After earning the Orizzonti Award for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival with “Pilgrims,” Lithuanian director Laurynas Bareiša is now presenting his second feature, “Drowning Dry,” in the main competition at the Locarno Film Festival, running from August 7 to 17. The film, exploring the profound impact of a tragedy on two intertwined families, is produced by Klementina Remeikaite’s Afterschool and co-produced by Trickster Pictures.
Ahead of the festival, Variety exclusively unveiled the film’s trailer. Bareiša shared with Variety his inspiration behind the film’s fragmented narrative. “The film reflects a personal experience that I remember in a fragmented way,” he explained. “I wanted to delve into how such moments, which occur quickly and then linger in your mind, evolve over time.
The initial impact of an event changes with each repetition, creating a sense of dread about the inevitability of its outcome.” He further discussed his intent to create a film meant for repeated viewing, unlike traditional films perceived as a single experience. “I aimed for a film that encourages full engagement, unlike today’s distracted viewing habits,” he added.
Casting for the film, which centers on the drowning of a child and its repercussion, was challenging. Bareiša noted difficulties with young actors and opted for older, trained swimmers. As both director and cinematographer, Bareiša chose to handle the film’s visuals personally, driven by a desire for an intuitive approach. His production company, Afterschool, founded with Klementina Remeikaite, reflects their commitment to creative independence and collaboration.
Bareiša acknowledged the challenges of independent filmmaking, stressing the need for awareness and compromise. As he prepares for the Locarno premiere, he reflects on past successes, including the recognition of “Slow” at Sundance, and remains hopeful about “Drowning Dry”’s impact.