JOHATSU (2024)
Lina Lužytė, Nerijus Milerius
Drama Thriller 83' Lithuania

WP - Critics' Pick Competition Tallinn Black Nights 2024


The Japanese phenomenon of deliberate disappearance in a chilling Lithuanian thriller.

Documentary filmmaker Nerijus Milerius (“Exemplary Behaviour”) invited his former student Lina Luzyte (“Together Forever”, “The Castle”) to direct this narrative psychological thriller while investigating Japanese disappearances. Cinematographer Vytautas Katkus (Locarno winner “Toxic”) captures the dark subject matter perfectly, jumping between moving cars and shooting in time-lapse.

Actress Zygimante Jakstaite (“Runner”) plays Lina, a Vilnius morgue medic who becomes fascinated by the mysterious disappearance of a sailor named Vilkas (Wolf). Her obsession leads her to eerie places and disturbing encounters. The clock is ticking as Lina searches for the missing man.

Written & Directed by
Lina Lužytė, Nerijus Milerius

Cast
Žygimantė Elena Jakštaitė, Laurynas Jurgelis, Valentinas Krulikovskis, Rasa Samuolytė, Dainius Gavenonis, Mindaugas Papinigis, Aleksas Kazanavičius, Martynas Nedzinskas, Valentin Novopolskij

Producer
Uljana Kim

Cinematographer
Vytautas Katkus

Music
Antanas Jasenka