// Presented as part of February's Post Soviet Cinema II Series //
Kristina Buožyte / 2012, Karlovy Vary, Austin Fantastic Fest, Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film, Jameson CineFest - Miskolc International Film Festival, Madeira Micro International Film Festival, Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival, Palic European Film Festival, Sitges / 120'
A bright, white lab. Lukas has volunteered to partake in a research project, which will hopefully allow him to communicate with Aurora, a young woman in a coma. His head shaved, Lukas dons a complex web of neurotransmitting devices, then slips into a sensory-deprivation tank. In this altered state of consciousness, Lukas meets Aurora—back in the lab, no data has arrived. Due to his growing attraction to Aurora, Lukas is reluctant to report their meetings, which grow increasingly erotic in nature. Lukas and Aurora's shared psychic link produces surreal dreamscapes and instances of carnal desire, but with each meeting, even more risk of separation.
A hypnotic portrait of two individuals determined to preserve their bond no matter the cost, Vanishing Waves is an inventive and hypnotic work of science fiction. Lithuanian filmmaker Kristina Buožyte's third feature film premiered at Karlovy Vary, where it won a Special Mention, and Austin Fantastic Fest, where it won Best Actress, Best Director, Best Film, and Best Screenplay.