Helena Ganjalyan on directing and the role in 'Glorious Summer': You can't live without risk
Helena Ganjalyan discusses her film 'Glorious Summer,' which explores the lives of three women in a seemingly perfect world that conceals an underlying discomfort and existential risk.
In her film 'Glorious Summer,' director Helena Ganjalyan delves into the lives of three women residing in an idyllic palace that appears to provide them with everything. Despite their lack of work and duties, the characters grapple with a sense of discontent and a yearning for escape, which intriguingly involves a 'learning to die' theme. This juxtaposition highlights the complexities of a seemingly utopian existence constrained by deeper psychological and social issues.
Ganjalyan reveals that the concept for the film has been maturing for five years, initially inspired by a theatrical performance of a loose reinterpretation of Shakespeare's 'Richard III.' During this time, her team focused on female characters and scrutinized the mechanisms of oppression based on an extreme model of a 'welfare state.' Their exploration concentrated on how manipulative language shapes societal perceptions, proving fundamental in developing the film's underlying narrative.
The potential filming location, a palace in Gorzanów, further enriched the creative vision for 'Glorious Summer.' The space resonated with the filmmakers, leading to the decision to adapt their theatrical work into a cinematic screenplay. This transformation signifies a thoughtful evolution of their artistic journey, showcasing their commitment to exploring intricate themes surrounding identity, freedom, and societal constraints through female perspectives.