“Holly”, interview with director Fien Troch and actress Cathalina Geeraerts

September 8, 2023

Fien Troch and Cathalina Geeraerts, director an actress, talk to FRED about "Holly" in competition in Venice 2023

"Holly", interview with director Fien Troch and actress Cathalina Geeraerts David Martos

Podcast | Download

Interview during the 80th edition of Venice International Film Festival with Fien Troch, director of the film “Holly”, and actress Cathalina Geeraerts. The movie, in competition for the Golden Lion, tells the story of a girl that is able to predict a fire in her high school. After that tragedy, everyone considers her a gifted healer and asks for her help.

Our interview with Troch and Geeraerts addresses the presence of the film in Venice and how was the process of casting Cathalina, being “Holly” her first film. The director explains the meaning of the film and how she worked with the leading actress in order to disect the script.

“Holly” takes us to a high school that is mourning the loss of 10 students in a tragic fire. That very morning, a really upset Holly (Geeraerts) calls in to say she’s not going to class cause something very bad was going to happen. Months after the incident, one of the teachers convinces the girl about her “powers” and encourages her to help other people.

Plot

15-year-old Holly calls her school to say she is staying home for the day. Soon after, a fire breaks out at the school, killing several students. With everyone touched by the tragedy, the community comes together, trying to heal. Anna, a teacher, intrigued by Holly and her strange premonition, invites her to join the volunteering group she runs. Holly’s presence seems to bring peace of mind, warmth, and hope to those she encounters. But soon, people begin to seek out Holly and her cathartic energy, demanding more and more from the young girl.

Written by: David Martos

Mostra del Cinema di Venezia