The Land of Heavens iis a short documentary that explores the profound relationship between man and nature. Completed in 2020, this was a personal passion project that allowed me to reflect on themes of creativity, spirituality, and our connection to the natural world.
The forest is sacred. Inspired by its energy, a retired man Stasys returns to the passions of his youth—expressing himself through singing, playing handmade instruments, sculpting, and painting. His work blends elements of Lithuanian pagan and folk symbolism, with mysterious wooden creatures placed throughout the forest as offerings to nature and its sanctity.
The documentary was filmed over three days in Stasys’ home village of Vyžuonos, Lithuania. I shot the film using my DSLR camera and a lightweight Rode microphone, capturing the environment as intimately as possible. The story came together during the editing process, where I spent the majority of the production time shaping the film’s tone and narrative flow.
About Me
Rusne Stankeviciute
Film and Video Editor
Originally from Vilnius, Lithuania, I graduated with a BA in Film from Falmouth University in Cornwall in 2019. Since then, I’ve been based in London, building my career in the creative industry. I’m currently working as an edit assistant in TV and documentary at a post-production company, where I’ve developed strong skills in Avid Media Composer and gained hands-on experience both in the edit suite and on location, collaborating closely with editors and production teams.
In my free time, I’ve been diving into different film projects to figure out my style as an editor and filmmaker. Whether it’s putting together a documentary or experimenting with abstract visuals, I’m trying to find new ways to see the world and tell stories that don’t always get heard. For me, it’s about connecting with people and giving space to perspectives that might otherwise go unnoticed.
