Joo Joostberens

An exploration of the dazzling rise and mysterious downfall of French actor and filmmaker Max Linder (1883-1925), the world’s first international film star and mentor to British actor and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin.

The story of betrayal and loss that create a gap in us, a gap that can only be filled with revenge or forgiveness. The main character, Julia, tries to forgive, but as a consequence of the events, she chooses the revenge.

The film title alludes to a traditional Polish mourning song, which was included on the album ‘Rzeczy ostatnie’ recorded by the band Polskie Znaki. The project aimed to dust off folk music, which for centuries had put people at ease with regard to death before it became a taboo in modern culture. The story of the album is at the same time an essay on passing away.