Hugo Teugels on the red carpet in Venice

 

Hugo Teugels arrived in Venice where he took part in red carpet for the film LEURS ENFANTS APRÈS EUX (AND THEIR CHILDREN AFTER THEM) by Ludovic Boukherma, Zoran Boukherma The director chose an elegant and always original look. 

What inspired you to choose Venice as the setting for this mystery and suspense story?

Venice, with its labyrinthine canals, ancient architecture, and deep sense of history, naturally lends itself to mystery and suspense—the kind of films I love to make. The city’s unique atmosphere, where beauty and decay coexist, felt like the perfect backdrop for a story that delves into profound existential themes. Venice is a place where the past feels ever-present, where the boundaries between reality and myth blur. This enigmatic quality inspired me to set the film there, as it mirrors the story’s exploration of internal conflicts and the looming threats we often choose to ignore. 

The idea originated in 2021, when I returned from the Lido to the center of Venice each night after the festival, finding myself wandering through the silent labyrinth of streets and waterways, shaping the story in my mind as the climactic cues grew stronger. In 2022, during the next Venice IFF, I discovered the perfect leading lady, Polli Cannabis, and we booked a few days to film in Venice. Again in 2023, during VIFF, we filmed the final footage and tested the red carpet together. The project then matured into its final form.

How did you choose Polli Cannabis as the lead, and what qualities did you see in her that made her perfect for the role of Cassandra?

Polli Cannabis has an innate ability to subtly convey depth and complexity, making her the perfect choice for the role of Cassandra. She brings a quiet intensity to the character, conveying Cassandra's internal struggles with grace and nuance. Polli also possesses a unique presence that aligns with the film's ethereal and haunting tone. Her ability to embody both vulnerability and strength was crucial for portraying a character who is both a prophetess and a victim of her own knowledge.

I sought someone who doesn’t need to assert her presence through excessive dialogue, as I prefer to keep dialogue minimal in my short films, following the principle: show, don’t tell. To conclude, I’ll reference a quote that has greatly influenced my work, from the film The Neon Demon, which premiered at Cannes in 2016 and shaped my approach: "What's it like? Walking into a room, and it's like the middle of winter. You're the sun." Model answering: "It’s everything."

How is the theme of climate change integrated into the narrative, and what messages do you hope to convey to the audience regarding this issue?

Climate change is woven into the narrative as an ever-present threat, symbolized by the Beast looming over the story. The film uses color, sound, and symbolism to evoke the anxiety and fear associated with environmental destruction. Through this, I hope to convey that climate change is not an abstract, distant issue—it’s a very real, tangible threat that demands our immediate attention. The film encourages viewers to confront this reality, to listen to their inner voice urging them to act before it’s too late.

How has your cinematic vision been influenced by directors like David Lynch, and how is this reflected in "Cassandra Venice"?

David Lynch’s influence is evident in the film’s surreal and dreamlike qualities. Like Lynch, I’m drawn to exploring the darker, more mysterious aspects of human nature and the subconscious. In Cassandra Venice, this is reflected in how the narrative blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a world where logic and reason give way to emotion and intuition. The film’s use of symbolism, color, and sound to evoke a sense of unease and introspection is also inspired by Lynch’s approach to storytelling, where atmosphere and mood are as important as the plot itself. M. Night Shyamalan’s use of plot twists and color symbolism also influenced the film, aiming to provide a visual experience that also carries a deeper message.

What are your future plans for "Cassandra Venice"? Do you envision expanding the story into a feature film or a television series?

I’m very excited about the potential to expand Cassandra Venice into a feature film or even a limited television series. The themes and characters—especially the city—have a depth that could be further explored in a longer format. There’s much more to uncover about Cassandra’s journey, the symbolic elements, and the overarching message about climate change and human consciousness. I’m currently exploring these possibilities and looking forward to seeing how the story might evolve and reach a broader audience. And for those interested, feel free to contact me regarding these possibilities or if there are any other questions.