Slovenian Director Kukla Announces New Film Project Addressing Gender, War, and Social Media
Slovenian filmmaker Kukla, known for her captivating debut feature Fantasy, which premiered at the 78th Locarno Film Festival in the Filmmakers of the Present lineup, is set to embark on an exciting new project. This upcoming film promises to showcase her distinctive voice as it tackles themes of sex, war, and the dynamic between men and women in the age of TikTok.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kukla shared insights about her next film, which she describes as exploring the potential threat of a third World War. “With 99 percent of world leaders being male, a TikToker jokingly suggests that women should stop giving birth to their children and cease having sex entirely. Imagine if women around the globe took this seriously and actually stopped having sex with men—the consequences would be catastrophic,” she explained.
While details such as the title remain under wraps, Kukla assures fans that this new project will be significantly different from Fantasy. Her debut film is a heartwarming coming-of-age narrative that follows three girls who feel like outsiders until their lives are transformed by their encounter with a trans woman named Fantasy. Kukla has described Fantasy as a means of empowering women to view themselves through their own perspectives rather than societal expectations.
Fantasy is a co-production between Slovenia and North Macedonia, with Totem Films managing its international sales. Kukla, who also has a background in music, gained recognition for her music videos before transitioning to filmmaking. Her short film Sisters won the Grand Prix International award at the Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival and the Audience Award at Premiers Plans d’Angers. This success paved the way for her feature film adaptation of Fantasy.
Reflecting on her creative journey, Kukla mentioned the challenges she faced while making her debut film. “The process was so difficult that I thought to myself, ‘I’m never going to make another film again.’ After giving birth, I believed I would need some time off. Yet, my creative drive pushed me to pursue this new project.” She added, “I had the idea for my next film five years ago, and I’m already in the writing phase.”
Stay tuned for more updates on Kukla’s upcoming film, as this talented director continues to push boundaries and explore vital social themes through her art.
