Use the search bar to find projects, completed films, and TFL community members.

Projects

Wrecking Ball

Threatened to be kicked out of her apartment, Eva fights: for her neighbours, her family, herself.

synopsis

Imagine waking up because a drop of water hits you right in the face, from the ceiling. Your apartment is damp, the dirt, dust, and constant noise of the construction site on the roof is invading your home day in, day out. It’s a strategy, Eva (41) suspects. And when she learns that the house had been sold to an investment shark, it’s clear to her, that the plan is to drive people with old leases and low rents out. People like her. But you can’t play games with Eva. Eva loves this house, she grew up here, her son plays in the courtyard with the kids of her own childhood friends. So, Eva has a mission now. She runs up and down the stairs, and up again, gathering information, earning the worker’s trust, and most importantly getting all the neighbours together. But to be honest – and she won’t admit it – Eva also needs the distraction from her personal problems. Because she cheated on her husband. And he moved out. Refusing to talk to her, unless it’s organisational things about their son. When her neighbours consider cutting a deal with the investment shark, Eva – scared of losing everything that matters to her – spins out of control: she intervenes, manipulates, and destroys. Risking her apartment and all her relationships.

Director’statement

Wrecking Ball comes out of my need for a character who rebels. Two topics interweave: the real-estate market’s gambling with people’s homes and the inequality in relationships. Eva is filled with love for her child, her community, her husband, but underneath all the responsibilities and roles she fulfils, is a deep buried anger. But where there is anger, there is hope for change. Eva won’t give up; she destroys to build back up. For tone and style, duality is vital. The film is fast paced, breathless, chaotic then calm, precise and alert, like the moment between thunder and lightning. Visually, dust, dirt and debris drain the colours out of Eva’s beloved world, which she counters with bright yellow raincoats, playful toys and colourful balloons. The never-ending and nerve-racking soundscape of drilling, hammering, and drumming raindrops is balanced by lullabies and the clinking sound of shared glasses of wine. Out of desperate situations arise moments of absurdity, because humour thrives on tragedy. Humour and compassion make us human, and I will tell Wrecking Ball with both.

All the updates once a month in your mailbox, subscribe to the TFL newsletter.