Tauras Films: Pioneering the Future of Lithuanian Cinema

Landmarks and Upcoming Projects

Tauras Films team, composed of seasoned technical and marketing professionals specialising in mainstream and cross-border content aimed at diverse audiences, boasts a wealth of industry knowledge.

Founder Žilvinas Naujokas is a prominent figure in the film industry with an impressive career, spanning over 25 years. Previously founder of ACME Film – a leading film distribution company which operates in the Baltic States, partnering with major studios like Sony, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, and Black Bear – Naujokas later focused on film production, leading record-breaking projects for box office revenue and audience attendance in Lithuania. His international productions include notable works such as 1 Night, acquired by Netflix, and the acclaimed Ashes in the Snow, based on the New York Times bestseller Between Shades of Gray by American novelist Ruta Sepetys.

In recent years, Naujokas has redirected his efforts toward animated content production, culminating in the development of the award-winning, 20-minutes immersive film, Play Life, gaining international recognition with a nomination at 2024 Venice International Film Festival (Venice Immersive category) and winning the Golden Alexander Award (Immersive Competition section, 65th Thessaloniki International Film Festival). It has also been selected for participation in various international events, including the Kurzfilmfestival Köln and Siggraph Asia (Tokyo, 2024). Inspired by the works of renowned Lithuanian artist Algis Kriščiūnas, the project brings to life some of his paintings, interwoven with the story of a man and a woman symbolizing the passage of life and showcasing a diverse team of cinema, computer graphics, and animation professionals.

Building on the success of Play Life, Tauras Films has leveraged their newly acquired knowledge of 3D animation to enter the production stage of a feature-length animated film titled The Adventures of Dominic the Horse: in Search of a Magic Diamond. This big-screen adaptation features the beloved character Dominic, who embarks on a cosmic journey to save his cherished flower. With a focus on rich storytelling and cinematic craftsmanship, this project aims to captivate audiences of all ages, conveying themes of love, unity, and wisdom that resonate deeply with both children and adults.

Slated for release in 2026, the film is funded by Tauras Films with the additional support of the Lithuanian Film Center and various tax incentives. As the production progresses, the company is actively seeking an international sales agent for this animated feature.

Financial Model and Creative Strategies

Tauras Films employs a strong financial model, funding the majority of its productions through private investments, complemented by national and European grants for selected projects. In 2023, the company also took a significant step forward by launching Hexa Cinema, a virtual reality (VR) cinema network dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge VR content, which attracted tens of thousands of paying consumers to watch virtual reality projects.

With a dedicated sales and marketing team, Tauras Films is not only a leader in traditional film but is also pioneering animated movies and immersive experiences, extending the boundaries of Lithuanian cinema into global markets. The company meticulously oversees every element of film production, from conceptualising ideas and developing scripts to assembling talented crews and ensuring exceptional production values – an unwavering commitment to excellence, driving Tauras Films to consistently deliver top-quality results.

For further information and requests, please contact info@taurasfilms.com

Check the full article online on the Winter Issue of The European Animation Journal