09/05/2025 - The Lithuanian producer unpacks her approach to work, the film scene in her country and the new projects she’s working on, among other topics

One of the driving forces behind Lithuania’s vibrant new wave of cinema, Klementina Remeikaitė has earned a reputation for championing bold and meaningful storytelling. As a participant in this year’s EFP's Producers on the Move, she’s continuing to make her mark internationally, collaborating with award-winning directors and nurturing fresh talent through her Vilnius-based company, Afterschool.

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Cineuropa: When and how did you get into this business?
Klementina Remeikaitė: Director-DoP Laurynas Bareiša and I co-founded the film production company Afterschool in Vilnius. This happened in 2014, immediately after our studies at the Lithuanian National Film School (KIMO). As a producer with my diploma, I started seeking out industry events and networking opportunities. I began with short films, which were selected for major festivals, and gradually developed feature film projects while participating in workshops. This step-by-step process helped me learn more about the international film industry. After 11 years, I’m still growing and learning with every film.

How would you describe your approach to producing, and what kinds of stories are you most drawn to?
For me, producing is all about challenges and trust. This could apply to all of my past and upcoming projects — trust in the director and trust in my own instincts. From the very beginning, the most important thing for me is the subject-matter and the story. If I believe in it, I can fully commit. That’s why I choose films across different genres, so long as they deal with meaningful and important subjects.

Lithuanian cinema has gained greater international visibility in recent years. How do you see your role in shaping and exporting that identity?
I feel truly blessed and happy to be part of the new generation that has helped put Lithuania back on the map in the film industry. I’ve had the privilege of working with — and continuing to collaborate with — talented young directors like the aforementioned Bareiša, Titas Laucius, Marija Kavtaradze, and Vytautas Katkus, names that are now recognised internationally. We all met at film school and became not only close friends but also the core of what many now call the “new wave” of Lithuanian cinema. It’s incredibly exciting to see this movement grow, with new voices emerging and the industry becoming more diverse than ever before.

As a Producer on the Move, what are you hoping to gain from this year's initiative, and are there specific kinds of collaborations or partners that you're seeking?
I’m very excited to be part of a community of award-winning and successful producers across Europe. Currently, I’m developing a new feature film, Liberations, directed by Bareiša. Me and a co-producer from my last film, Matīss Kaža, are continuing to collaborate on this project and we’re now looking for a co-producer from the Nordic countries, as the story naturally extends in that direction. We’re also looking to cast international actors, which presents both a new challenge and a valuable opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and strong creative input to the film.

How do you balance creative risk with practical considerations in your choices as a producer?
I believe creativity is a crucial part of producing. A producer takes on risk from the outset, but when there’s trust and mutual respect within the team, it creates the space to move forwards with confidence, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. That’s when you can make decisions that not only serve the film but also allow each team member’s creativity to shine.

Could you tell us about one of your upcoming projects and what excites you most about it?
Next year, we’ll begin shooting Kamilė Milašiūtė’s debut feature film Family Feeling. The film explores the complex dynamics of family roles — how they shift, merge and, at times, overshadow personal identity. It touches on themes like parenthood, career ambition, gender roles, marriage, and individual perspectives. I believe the story will resonate with audiences, as it reflects the kinds of questions and emotional situations many of us face in our everyday lives. I love working on debut films — it truly inspires me and gives me the opportunity to discover new ways to be creative in film production.

In your experience, what are the main challenges facing independent producers in the Baltic region today?
One of the main challenges for independent producers in the Baltic region today is securing sustainable funding. While national film centres do provide crucial support, the budgets are often limited, which makes co-productions almost essential — but that comes with its own complexities in terms of aligning creative visions, timelines, and financial structures. Additionally, because we’re a relatively small industry, there’s constant pressure to prove ourselves on the international stage, which can be both motivating and exhausting. However, I also see these challenges as opportunities — to build strong cross-border partnerships, to experiment with fresh narratives, and to develop more resourceful, creative approaches to filmmaking.

What does “success” mean to you as a producer, both locally and internationally?
For me, success means building a loyal team, creating a healthy and supportive environment, and finding joy and excitement in discovering something new. It’s also about being able to inspire others — both locally and internationally — through the films we create together.