Locarno, Switzerland – The spotlight was firmly on Lithuanian cinema at this year’s Locarno Film Festival, with two standout films capturing several of the event’s top honors. The Baltic nation’s cinematic presence was strongly felt, as “Toxic,” the compelling debut from writer-director Saulė Bliuvaitė, scooped the prestigious Golden Leopard for Best Film in addition to dominating the First Feature Competition. Similarly, Laurynas Bareiša’s “Drowning Dry” earned him Best Director, while also taking a gender-neutral acting award for its ensemble cast.
“Toxic” explores the dark interplay of friendship, exploitation, and rivalry among teenage girls at a modeling school in a small Lithuanian town. The film’s stark portrayal resonated with the jury and audience alike for its nuanced blend of harsh realities softened by moments of tenderness and humor. It also landed the Ecumenical Jury Prize, underscoring its powerful impact across different adjudicating panels.
Laurynas Bareiša, who made significant strides with his directional prowess in “Drowning Dry,” painted a complex portrait of familial sorrow splintered by tragedy. The film was lauded not only for its directorial vision but also for the harmonized performances of its lead actors—Gelminė Glemžaitė, Agnė Kaktaitė, Giedrius Kiela, and Paulius Markevičius—who shared the acting accolade with Kim Minhee for her role in “By the Stream.”
In her award presentation remarks, jury chair Jessica Hausner highlighted the unique visual and narrative style of “Drowning Dry,” emphasizing its exploration of individuality and difference. Bliuvaitė, in her acceptance speech, reflected on her journey from humble beginnings and the privilege of creating films in a world where many struggle for basic safety.
The festival’s Special Jury Prize was awarded to Kurdwin Ayub for “Moon,” an enigmatic thriller about a martial artist training sisters under mysterious circumstances in Jordan. Ayub, celebrated for her innovative storytelling, also picked up the Europa Cinemas Label prize and a special mention from the Ecumenical Jury.
The Filmmakers of the Present competition heralded Tato Kotetishvili as its winner with “Holy Electricity,” a quirky narrative about cousins in Tbilisi who devise a plan to sell fake neon crucifixes. The competition recognized emerging talents across various categories, emphasizing Locarno’s role in fostering new voices in cinema.
Locarno Film Festival’s artistic director Giona A. Nazzaro praised the edition for its forward-thinking approach and celebration of new talent, particularly highlighting the festival’s initiative in promoting women’s voices in cinema. This year’s winners included several female filmmakers who have brought fresh perspectives and diverse narratives to the forefront.
The festival continues to serve as a beacon for innovative filmmaking, echoing Nazzaro’s sentiment about cinema’s power to inspire hope and bring change. As the curtain fell on this year’s event, the awards underlined the dynamic and transformative spirit of contemporary cinema, with fresh talents and compelling stories setting the stage for future explorations.