The jury justified its selection as follows: "For his immense talent and steady hand in a darkly comedic film about life in times of war, this director’s subtle observation holds a mirror to our contradictions without neglecting the humanity of his characters. The Directing Award goes to Andrius Blaževičius for How to Divorce During the War."

Set in Vilnius 2022, How to Divorce During the War follows high-flying executive Marija, wo chooses the worst possible moment for an honest conversation with her husband Vytas about divorcing – just one day before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine goes into full scale. Now the couple must navigate the process of separation as it collides with a refugee and mid-life crisis.