A new cinematic journey: Exploring ‍’Uptight Ass’ ⁤and its ​creators

A fresh collaboration in the world of cinema

Fresh from the‌ world premiere of the Cannes Camera d’Or winner, César Díaz’s “Mexico 86,” in ⁤Locarno’s Piazza Grande, France’s Tripode ‍Productions has joined forces⁣ to co-produce⁣ the upcoming feature “Uptight Ass.” This film is the brainchild of‍ writer-director‍ Matija Gluščević and co-writer Dušan Zorić. Their ​previous collaboration, “Have You Seen This Woman?,” made ⁣waves at the Venice Critics’ ​Week in 2022.

The story behind ‘Uptight Ass’

Set ‍to ​be‍ showcased at the Sarajevo Film ⁤Festival’s CineLink Co-Production Market, “Uptight Ass” ‍delves ⁢into the life of a self-centered, emotionally closed-off ‍middle-aged teacher. Confronted with his father’s illness, he embarks on a profound journey to ⁤rediscover the love and⁣ vulnerability he has ‌long buried. This narrative promises to be a poignant exploration of masculinity, identity, and⁤ familial relationships.

The production team

“Uptight Ass” is produced by Čarna Vučinić for Naked, a Belgrade-based production company she co-founded with Gluščević and Zorić. The film is co-produced by Tripode’s Guillaume Dreyfus and Tena Gojić of Croatian outfit​ Dinaridi Film. This collaboration brings together a diverse and talented team dedicated to ‌pushing the boundaries of‌ conventional storytelling.

A director’s personal touch

In a director’s note, Gluščević described the film as a deeply personal story, ⁢reflecting the mixed emotions underpinning his relationship with his family. He shared, “A feeling of anxiety haunts ​me whenever I visit my hometown. Despite having an increasing​ need to prove my love to my parents, I find myself becoming more withdrawn and ‍angry with them. Even after my dad became ill,⁢ I failed to properly articulate my feelings.”

With “Uptight Ass,” ⁢Gluščević⁣ aims to explore ‍masculinity and identity through family relations, particularly ‌the father/son dynamic and the societal expectations placed on the protagonist, Savo.

Continuing‌ a thematic exploration

Gluščević’s previous ⁢work, ⁤”Have You Seen⁤ This Woman?,” is an unconventional triptych that follows three different life possibilities for a middle-aged woman trapped in the roles imposed by her patriarchal society. This film was praised for its innovative ​narrative and form, depicting stories of middle-aged women who are rarely portrayed in ‍cinema.

A unique vision

Vučinić, who produced‌ “Have You Seen This Woman?” for Belgrade-based Non-Aligned Films, emphasized the ‍uniqueness of⁤ Gluščević and Zorić’s approach. “They ‍really ‌like ⁢to experiment with narration and form. ​With them,​ it’s always pushing one step forward. They’re⁣ always thinking ‍outside the box and about how a character can be super-authentic, but in a non-clichéd way.”

Guillaume⁤ Dreyfus, co-founder of Tripode Productions, praised Gluščević as ⁢”a⁢ very singular voice and a‌ super promising director from Serbia.” He⁤ highlighted the political, sentimental, and provocative qualities of “Uptight Ass,” which align with‍ the ​values of Tripode Productions.

A promising future

Tena⁣ Gojić of Croatian co-producer ​Dinaridi expressed excitement about working on ​Gluščević’s new project. “Matija is a⁤ bold‌ director who is always ready to push boundaries⁢ in⁤ order to achieve innovative cinematic ⁣language. He has a dedicated and trustworthy crew around him,⁣ and Čarna is a producer I⁤ love working with because she has a sharp instinct for films with⁤ the X factor.”

Gluščević, ‍who wrote the script over five years, described​ “Uptight Ass” as “formally, narratively, and visually eclectic, ‌enriched with⁢ camp style.” The film will utilize unusual camera angles and exaggerated depictions of masculinity to heighten its surreal tone. Vučinić described ‍it as a drama-thriller with ⁢elements of surrealism, where the line between reality and imagination is blurred.

A platform for new voices

Vučinić, Gluščević, and Zorić launched ⁣Naked to develop their own projects and collaborate with filmmakers from across Southeast Europe. Vučinić noted, “There are plenty ‌of amazing voices coming from the region.” She praised her co-founders for their strong vision and unique ⁣taste, emphasizing their​ commitment to⁢ thinking outside conventional filmmaking tendencies.

The Sarajevo Film ‍Festival runs from August 16 to 23, providing a platform for‌ “Uptight Ass” to make its ⁣mark on the⁢ cinematic landscape.

For more information and‌ to watch the trailer, visit Uptight Ass.

For those interested in exploring ⁢Gluščević’s previous work, check out Have‍ You Seen This Woman?.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting ​new film and the innovative minds behind it.