Southside Chronicles

Overview: Published in 2016, this cult novel by Rimantas Kmita became a true literary phenomenon in Lithuania. The book transports the reader back to the early 1990s—the era of "wild capitalism"—in the city of Šiauliai. The story is told from the perspective of a young "tough guy" from the Southside (Pietinis) district, weaving together rugby, flea markets, the first taste of money, leather jackets, tracksuits, and the raw experience of teenage life during that time.

Unique Features:

• Language: The novel's greatest innovation is its use of the authentic Šiauliai dialect. This gives the work incredible authenticity, humor, and a gritty, honest tone.
• A Time Machine: Readers often describe the book as a "time machine" that returns them to 1990s Lithuania without any filters—a period when the old Soviet system had collapsed and the new world was just beginning to take shape.
• A Monument to the City: With this novel, the author built a literary monument to Šiauliai and its unique local culture.

Technical Information:

• Author: Rimantas Kmita
• Publisher: Tyto alba
• Genre: Contemporary Fiction / Popular Novel
• Publication Year: 2016 (followed by numerous reprints)
• Awards: Voted "Book of the Year" (Adult Fiction category) in Lithuania in 2017.

The Film "Southside Chronicles" and Its Success

The book's immense popularity naturally led to a film adaptation, directed by Ignas Miškinis. The movie has become one of the most successful events in the history of Lithuanian cinema.

Indicators of Success:

• Record-Breaking Viewership: As of March 2026, the film has officially become the most-watched Lithuanian film of all time, surpassing the record held for 14 years by "Tadas Blinda: The Legend Begins."
• Triumph at the "Silver Cranes": At the 2025 National Film Awards (Sidabrinė gervė), the movie triumphed by winning 12 awards out of 14 nominations, including Best Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
• Oscar Ambitions: The film was selected as Lithuania’s official entry for the Academy Awards (Oscars) in the Best International Feature Film category.
• International Recognition: It was named the Best Baltic Film at the prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) in late 2024.

Critical Reception: Critics have praised the film for its vibrant energy and its ability to not only recreate the 90s aesthetic with precision but also to tell a universal story of coming-of-age, love, and difficult choices that resonates even with those who did not live through that era.

About the Author: Rimantas Kmita

Rimantas Kmita is one of Lithuania's most popular and influential contemporary writers, as well as a literary critic and a Doctor of Humanities. He is credited with revitalizing Lithuanian literature by integrating authentic spoken dialects and elements of popular culture into high art.

Career and Achievements:

• The Breakthrough: He gained widespread acclaim with his debut novel "Pietinia kronikas" (Southside Chronicles, 2016), written in the specific Šiauliai dialect. The book became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring both a theatrical play and a feature film.
• Literary Style: Kmita is known for blending academic insight with street culture. His work is characterized by irony, social sensitivity, and an exceptional eye for the details that bring history to life.
• Versatility: Beyond novels, he writes poetry, opera librettos, and scripts, and continues to publish scholarly research.
• Awards: He has received numerous accolades, including the Jurga Ivanauskaitė Prize and multiple Book of the Year awards in Lithuania.