The Independent reports that Lars Von Trier’s upcoming film, After, is set to commence shooting this summer. Producer Louise Vesth shared that “Lars is doing well under the circumstances,” providing some reassurance about the filmmaker’s health.
Last month, producer Peter Aalbæk Jensen offered cryptic details about the film, suggesting that Von Trier’s ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s and themes of mortality will prominently feature in the narrative. The film, which explores the profound subjects of death and life, is well underway and faces no production risks.
Due to his health condition, Von Trier now spends part of his time in a nursing home, yet Jensen assures that this will not deter him from completing the project, which is on track for filming later this year. In a significant development, After has secured funding from the Danish Film Institute, as reported by AFP, with shooting anticipated in the third quarter of next year. Details about casting have yet to be revealed.
Stellan Skarsgård, a long-time collaborator of Von Trier, recently confirmed in an interview that the director is definitely engaged in a new project and noted that his condition is improving thanks to treatment.
Previously, Von Trier attracted attention for seeking a “girlfriend/muse” on Instagram. Since then, he appears to have taken a step back from social media, perhaps recognising that his true calling lies behind the camera.
In autumn 2022, he announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis at 66, shocking the film community. He is undeniably one of the most influential filmmakers of the past three decades and has expressed his intention to create more films, stating,
“With any luck I should still have a few decent movies left in me.”
Since his last directorial effort, The House That Jack Built in 2018 — an audacious three-hour dark comedy focusing on a notorious serial killer — fans have eagerly awaited his return. Von Trier’s legacy includes evocative films like Breaking the Waves, Melancholia, Dancer in the Dark, and Dogville, solidifying his status as a titan of cinema.
