Swedish filmmaker Maria Bäck is set to unveil her latest feature, Brave New Love, at the 79th Locarno Film Festival, where it will have its world premiere on 9 August in the festival’s international competition, writes The Hollywood Reporter.
Written and directed by Bäck, the film follows Kate, a hypnotherapist who appears to have a happy family life with her husband, Orla, and their daughter, Athena.
Beneath that seemingly stable life, however, lies a long-hidden romantic relationship with another man, Andreas.
According to the official synopsis, Kate’s carefully balanced double life begins to unravel after years of secrecy, forcing her to confront questions about love, identity and personal fulfilment.
As she tries to remain a role model for her daughter, she embarks on an emotional journey shaped by intimacy, humour, Greek mythology and self-discovery.
Kathrine Thorborg Johansen starred as Kate, alongside Simon Sears as her husband Orla and Anders Danielsen Lie as Andreas.
Young actor Noemi Carbone Mannov plays Athena, while Greek actress Angeliki Papoulia also features in the cast.
The film is produced by Anna-Maria Kantarius, with cinematography by Maria Von Hausswolff and editing by Julius Krebs Damsbo.
International sales are being handled by Reinvent Yellow.
Explaining the inspiration behind the project, Bäck said she wanted to challenge conventional ideas about relationships.
“There are so many rules and inherited expectations attached to love. I wanted to explore these often absurd ideas through wit and sensuality, and create a mirror for the loneliness and power of a heart set on fire.”
Brave New Love joins this year’s Locarno competition as one of several films examining modern relationships, identity and the boundaries of traditional romance.
