Péter Kerekes returns to Venice with ‘Wishing on a Star’
A filmmaker’s journey from skepticism to belief
Slovak filmmaker Péter Kerekes is back at the Venice Film Festival, gracing the Horizons section with his latest film, Wishing on a Star. This return marks a significant moment for Kerekes, who previously won the Horizons award for best screenplay in 2021 for 107 Mothers. However, his journey to this new project was anything but straightforward.
The initial reluctance
Kerekes was initially hesitant to dive into the world of astrology. His Austrian producer, Ralph Wieser, persistently encouraged him to collaborate with Erica Barbiani on a film about astrology, specifically focusing on Luciana de Leoni D’Asparedo, a Neapolitan astrologer. For three years, Kerekes resisted, citing his disbelief in astrology and horoscopes. But a dinner meeting with Luciana changed everything. “I may not believe in astrology, but I believe in her,” Kerekes admits.
The making of ‘Wishing on a Star’
Produced by a diverse team including Wieser, Barbiani, Kerekes, and others, Wishing on a Star is a Videomante production made in co-production with Kerekesfilm, Artcam Films, Mischief Films, and Restart. The film also has the support of Volos Films, RTVS Radio and Television Slovakia, with Films Boutique handling sales.
Kerekes, known for Velvet Terrorists and Cooking History, shifted his focus to Luciana’s clients, who embark on life-changing “birthday trips” to be “reborn.” This concept of pilgrimage resonated with Kerekes, who noted that many major religions share this idea of leaving one’s home to find oneself.
The journey and its revelations
In the film, Kerekes travels to Taiwan and Lebanon, but it was the initial interviews in Italy that proved most intriguing. Despite the seemingly mundane setting of a single room, these interviews were filled with surprises. One poignant moment involved a woman married to a butcher, who tearfully expressed her desire to rekindle lost love rather than find new love.
Kerekes initially intended to delve deeper into Luciana’s personal life and struggles, but her strong personality shone through even in simple settings. Not knowing Italian, Kerekes focused on the “magical” moments, paying attention to gestures and expressions. He likened the experience to being a hitchhiker, meeting strangers who shared their deepest secrets, knowing he would soon be gone.
Personal reflections and societal insights
Kerekes found himself empathizing with many of his protagonists, including a woman working through issues with her father. This story resonated with him personally, as he too is often away from his children. He saw it as a message to his kids.
The wishes of Luciana’s clients also provided a fascinating sociological insight. Contrary to the belief that we live in a consumption-obsessed world, many people sought love and relationships over material wealth. One memorable client, a small bookstore owner in Trieste, wished for Amazon to go bankrupt. This, Kerekes believes, shows that society still values what truly matters.
A secret wish
When asked if he would consider going on a “birthday trip” himself, Kerekes coyly responded, “Yes, but I will keep that a secret. I can tell you one thing, though. It’s really working.”
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer for Wishing on a Star.
The magic of cinema and TV series
Cinema and TV series have a unique way of capturing our imaginations and emotions. They transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new characters, and often leave us with lasting impressions. As enthusiasts, we find ourselves eagerly awaiting the next big release, dissecting plot twists, and discussing character arcs with fellow fans.
The power of storytelling
Storytelling is at the heart of every great film and TV series. It’s what draws us in and keeps us hooked. Whether it’s the intricate plot of a thriller, the emotional journey of a drama, or the laugh-out-loud moments of a comedy, storytelling is what makes these mediums so powerful.
Personal connections
We often find personal connections in the stories we watch. A character’s struggle might mirror our own, or a particular scene might evoke a memory. These connections make the viewing experience more meaningful and memorable.
The evolving landscape
The landscape of cinema and TV series is constantly evolving. With the rise of streaming platforms, we have more access to diverse content than ever before. This has opened up opportunities for new voices and stories to be heard, enriching the industry and providing audiences with a wider range of viewing options.
Recommendations for enthusiasts
For those looking to dive into new content, here are a few recommendations:
- The Queen’s Gambit: A captivating series about a young chess prodigy.
- Parasite: An award-winning film that explores class disparity in South Korea.
- Stranger Things: A nostalgic sci-fi series with a strong ensemble cast.
The rhythm of music
Music has a way of touching our souls and expressing emotions that words alone cannot. It’s a universal language that transcends boundaries and brings people together.
The impact of albums and songs
Albums and songs have the power to define moments in our lives. They become the soundtrack to our experiences, evoking memories and emotions each time we hear them.
Exploring new sounds
For music enthusiasts, exploring new sounds and genres is a never-ending journey. Here are a few albums and songs worth checking out:
- Folklore by Taylor Swift: A beautifully crafted album that showcases Swift’s storytelling prowess.
- Blinding Lights by The Weeknd: An infectious track with a retro vibe.
- Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa: A dance-pop album that’s perfect for lifting your spirits.
The evolving music industry
The music industry, like cinema and TV, is constantly evolving. With the advent of streaming services, artists have more platforms to share their work, and listeners have more ways to discover new music. This democratization of music has led to a more diverse and vibrant industry.
whether it’s through films, TV series, or music, the arts have a profound impact on our lives. They entertain us, move us, and often make us see the world in a new light. As enthusiasts, we are fortunate to live in a time where we have access to such a rich tapestry of content, and the journey of discovery is one that never truly ends.