An aspiring nobleman’s journey through Italy becomes transformative when he rebels against tradition to pursue his true passions, encountering diverse cultures and remarkable individuals along the way.
The young aristocrat Nikolaus von Himsel, accompanied by his tutor Georg, embarks on a ‘Grand Tour’ of Europe to assemble a cabinet of curiosities worthy of admiration. However, attracted by the challenge of climbing Mount Vesuvius—a popular ambition among his peers—he rebels against his predetermined path. Along the way, he explores societal diversity, encounters remarkable individuals, and discovers his true passions. This journey of self-discovery shapes him into the naturalist and humanist he ultimately chooses to become.
Director’s statement
Observing the existing social divisions and duplicity in the world, I feel compelled to recall our shared values and uphold individuals who challenge the status quo and explore their truths, rather than adhering to mainstream opinions. Genuine power is attained only by members of an independent society who possess self-awareness and inner freedom. This is why I have chosen to tell the story of a young man who rebels against the generally accepted ideas of how to live and become an honourable and successful person. Despite having a well-planned secure future, the young Nikolaus von Himsel embarks on a personal journey to discover his true passion. In today's culture, maintaining authenticity beyond superficial appearances is a challenging task, especially with the growing influence of social media which affects us all. The film draws inspiration from 18th-century shadow theatre and the animation traditions developed by director Lotte Reininger and Michel Ocelot. I admire European cinema and aim to present a different side of family entertainment, one that diverges from the typical cinematic choices. I blend documentary elements with the minimalist road movie genre, creating a film that thoughtfully addresses controversial themes while providing layered entertainment. Drawing from my background as a trained painter, I seek to revive the rich artistic traditions of the 18th century, with light serving as the cornerstone of the film’s visual narrative. This emphasis on light not only elevates the aesthetic experience but also resonates as a metaphor for the timeless quest for true enlightenment. I want to create an inspiring, joyful, and beautifully crafted story, where, (in my vision,) 2D animation is still being held in a strong position.

Director and Scriptwriter
Kārlis Vītols
Kārlis Vītols is the director and screenwriter of ten animated shorts. Alongside the trilogy, he has created films adapting material from myths and fairy tales, including his debut The Trophy (2004), Minotaur (2016), and Swan Maiden (2020). Since 2020, he has been working on the script of his first feature-length film. He has received awards, and his short films have been selected for such festivals as the Annecy IAFF, the ISFF Oberhausen, Animafest Zagreb, the Clermont-Ferrand ISFF, etc.
karlis@studijakokles.com
Country of production
Latvia
Target audience
10+, family
Animation technique
2D cutout
Production company
Studija koklesFunding secured
National Film Centre of Latvia, State Culture Capital Foundation of Latvia, Latvian Televison, LMT
Stage of the project
Production
Looking for
Sales agent and distributors