Slovenian producer promotes new film at festival

Iza Strehar, a Slovenian producer and screenwriter, is promoting her new film Purgatory at the 48th Mediterranean Film Festival in Montpellier. The festival showcases films from across the Mediterranean region and provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to present their work to international audiences.

Film blends family drama and horror

The film Purgatory, directed by Žiga Virc, is described as a family drama that turns into a body horror story after the death of the father. The story follows the children as they fight over the inheritance in an isolated hunting lodge, with the genre shift reflecting the emotional and psychological tensions that arise.

Inspired by personal experience

Strehar, who co-founded the Slovenian production company Lilit in 2023, co-produces the film with Virc. She explained that the idea originated from Virc's personal experiences following his father's death, which led to family tensions over inheritance. The transformation into a horror project was influenced by Virc's nightmares and discussions with Strehar on how to translate these into a cinematic format.

Drawing from international directors

Strehar mentioned that the film draws inspiration from directors such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Ali Abbasi, and Valdimar Jóhannsson. These filmmakers are known for their unique visual styles and thematic depth, often blending psychological and surreal elements into their work.

Creative process involves multiple roles

The project is currently in development, with a second version of the script already completed. The next version will be written in collaboration with the director of photography and set decorator, as part of a creative process that includes input from various production roles. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the film's visual and narrative impact.

Filming locations and international co-productions

The film is expected to be shot in Carinthia, with co-productions from the Austrian company Zwinger Film and the Greek company Asphalt. Possible filming locations also include Slovenia and Italy. There is also a French character in the film, as the deceased's family works in the meat industry and exports animals, referencing a program that reintroduced bears into the Pyrenees between 1996 and 2018.

Auteur cinema with genre appeal

Strehar noted that the film's blend of auteur cinema with genre elements may help in accessing the market, as horror and genre films are currently in demand at festivals. This approach allows the film to stand out while appealing to a broader audience.

Other projects in development

In addition to Purgatory, Lilit is working on the horror series Aristocracy, which is in post-production and expected to premiere at the upcoming Séries Mania festival. This festival is a major event for television content, focusing on innovative and genre-driven series from around the world.