Myths about mermaids and sea creatures may be as ancient as they come, but modern filmmakers are still being beckoned by fantasies in the watery depths. It’s not just
Though the two share a common thread, they’re also quite different. “Undine,” currently streaming on demand, follows the romantic trials of a water nymph living and working in
For “Undine” writer-director
“They said to me, ‘We would like it, but you have to write it first,’” Petzold said. “And so I was under pressure. But the pressure is very good for people like me.”
Although Beer wasn’t overly familiar with the origins of the myth, she knew the story generally: It’s been the basis for ballets, poems, literature and even “The Little Mermaid.” And besides, Petzold was going to put his own spin on it.
“I really love that Cristian combined the myth and the modern world, so it’s not a fairy tale movie with gowns and riding on horses and big wigs. It’s got a more natural layer. But it’s also a universe where it’s OK to say, ‘If you don’t love me, I’ll kill you,’” Beer said. “It was fun to play. She’s not human, but she wants to be human. And she has a really pure heart. I think that makes her able to feel emotions that humans are scared of.”
It ended up being an inspired choice for this pair in more ways than one. Rogowski discovered during their preparation that a lifelong issue with his ear drums that had prevented him from going underwater wasn’t there anymore. Rogowski’s underwater euphoria during his diving lessons left a major impression on Petzold, who was eager to recapture the feeling on screen.
“Scales” writer-director
“I never thought of myself as the writer who will do a film about mermaids. It never crossed my brain,” Ameen said. "But I loved fantasy growing up.”
After graduating from college and making a couple of short films she decided to indulge in a little magical realism in her work. After all, she was a poet, too, and was drawn to symbolism in Russian cinema. And then a striking image came to her: A mermaid being chopped in half in front of little girls by someone who looks just like the mermaid. She started writing immediately.
“I knew I had gold with the idea of symbolizing Arab women and fear of women with those mermaids,” she said. “It’s the story of
Ameen’s stylish black-and-white film has already had a successful festival run, everywhere from
“I hope that people will enjoy seeing something different,” Ameen said.
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