Lust
Ralitza Petrova
Aporia Filmworks
When a daughter becomes the unwitting heir to her estranged father, all she wants is to refuse the heritage, and get back to her life. But a near-death experience changes everything.
A long-term expatriate in the U.S., 41-year old LILIAN is a Nonviolent Communication trainer in male prisons. A compulsive user of online X-rated content, with a phobia of commitment, she appears as fearful of emotional connection, as the inmates she is seemingly trying to help. Her defenses are suddenly shaken when forced to return to her native Bulgaria, by the news she has become the heir to her estranged father. Refusing anything to do with a stranger, she is ready to sign any paper, which frees her from obligation, and gets her back to her life. But a startling near-death experience makes her unable to leave, propelling her on a journey of self-discovery, where she must confront the truth behind her inability to accept love.
Director’s biography: Ralitza Petrova / IMDb
RALITZA PETROVA studied film and video art at University of the Arts London, and later fiction directing at the UK’s National Film and Television School (NFTS). Her short films have won international acclaim at the festival circuit, including Cannes, Berlin, and Locarno. In 2016, her debut GODLESS premiered at Locarno Film Festival, where it won four awards, amongst them the Golden Leopard for Best Film. The film received 27 main awards, and a nomination for European Discovery 2017 – Prix FIPRESCI by the European Film Academy. Petrova is a fellow of the DAAD Artist-in-Berlin Program 2019.
Producer’s biography: Poli Angelova / IMDb
POLI ANGELOVA was born in Usogorsk, Russia. She graduated in Film and Television Directing at New Bulgarian University. Since 2007 he has been working as a producer. In February 2007 she participated in the 5th Berlinale Talent Campus, and the 1st Sarajevo Talent Campus, as well as in many other film forums and festivals over the years. Her filmography as a producer includes over 20 short films, 2 feature films, and 2 documentaries. Her co-producer credits include the films THE LESSON and GLORY. She has also executive produced THE FATHER Grand Prix, 54th Karlovy Vary IFF 2019.
Where are we at?
Total estimated budget: 606.150 €
Finances pending: 299.375 €
Financing in place: 306.775 €
Production timeline
DEVELOPMENT
Script development May - Nov 2021
Casting Oct 2021 - March 2022
Financing May – Nov 2021
PRE-PRODUCTION
Crew hire Nov 2021
Tests Feb 2022
Final Prep Mar 2022
PRODUCTION
Shooting (part 1) Feb 2022
Shooting (part 2) Apr 4 - May 6, 2022
POST-PRODUCTION
Editing May – Nov 2022
Sound Design Oct 2022 – Jan 2023
Picture post-prod. Nov – Dec 2023
Sound mix Jan - Feb 2023
Final DCP Apr 2023
DELIVERY May 2023
Looking for at CineLink?
Gap financing, Pre-sales, Sales agent, European broadcaster
Director’s statement
In 2016 my father passed away. I had seen him perhaps five times in my life. Growing up in a single-parent household meant there wasn’t much time for my mother to be a 'mom' in that all present way we all long for. Throughout adulthood I couldn’t stop noticing the parallels between the people I kept engaging with and my absentee parents. Unless the person was emotionally unavailable, or a member of the 'dark side', I wouldn’t be considering. This was the initial inspiration behind LUST. A story exploring the inner and outer reality of characters, whose lives are run by trauma. When trauma is the central stage, there is no clarity, no real choice, we act from a place of impulse. LUST is a coming-of-mid-age, love story with elements of mystery, fantasy, and black humour, in which, ironically, trauma and addiction hold the keys to growth.
Producer’s statement
LUST will be realized as a low-budget project with a minimum number of film crew. It is our purpose to create a cordial working atmosphere, where a group of like-minded collaborators of the director will make an effort to produce a high-quality film. The principal photography will take place entirely in the city of Sofia, the real-world setting being combined with constructed sets for some of the prison scenes. We believe that behind its seemingly dark plot LUST explores important, universal themes about the human need for connection and love, and the story has the potential to stir compassion in audiences across cultures and achieve considerable viewer success. Moreover, it unfolds through dynamic dramaturgy, and has a touch of mystery - an approach much appreciated by modern cinephiles.
Production company profile
APORIA FILMWORKS is a production company founded by filmmaker Ralitza Petrova in 2015. Based in Sofia, but collaborating with an international award-winning talent, our aim is to produce innovative cinema, which allows for artistic experimentation, while pushing the boundaries of narrative storytelling. Our films have been showcased internationally, with over hundred awards collectively, including a Golden Leopard for Best Film, Locarno 2016, EFA nomination for European Discovery 2017 – Prix FIPRESCI, Heart of Sarajevo (Best Director, Best Actress), LUX Prize nomination, amongst many others.
Email: aporiafilmworks@gmail.com