A family: A cinematic journey through the heart of divorce
Introduction
Dutch filmmaker Mees Peijnenburg is set to direct “A Family”, a poignant exploration of familial bonds and the emotional turmoil of divorce. Starring Carice van Houten, Pieter Embrechts, Finn Vogels, and Celeste Holsheimer, this film promises to be a deeply personal and intimate portrayal of a family in crisis. The production is scheduled to continue until late October, with distribution in the Benelux region by Cinéart.
The director’s vision
Peijnenburg has long harbored a desire to create a film that delves into the complexities of a family undergoing divorce. He shares, “This project is very personal and important to me. For a very long time, I’ve wanted to make a film about a family going through divorce. I waited years for the right moment, and now, that moment has come. ‘A Family’ is a film about resilience, heartache, loneliness, unconditional love, and, above all, emotional safety. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to create ‘A Family’ with such a formidable cast and crew.”
Carice van Houten’s perspective
Renowned for her role in “Game of Thrones”, Carice van Houten was immediately drawn to the project. She explains, “The themes of ‘A Family’ and the emotional complexities of the children’s characters resonated deeply with me, so when Mees showed me his vision of what he wanted this film to be it was an easy yes.”
The narrative
The film centers on teenagers Eli and Nina, who are each trying to navigate their lives amidst their parents’ tumultuous divorce. Van Houten and Embrechts portray the parents, Maria and Jacob, whose marriage disintegrates into a messy separation. The story is told from the perspective of the children, offering a unique and heart-wrenching viewpoint.
Eli, 14, is a competitive swimmer, while Nina, 16, is in love with her girlfriend Steffie. Despite their seemingly carefree lives, the divorce leaves them torn between their mother and father. As parental rights are contested and arguments escalate, Eli and Nina are forced to make difficult choices. Engulfed in their own grief, they drift apart, only to realize they are both seeking the same love, recognition, and comfort.
Production details
“A Family” is produced by Iris Otten and Nathalie van der Burg from Juliet at Pupkin, in co-production with The Reunion, the Belgian production company run by Michiel and Lukas Dhont. The screenplay is penned by Bastiaan Kroeger and Peijnenburg, with cinematography by Jasper Wolf.
The film is supported by various organizations, including the Netherlands Film Fund, the Netherlands Film Production Incentive, CoBO, the Flanders Audiovisual Fund (VAF), Eurimages, the Tax Shelter incentive provided by the Belgian federal government, and Flanders Tax Shelter.
Peijnenburg’s previous work
Peijnenburg is no stranger to critical acclaim. His previous works include “We Will Never Be Royals”, which won best TV drama at the Dutch TV Beelden Awards, and “Paradise Drifters”, which screened at the Berlinale. His unique storytelling ability and keen eye for emotional depth make him the perfect director for “A Family”.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, the prospect of “A Family” is incredibly exciting. The film’s focus on the children’s perspective offers a fresh take on the often-explored theme of divorce. The emotional complexities and the journey of resilience, heartache, and unconditional love are universal themes that resonate deeply.
For those who appreciate in-depth character studies and emotionally charged narratives, “A Family” is a must-watch. The combination of Peijnenburg’s direction, a talented cast, and a compelling story promises a cinematic experience that will linger long after the credits roll.
Additional resources
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit the following links:
Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated film, and prepare to be moved by the powerful storytelling and emotional depth of “A Family”.