As a seasoned cinephile with decades of film-watching under my belt, I eagerly anticipate Laurynas Bareiša’s sophomore feature “Drowning Dry” at the Locarno Film Festival. Having had a taste of success with his award-winning debut “Pilgrims,” I can’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with this Lithuanian filmmaker who shares a similar journey.
Three years following his victory at the Venice Film Festival’s Orizzonti Award for Best Film with “Pilgrims,” Lithuanian filmmaker Laurynas Bareiša now presents his second feature, “Drowning Dry,” in the main competition at this year’s Locarno Film Festival, which runs from August 7th to the 17th. This compelling drama examines how a single tragedy affects the lives of two interconnected families. The film is produced by Bareiša and Klementina Remeikaite’s Afterschool, with Trickster Pictures also contributing as a co-producer.
The film’s trailer has been shared in exclusivity with EbMaster in the build-up to the Festival.
“The movie’s disjointed plotline reminded me of an experience I had, and I couldn’t quite recall all the details,” Bareisha shared with EbMaster. “I was fascinated by how fleeting yet persistent these moments can be, how they seem to pass by in a flash but linger in your memory, altering over time. Initially, an event has a strong impact. But if you relive it, it transforms. There’s a feeling of unease in the realization that no matter how often you revisit it, the outcome remains the same.”
“The director explained that traditionally, movies are thought of as having a start and finish, with only one viewing. However, my aim was to create a film that could be enjoyed multiple times, in various ways. Modern films and TV shows often serve as background entertainment during tasks like cooking or chatting. I believe that watching a movie requires full engagement; it should be an immersive experience, not something you can multitask with.”
The movie, centered on a tragic event involving a child’s drowning and its devastating consequences, presented challenges during casting. As Bareiša noted, “I’ve come across literature suggesting that a six-year-old might not grasp the concept of acting, instead thinking they would truly have to die, which is incredibly frightening.” During auditions, we encountered a child who refused to simulate drowning, leading us to opt for older, swimming and diving-trained children who are comfortable around water.
Bareiša, who has worked as a cinematographer on films like Marija Kavtaradze’s Sundance hit “Slow,” chose to take on the photography for “Drowning Dry” following his decision not to do so for his first feature. He felt that he wanted the opportunity to be intuitive since this film was based on a personal experience. Rather than spending much time explaining himself and communicating back and forth, he desired a connection with the camera, so he could step onto the set and potentially discover hidden elements within the scene.
As the creator of “Drowning Dry,” I proudly served not just as the director, scriptwriter, and cinematographer, but also as its producer under our production company, Afterschool, which Klementina Remeikaite and I co-founded. We established this firm to maintain creative freedom, produce the films we were passionate about, and provide a platform for fellow filmmakers to realize their visions. I believe that having control over the creative process, taking risks, and shaping distribution are essential aspects of our work as filmmakers.
“The director emphasized the importance of recognizing the realities when European filmmakers consider independent production. He explained that artistic work is typically difficult and uncertain, filled with risks that can catch the unprepared off guard. So, if one isn’t mindful of these risks, they might approach this creative endeavor blindly. This often leads to making compromises as resources become scarce. When you have control over your own resources, remember that they also impose limitations on you. It’s a shared responsibility – if you receive funding, it comes with a salary, a factor artists sometimes overlook but significantly impacts their work.”
The Lithuanian filmmaker expresses that he’s headed to Switzerland without any specific expectations, eagerly embracing the significant opportunity of showcasing “Drowning Dry” at the Locarno Film Festival. Reflecting on his past experience, Bareiša mentions that being selected for Sundance with Kavtaradze’s “Slow” was a tremendous source of joy.
As a cinema enthusiast, Maria’s approach to filmmaking left an indelible impact on me, and her triumph was nothing short of astonishing. It unfolded precisely as she had imagined, which was truly heartening. It’s crucial to remember one’s roots and the dialect that resonates in your cinematic narrative. Not every film graces the grand stage of major festivals, but when it does, it’s a testament to success.
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2024-08-06 13:46