Lithuanian filmmaker Laurynas Bareiša returns with ‘Drowning Dry’

A new chapter in Bareiša’s cinematic journey

Three years after his acclaimed debut, Laurynas Bareiša is back with his sophomore feature, Drowning Dry, which has been selected for the main competition at the Locarno Film Festival, running from August 7-17. This film delves into a tragedy that profoundly impacts two interconnected families, showcasing Bareiša’s unique storytelling style. The film is produced by Bareiša and Klementina Remeikaite’s Afterschool, in collaboration with Trickster Pictures.

Exploring memory and trauma

Bareiša’s inspiration for the film stems from a personal experience that he couldn’t fully recall. “Something similar to what happens in the film happened to me, and I kept remembering it in this incomplete way,” he explains. This fragmented memory led him to create a non-linear narrative that captures how certain moments can linger and evolve in our minds over time. The director wanted to explore the inevitability of these memories and how they change with repetition.

A film meant for immersive viewing

In an era where films and TV shows are often consumed as background noise, Bareiša emphasizes the importance of fully engaging with a film. “I wanted to make a film that could be watched multiple times in different ways,” he says. He believes that true cinematic experiences require undivided attention, urging viewers to immerse themselves completely in the story.

The challenge of casting young actors

The film revolves around the drowning of a young child and its devastating aftermath, which posed significant casting challenges. Bareiša discovered that very young children might not fully grasp the concept of acting, especially in such intense scenes. “We had a girl during the casting process who refused to drown,” he recalls. To address this, they cast older children who were comfortable with water and trained in swimming and diving.

A personal touch in cinematography

Bareiša, who has also worked as a cinematographer on other projects, decided to handle the photography for Drowning Dry himself. “I wanted the chance to be intuitive,” he explains. Given the personal nature of the film, he felt it was essential to have a direct connection with the camera, allowing him to capture hidden nuances within the scenes.

Independence in filmmaking

Bareiša and Remeikaite founded their production company, Afterschool, to maintain creative independence and support other directors. “We started our production company to have independence and to make the films we wanted to make,” he says. This approach allows them to take risks and have a say in the film’s production and distribution processes.

The reality of independent production

Bareiša acknowledges the challenges of independent filmmaking, especially in Europe. “Artistic work is challenging, and the early stages are uncomfortable, unknowable, and very risky,” he notes. He stresses the importance of being aware of these risks and the need for compromises. By controlling their means, filmmakers can share the responsibility and navigate the financial realities of the industry.

Embracing the festival experience

Having the world premiere of Drowning Dry at Locarno is a significant milestone for Bareiša. He approaches the festival with “no expectations,” focusing on the honor of being selected. Reflecting on his previous experience at Sundance with Marija Kavtaradze’s Slow, he recalls the joy and inspiration it brought. “You always have to be conscious of where you come from, and the language spoken in your film,” he says, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s roots.

Watch the trailer

For those eager to get a glimpse of Drowning Dry, you can watch the trailer here.

Drowning Dry promises to be a thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to engage deeply with its narrative. As Bareiša continues to carve out his place in the world of cinema, his commitment to storytelling and artistic integrity remains unwavering.