Slovenian director Kukla, who made a splash with her debut film “Fantasy” at the Locarno Film Festival and recently showcased it at the Thessaloniki Film Festival, is now developing her second feature film. While some information about this project has surfaced before, The Bangin Beats has now exclusively revealed further details including the working title, cast, and Kukla’s inspirations.
Introducing “Good Girl”
Kukla’s forthcoming film, tentatively titled “Good Girl,” presents a contemporary reinterpretation of the Ancient Greek comedy “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes. In the original play, an Athenian woman persuades other women from various city-states engaged in war to withhold sexual privileges from their husbands as a statement for peace. Kukla discussed this adaptation with The Bangin Beats against the scenic backdrop of Thessaloniki, with Mount Olympus in the distance.
In Kukla’s modern version, the backdrop is the looming threat of a third world war. The narrative pivots when a TikToker casually suggests that women should abstain from sex and refuse to bear children for men who continue to perpetuate conflict. This offhand remark sparks a global movement.
Inspiration from the 4B Movement
Part of the film’s inspiration comes from the Korean 4B Movement, which encouraged women to boycott sex, childbirth, marriage, and dating as a protest against male violence and broader societal oppression. This movement gained traction and spread to the U.S. following the election of President Trump.
Setting and Cast
“Good Girl” is set across various locations including the Balkans and France. Kukla aims to showcase the unifying strength of women worldwide, believing that female solidarity is pivotal for global salvation. The film reunites Kukla with the leading actresses from “Fantasy,” including Sarah Al Saleh, Mina Milovanović, and Mia Skrbinac. While Skrbinac is an experienced actress, Al Saleh and Milovanović are relatively new to acting. All three had previously worked with Kukla on her 2020 short film “Sisters,” which shared characters and plot elements with “Fantasy” and won the Grand Prix at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
Kukla views “Good Girl” as a tribute to these actresses, reflecting on their shared growth and experiences in filmmaking and life. She believes that this film, like “Fantasy,” will explore themes of patriarchy, gender roles, and identity. “Fantasy” itself, which garnered a Special Mention for the Mermaid Award at Thessaloniki, focused on three tomboys in Slovenia who challenge the conservative norms and traditions of their community, such as arranged marriages.
Their lives are transformed after meeting Fantasy, a transgender woman, who inspires them to question and redefine traditional gender roles and sexuality. Alina Juhart, who portrays Fantasy, is known in the Balkans for her participation in a televised talent show. Kukla uses pop culture strategically within the film to make it more relatable and accessible to audiences.
Creative Process and Cultural Reflections
Kukla emphasizes the collaborative nature of her filmmaking process, particularly in script development, to ensure that the film authentically represents the perspectives of its young protagonists. The concept for the film originated a decade ago when Kukla became fascinated by the historical phenomenon of “sworn virgins” in the Balkans—women who lived as men and were recognized as belonging to a third gender.
Through this lens, Kukla explores contemporary resistance to traditional femininity and gender roles, while also delving into broader questions of identity and cultural fluidity. She reflects on her own experiences of cultural integration and identity as a native of Slovenia with roots in North Macedonia, navigating a complex cultural landscape.
236M views in 10 weeks: how KPop Demon Hunters dethroned Red Notice
Materialists Raises Eyebrows: Sharp Satire or Elitist Attack on Modern Love?
Park Chan‑wook’s 2025 Venice Comeback: 6‑Minute Ovation and a 20‑Year Return
Julia Roberts’ 6‑minute ovation at Venice 2025 — the quote already igniting awards talk
Ultimately, “Fantasy” and “Good Girl” serve as Kukla’s artistic inquiries into the visibility and expression of female and queer identities in the Balkans, challenging both regional and global perceptions of gender and power.
Similar Posts
- Sudanese Hit ‘Cotton Queen’ Clinches Golden Alexander: Triumph at Thessaloniki Film Festival!
- Alison Brie, Dave Franco Unleash Body Horror in Marriage: Watch ‘Together’ Trailer Now!
- Stefan Dordevic’s ‘Winds, Talk to Me’ Captures Heart of Sarajevo: Triumph at Film Festival!
- Joe Locke is ‘Ready to Work’ Again: Stephen Fry Lauds His Talent at Newport Beach Film Fest Honors
- Harry Potter: Snape’s new interpreter challenges J.K. Rowling, and his response has social networks in an uproar
With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Blake dives deep into the world of indie films and underground cinema.