A new dawn in cinema: ‘Moon’ premieres at Locarno Film Festival

A fresh perspective on storytelling

The teaser for Moon has just been released, setting the stage for its world premiere on August 11 in the International Competition section of the Locarno Film Festival. This intriguing film, written and directed by Kurdwin Ayub, promises to captivate audiences with its unique narrative and compelling characters. Watch the teaser for Moon.

The visionary behind ‘Moon’

Kurdwin Ayub, an Iraqi-born filmmaker residing in Vienna, has already made a significant mark in the world of cinema. Her first fiction feature film, Sonne, premiered at the 2022 Berlinale in the Encounters competition and won the best first feature award. Ayub’s talent was further recognized with a nomination for the European Discovery Award at the 35th European Film Awards for Sonne, which also won best Austrian film at Viennale. Her feature documentary Paradise! Paradise! garnered acclaim for its cinematography, winning best camera at the Diagonale – Festival of Austrian Film.

A plot that intrigues

In Moon, former martial arts fighter Sarah leaves Austria to train three sisters from a wealthy Jordanian family. What initially seems like a dream job soon turns unsettling as Sarah discovers the young women are isolated from the outside world and under constant surveillance. The lack of interest in sports among the sisters raises the question: why was Sarah hired in the first place?

Ayub’s statement about the film encapsulates its essence: “It’s all about sisters, no matter where they come from, and about cages, no matter where they are. Cages you want to leave and those you wish you could return to.”

A stellar cast and production team

The film stars Florentina Holzinger, Andria Tayeh, Celina Antwan, and Nagham Abu Baker, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Moon is produced by the controversial filmmaker Ulrich Seidl for Ulrich Seidl Filmproduktion, with support from the Austrian Film Institute and Filmfonds Vienna, in collaboration with ORF Film and Fernseh-Abkommen. The co-producers include ZDF/ARTE and ZDF/Das kleine Fernsehspiel, with Essential Films also playing a crucial role in the production.

Behind the scenes

The film was shot from April until August 2023 in Jordan and Austria, capturing the contrasting landscapes and cultural settings that enrich the narrative. The cinematography by Klemens Hufnagl and editing by Roland Stöttinger are expected to enhance the film’s visual storytelling, creating an immersive experience for the audience.

Reflections for cinema enthusiasts

For those passionate about cinema, Moon represents a significant addition to the landscape of international film. Ayub’s ability to weave complex themes of isolation, surveillance, and the human desire for freedom into a compelling narrative is a testament to her storytelling prowess. The film’s exploration of cultural and personal cages resonates on a universal level, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking cinema.

The broader context

Moon arrives at a time when the film industry is increasingly embracing diverse voices and stories. Ayub’s background and unique perspective as an Iraqi-born filmmaker living in Vienna add a rich layer of authenticity to her work. Her previous successes with Sonne and Paradise! Paradise! have set high expectations for Moon, and the film’s premiere at the Locarno Film Festival is a testament to its anticipated impact.

Final thoughts

As we await the premiere of Moon, it’s clear that Kurdwin Ayub is a filmmaker to watch. Her ability to tackle complex themes with nuance and sensitivity, combined with her distinctive visual style, makes her a standout voice in contemporary cinema. For those eager to explore new narratives and perspectives, Moon offers a compelling journey into the human condition and the invisible cages that bind us.

For more information and to watch the teaser, visit Moon.