Wonderful Losers. A Different World / Nuostabieji lūzeriai. Kita planeta
Lithuania, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Latvia, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain 2017

When we think of the world of professional cycling, we immediately think of those few well-known cyclists, at the forefront of every race, crossing the finishing lines first and being remembered and celebrated in cycling history. At the tail end though, there are a few people whose names we don’t know, but who make all the difference. They are usually called water carriers, domestics, 'gregarios', 'Sancho Panzas' of professional cycling. Always at the back of the group, with no right for a personal victory, these people can teach us a lot about determination, solidarity and sacrifice - feelings with which we all relate in our lives. What does success and being a champion really mean? This new documentary of Matelis is poetry in motion about the unique side of professional cycling, about the relationship between those who lead, and those who are ready to sacrifice themselves to help their teammates achieve the victory. Immersing us in the unseen world of these silent heroes, this heartfelt film deservedly puts the spotlight on how these wonderful losers are the true warriors of professional cycling.

Awards

Lithuanian Film Awards 2018 (Silver Crane for Best Documentary and Score, Audience Award)

Warsaw IFF 2017 (Best Documentary Feature)

Listapad IFF Minsk 2017 (Grand-Prix, Audience Award)

Lithuania’s submission for the 2019 Academy Awards