“Kiss and be friends”, interview with director Ana Baldini and screenwriter Roly Witherow

Exploring Modern Relationships and Urban Alienation

Included in the national competition of IndieLisboa, “Kiss and Be Friends” by director Ana Baldini and screenwriter Roly Witherow offers a compelling look at the complexities of modern friendship and urban life. The story explores the characters’ fragilities and flaws, offering a sharp, satirical portrait of a generation navigating uncertainty within the fleeting rhythms of urban life. The characters’ internal narratives often overshadow their real interactions, illustrating the difficulty of genuine connection amidst personal and societal anxieties. The film’s portrayal of their relationship emphasizes the importance of narrative construction, often at the expense of authentic contact. The film captures the subtle violence and affection that coexist within their bond, reflecting a generation that oscillates between dependence and independence. Roly Witherow emphazises that this ambivalence aligns with the film’s broader commentary on a society obsessed with self-image and superficial ties, positioning “Kiss and be friends” as a nuanced exploration of friendship’s multifaceted nature.

Lisbon as a Transient Backdrop

Ana Baldini points out that Lisbon plays a crucial role in “Kiss and be friends” as a city caught between tradition and contemporary transformation. The film deliberately portrays Lisbon as a transient space, reflecting the globalized and touristic realities many young people experience today. The film’s use of Lisbon’s topology and iconic imagery enhances the ambivalent tone, sometimes the city feels like a vibrant character, other times a generic urban backdrop. This duality highlights the generation’s simultaneous fascination with and disconnection from their environment, reinforcing the idea that Lisbon, like the characters, exists in a state of flux.

A satirical and genre-defying film

“Kiss and be friends“ playful subversion of romantic comedy expectations is one of its standout qualities. It adopts the trappings of a rom-com, romantic entanglements, humor, and urban settings, yet deliberately dismantles these tropes to reveal a more unromantic reality. The narrative exposes the inflated sense of self and the superficial pursuits that often drive young adults’ lives, making it a satirical take on genre conventions.

 

Plot