‘The Visitor’ Debuts First Clip Ahead of Karlovy Vary Premiere as Totem Films Launches Sales (EXCLUSIVE)

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From their Paris studio, Totem Films unveiled a sneak peek of “The Visitor,” a movie that will make its debut in the main competition at the 59th Karlovy Vary Film Festival. The rights for global distribution are owned by Totem Films, with Lithuanian director Vytautas Katkus at the helm of this film.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/1089667789

The movie primarily focuses on Danielius, aged 30, who’s resided in Norway for more than ten years. He possesses all the essentials — a job, a family, and companions. However, when his father deceases, he is compelled to journey back to his birthplace in Lithuania to dispose of his old childhood apartment.

Towards the close of summer, the quaint vacation town seems like a short-term escape. However, upon his arrival, he notices everything has transformed. As Danielius revisits familiar spots, old acquaintances, and lingering recollections, he encounters a subtle feeling of solitude. Rather than fighting it, he decides to delve into it.

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By the end of summer, the little resort town appears as a brief sanctuary. Upon his return, however, he discovers that everything has been altered. As Danielius navigates familiar locales, old friendships, and lingering reminiscences, he stumbles upon a hushed melancholy. Instead of shying away, he chooses to investigate it.

As I bid my goodbyes and cherish fleeting instances, I choose to fully immerse myself in this town, soaking it all up one last time before releasing my hold.

The movie ‘The Visitor’ invites you to ponder the idea of revisiting past locations, people, and feelings that we once believed were out of reach,” Katkus explained. “By following Danielius’s story, this film subtly delves into themes such as memory, yearning, and the subtle confusion of stepping back into a life that no longer seems yours. I aimed to make the audience feel like they’re wandering through their own past – recognizable yet faded, brimming with unforeseen feelings. It’s about showing up too late or staying too long, and dealing with what remains.

Totem Films, who joined as the film’s global distributor in 2023, expressed: “Vytautas consistently draws us into his artistic world centered on human connections and a keen focus on cinematic aesthetics. We appreciate how his films incorporate humor, and we anticipate that ‘The Visitor’ will strike a chord with global viewers.

Produced by Marija Razgutė and Brigita Beniušytė, ‘The Visitor’ is a creation of Lithuanian production company M-Films. This production also includes collaboration from Staer in Norway and Arctic Film Norway Invest, as well as Garagefilm International in Sweden.

The film ‘The Visitor,’ written alongside Marija Kavtaradze, who won a Sundance award for ‘Slow’ in 2023, was jointly produced by Totem Films and M-Films. ‘Slow’ was exhibited at the 2023 Karlovy Vary Film Festival and has since been acquired by over 20 countries. ”

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“Co-written with Marija Kavtaradze, who won a Sundance award for ‘Slow’ in 2023, ‘The Visitor’ was produced by Totem Films and M-Films. ‘Slow’ has been screened at the 2023 Karlovy Vary Film Festival and sold to more than 20 countries.

The distributors for the originating countries have already been set: Kino Pavasaris in Lithuania, Staer in Norway, and Folkets Bio in Sweden. The movie is backed by several institutions including the Lithuanian Film Centre, Eurimages – Council of Europe, Swedish Film Institute, Creative Europe MEDIA, and Lithuanian National Radio and Television.

The distributors for the home countries are already finalized with Kino Pavasaris in Lithuania, Staer in Norway, and Folkets Bio in Sweden. The film benefits from support by the Lithuanian Film Centre, Eurimages – Council of Europe, Swedish Film Institute, Creative Europe MEDIA, and Lithuanian National Radio and Television.

Lastly:
The confirmed distributors for the production countries are Kino Pavasaris (Lithuania), Staer (Norway), and Folkets Bio (Sweden). The movie enjoys support from the Lithuanian Film Centre, Eurimages – Council of Europe, Swedish Film Institute, Creative Europe MEDIA, and Lithuanian National Radio and Television.

In 2020, Katkus’ “Places” was nominated for the Best Short Film award at the Horizons section of Venice, while “Cherries” competed in the Short Film category at Cannes in 2022.

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2025-06-03 13:47