In a bold and poignant feature debut, Lithuanian director Saulė Bliuvaitė dives deep into the complex world of modeling and adolescence with her film Akiplėša (Toxic). Premiering at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival, this coming-of-age drama reflects Bliuvaitė’s encounters with the world of modeling and her cinematic inspirations.
Akiplėša follows the journey of Maria, a 13-year-old girl whose life is upended when her mother leaves her to live with her grandmother in a desolate industrial town. There, Maria meets Kristina, an aspiring fashion model. In an attempt to bond with Kristina, Maria enrolls in a mysterious modeling school, setting her on a path of self-discovery amidst the intense, cult-like atmosphere of the modeling world.
Bliuvaitė’s narrative captures the harsh realities of the modeling industry and the vulnerabilities of adolescence, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of young girls striving to find their identities.
A Film Born from Personal Experience
In an exclusive interview, Bliuvaitė revealed that Akiplėša was heavily influenced by her life. “I saw a documentary called Girl Model, which showed the process of scouting young models in Russia. It resonated with me deeply, reminding me of my own experiences when I was 13 and dreamt of becoming a model,” she shared.
The director vividly recalled the endless castings and the uniformity among the girls, all vying for a chance to break into the modeling industry. “I felt the need to capture this atmosphere on film, blending my memories with the stark realities depicted in the documentary,” Bliuvaitė explained.
Crafting a Unique Visual Style
Collaborating with Lithuanian cinematographer Vytautas Katkus, Bliuvaitė sought to create a distinct visual style that would enhance the film’s narrative. “We wanted to move away from the typical close-up shots of teenagers and instead use wide shots to incorporate the environment into the storytelling,” she noted.
Katkus’s innovative approach helped Bliuvaitė break free from conventional filmmaking techniques, resulting in a visually captivating film that effectively conveys the protagonist’s emotional journey.
Authentic Casting for Authentic Stories
One of the most challenging aspects of the film was casting. Bliuvaitė was determined to cast actual 13- and 14-year-olds to portray the characters authentically. “It was a long and arduous process, but I wanted to avoid the common practice of casting older actors to play younger roles. The vulnerability and authenticity of real teenagers were crucial for this story,” she emphasized.
The casting process involved multiple stages, including workshops to assess the young actors’ capabilities. Bliuvaitė’s dedication to authenticity paid off, resulting in a cast that genuinely reflected the age and experiences of the characters.
From Aspiring Journalist to Acclaimed Filmmaker
Bliuvaitė’s journey to filmmaking was unconventional. Growing up in an industrial area with no ties to the art world, she initially pursued journalism. However, her passion for storytelling and creative expression eventually led her to the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, where she studied film directing.
“I realized that journalism wouldn’t allow me to share my own stories and perspectives. Filmmaking offered the freedom to explore and express myself in ways that journalism couldn’t,” she said.
Cinematic Influences and Future Projects
Bliuvaitė’s love for American cinema and the Greek Weird Wave is evident in her work. Influences from directors like Harmony Korine, Sean Baker, and Yorgos Lanthimos can be seen in her unique approach to storytelling and visual style.
Looking ahead, Bliuvaitė is cautiously optimistic about her next project. “There’s a lot of pressure to follow up a successful debut, but I believe the key is to stay true to oneself and explore new stories and ideas,” she reflected.
A Promising Debut
Akiplėša is a testament to Saulė Bliuvaitė’s talent and vision as a filmmaker. With its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival, the film has already garnered attention for its compelling narrative and striking visuals. As Bliuvaitė continues to explore the depths of human experience through her work, audiences can look forward to more thought-provoking and visually stunning films from this emerging director.
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