Gastón Solnicki’s new film ‘The Souffleur’ explores love, loss, and the art of soufflé
A tale of passion and preservation
Argentine filmmaker Gastón Solnicki is set to unveil his latest cinematic endeavor, The Souffleur, at the Venice Gap-Financing Market from August 30 to September 1. This film promises to be a compelling blend of surrealism and comedy, drawing inspiration from the works of Luis Buñuel.
The plot thickens
The Souffleur centers on Lucius Glantz, an American who has managed an international hotel in Vienna for three decades. His world is turned upside down when he learns that the historic building is slated for demolition. Determined to save the hotel, Glantz finds himself in a heated battle with a brash Argentine realtor. As tensions rise, the hotel’s signature soufflé mysteriously stops rising, symbolizing the potential end of everything Glantz holds dear.
Behind the scenes
Directed by Solnicki and co-written with Julia Niemann, The Souffleur is produced by Gabriele Kranzelbinder and Eugenio Fernández Abril under the banners of Vienna-based Little Magnet Films, Primo, and Solnicki’s Argentine production company Filmy Wiktora.
A personal touch
Solnicki’s inspiration for the film came from a “curious, failed experience” at a Buenos Aires restaurant, where a soufflé was served to him in a disappointing manner. This incident struck a chord with Solnicki, who had studied cooking in his youth and was trained in the rigorous French culinary tradition. He describes the process of making a soufflé as an “act of love and faith,” emphasizing that it requires more than just following a recipe.
Layers of meaning
Drawing on elements of surrealism and comedy, The Souffleur explores themes of destruction and creation. The film juxtaposes the impending demolition of a building with the failure of a soufflé to rise, weaving in mythological elements of wind and divine breath. This rich tapestry of symbolism adds depth to the narrative, inviting viewers to ponder the infinite layers of significance.
A cinematic journey
Solnicki’s first narrative feature, Kékszakállú, received acclaim at the Venice Film Festival and was praised for its experimental narrative style. His most recent film, A Little Love Package, is a love letter to Vienna, capturing the city’s essence on the brink of a smoking ban. This film premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2022.
Vienna: A city of inspiration
In recent years, Solnicki has found himself increasingly drawn to Vienna, a city that resonates with him both culturally and personally. His family traces its roots to Central and Eastern Europe, and Vienna holds a special place in his heart as the “birthplace of modern music.” Solnicki’s films are often built on real soundscapes, drawing inspiration from the music and idioms of the places he films.
A collaborative effort
The Souffleur reunites Solnicki with Portuguese cinematographer Rui Poças, known for his work with Cannes prizewinner Miguel Gomes. The film will also showcase the stunning architecture of Vienna, with Solnicki opting for a neo-realistic approach, using real locations rather than constructed sets.
A filmmaker’s philosophy
Solnicki’s early days of making voyeuristic, first-person films have left a lasting impact on his approach to filmmaking. He remains committed to capturing the authenticity of real locations and non-professional actors, believing that traditional filmmaking often overlooks the nuances of sound and performance.
Discover more
For those eager to delve deeper into Solnicki’s work, you can watch the trailer for The Souffleur here. This film promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and the art of soufflé, set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Whether you’re a cinema enthusiast, a TV series aficionado, or a music lover, Solnicki’s films offer a unique blend of storytelling, visual artistry, and cultural exploration. His latest project, The Souffleur, is sure to captivate audiences with its rich symbolism and emotional depth.