI.” Scientists, business leaders, psychologists, and students will aim to debunk the myth that these fields are losing significance. On the contrary, in today’s AI-transformed world, structured thinking is becoming one of the most vital competencies.

Film and What Happens Behind the Scenes

During the festival, the discussion series “Meet Lithuanian Film Industry” will give visitors an opportunity to discover professions within the film industry that often remain behind the scenes. Sound designers, voice actors, stunt performers, and costume designers will share their experiences. Discussions will also explore the influence of world-building on a film’s success, and how the smallest details can create cinematic worlds that impact the viewer just as strongly as the main characters do.

Participants in these discussions will include industry professionals such as Vilius Tamošaitis, Greta Butrimavičiūtė, and Adomas Miklius. Film journalist Vladas Rožėnas will examine whether “opinion leaders” still exist in cinema and how the role of critics is evolving in the digital age.

The topic of artificial intelligence will also be addressed. AI is already reshaping the creative world, but is it just a passing trend? This question will be explored by Simona Vasytė-Kudakauskė (Perfection42) and visual effects artist Justas Giedraitis, whose portfolio includes work on The Matrix, Avengers: Infinity War, and Bohemian Rhapsody.

Art in Times of War: The Stories of UA Comix

A special discussion with the creators of UA Comix will focus on how humor, satire, and illustration help maintain humanity and bring meaning to everyday life amid uncertainty. The creators will speak about the responsibility of the artist when their work becomes not only entertainment but also a civic stance – and how art helps express anger or pain while uniting communities and strengthening identity. Attendees will also be introduced to comics translated into Lithuanian.

This independent Ukrainian comics platform emerged as a response to military aggression and information warfare, aiming to convey real human stories – from the front lines, from shelters, from inner turmoil.

Stars from the Screen – in Vilnius

The “Comic Con Baltics 2025 sponsored by Samsung” program stands out with a particularly rich list of guests. The event will feature not only film and TV stars but also actors and creators from the gaming industry. Attendees in Vilnius will have the chance to meet Jack Gleeson, known for his role as Prince Joffrey in Game of Thrones; Ed Westwick, beloved by Gossip Girl fans; as well as GTA V actors Ned Luke and Shawn Fonteno, and Red Dead Redemption voice actors Roger Clark and Rob Wiethoff, among others.

“These meetings are more than just conversations about specific projects. They are open, lively, and often unexpected discussions about creative journeys, early career experiences, casting processes, sources of inspiration, and fan-created moments that become unforgettable memories,” says festival co-organizer Tomas Vievesis.

“This is a unique opportunity to get to know creators more closely – as professionals, as individuals, and as storytellers whose work often leaves a lasting impact on the entire popular culture community.”

Full program available at: https://ccbaltics.com/lt/programa-2025

The festival is funded by the Vilnius City Municipality.