Slovenian filmmaker Kukla has recently unveiled her debut feature, Fantasy, which premiered at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival’s 78th edition as part of the Filmmakers of the Present lineup. Building on this momentum, she is now directing her attention towards a new project that delves into profound themes of sex, war, and contemporary culture through the lens of social media.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kukla revealed the premise of her upcoming film: “My next film is about a potential threat of a third World War,” she said. The narrative explores the hypothetical scenario triggered by a TikTok user’s humorous comment on global issues, where women worldwide collectively decide to withhold sex from men as a form of protest. “And then, the shit hits the fan,” she added, highlighting the ensuing chaos in such a situation.
While specific details, including the film’s title, are yet to be disclosed, Kukla assures that this new project will offer a contrasting perspective to her previous work, Fantasy.
In Fantasy, Kukla weaves a coming-of-age tale filled with humor and emotional depth, centering on the experiences of three girls who, feeling like outsiders, find their lives transformed upon meeting a trans woman named Fantasy. Kukla described the film as an invitation for women to view themselves through their own eyes, free from societal pressures.
The film is a collaborative project between Slovenia and North Macedonia, with international distribution being handled by Totem Films.
Kukla, who is also known for her music direction, has built a reputation with her short film Sisters, which won the Grand Prix International at the Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival and the Audience Award at Premiers Plans d’Angers. This success paved the way for her transition into feature filmmaking with Fantasy.
Reflecting on her experiences, Kukla noted, “The process was so difficult that I was like, ‘I’m never going to do another film anymore.’” But following the birth of her child, she found her creative drive renewed: “I had this idea for my next film five years ago, and I’m already writing it,” she stated.
