The cinematic world is abuzz as Berlin-based M-Appeal, a renowned global sales company celebrated for championing distinctive and thought-provoking independent cinema, has announced its acquisition of international sales rights for “Truly Naked.” This elevated drama, poised for its highly anticipated world premiere within the prestigious Berlinale’s Perspective section, promises to delve deep into the multifaceted nature of intimacy, challenging conventional perceptions and sparking vital conversations.
At the helm of this compelling narrative is Belgian filmmaker Muriel d’Ansembourg, a visionary director whose work consistently probes the depths of human connection. D’Ansembourg, demonstrating a keen global perspective, chose to shoot “Truly Naked” entirely in English, utilizing the vibrant landscapes of the U.K. and collaborating with a talented British cast. This international approach underlines the universal resonance of the film’s themes, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries to explore an experience inherent to us all.
“Truly Naked” introduces audiences to Alec, a soft-spoken and introspective teenager whose formative years have been shadowed by his father’s adult entertainment business. This unique upbringing has undoubtedly shaped his understanding, or perhaps misunderstanding, of human relationships and vulnerability. The narrative takes a pivotal turn when Alec’s family uproots their lives from the bustling metropolis of London, seeking a fresh start in the quiet, unassuming serenity of a seaside town. Here, against a backdrop of newfound calm, Alec’s world is irrevocably altered by the arrival of Nina, a young woman whose fiercely independent spirit and unfiltered outlook on life fundamentally challenge his preconceived notions of connection and self-worth. Their encounter forms the emotional core of the film, charting a journey of discovery that promises both tenderness and profound introspection.
Muriel d’Ansembourg’s artistic philosophy, as she articulates, is deeply rooted in exploring the human condition. “I keep returning to situations in my films where people are longing for connection, but something is holding them back,” she explains, shedding light on the recurring motifs in her body of work. “I like to put them in situations where it’s challenging to deeply connect with themselves and each other.” This intentional placement of characters in testing circumstances allows for a raw, unfiltered examination of their inner struggles and desires. Beyond the immediate struggle for intimacy, d’Ansembourg is profoundly interested in the broader societal implications of human interaction: “I’m also interested in exploring boundaries and how things cross into taboo. What does our society allow, what doesn’t it, and why?” This interrogative approach suggests a film that is not merely observational but actively seeks to deconstruct and question societal norms surrounding sexuality and connection. While the adult entertainment industry provides a unique backdrop for Alec’s story, d’Ansembourg clarifies her artistic focus: “Porn itself doesn’t interest me as a subject, but it’s interesting in the context of my love for telling stories that are essentially about human connection in environments where intimacy is under pressure. I think I’ll keep exploring stories where people have to fight for genuine connection in a surrounding that seems to work against it.” Her statement underscores the film’s ambition to transcend its potentially controversial setting and focus on the universal human quest for authentic bonds in a world often designed to complicate them.
The commitment to authenticity and care permeated every aspect of “Truly Naked’s” production, a detail M-Appeal emphasized as central to the film’s integrity. In a significant move to ensure an unparalleled level of realism and nuanced portrayal, a performer from the adult industry was cast in a key role. This decision speaks volumes about the filmmakers’ dedication to presenting a truthful, respectful, and multi-dimensional depiction of a world often sensationalized or misunderstood. Furthermore, upholding the highest ethical standards, all cast members, including the young lead, were 18 years of age or over at the time of shooting. This crucial detail addresses concerns often raised in films exploring sensitive themes, ensuring the well-being and agency of the actors involved. Perhaps one of the most progressive and vital decisions made by d’Ansembourg was the employment of an intimacy coordinator throughout the entire production, a choice she made even during the writing stage. This proactive measure reflects a deep understanding of the delicate nature of the subject matter and a commitment to fostering a safe, collaborative, and creatively liberating environment for the cast and crew, particularly when navigating scenes of vulnerability and intimacy. The role of an intimacy coordinator, a relatively recent but increasingly indispensable addition to film sets, is to choreograph intimate scenes, ensure consent, maintain boundaries, and act as an advocate for the actors, thereby elevating both the safety and the artistic quality of the final product. This meticulous approach to ethical production sets “Truly Naked” apart as a beacon of modern filmmaking practices.
Maren Kroymann, CEO at M-Appeal, articulates the company’s profound belief in the film’s power and relevance. “’Truly Naked’ combines a visually striking, provocative aesthetic with genuine emotional and intellectual depth,” Kroymann asserts, highlighting the film’s dual appeal. She continues, emphasizing that “While its bold imagery immediately captures attention, what truly sustains the film is its progressive and deeply human approach to intimacy.” This distinction between initial visual impact and enduring thematic resonance is key to understanding the film’s potential. Kroymann particularly lauds the film’s perspective: “Told through a distinct female gaze, it feels both timely and necessary.” The concept of a “female gaze” in cinema is gaining increasing prominence, representing a departure from traditional, often objectifying, male-centric perspectives. In “Truly Naked,” this is likely to translate into a nuanced exploration of vulnerability, desire, and connection that prioritizes emotional complexity and subjective experience over spectacle. “We believe audiences today are increasingly drawn to films that tackle complex subjects with honesty and sophistication – and ‘Truly Naked’ does so in a way that is both daring and elevated,” Kroymann concludes, underscoring M-Appeal’s confidence in the film’s ability to resonate with contemporary viewers seeking challenging yet meaningful cinematic experiences.
The journey of bringing “Truly Naked” to the screen has been a testament to dedication and unwavering vision, as shared by its producing team. Isabella Depeweg of Isabella Films recalls the genesis of the project, stating, “Muriel had been researching this for years. Hearing her perspective, you just wanted to be part of it.” This profound level of commitment from the director, evidenced by years of meticulous research, clearly captivated her producing partners. Depeweg further highlights d’Ansembourg’s clarity of purpose: “She had done her due diligence to present it in the best way. She really knew why she wanted to tell this story, and how. She had a clear vision.” This directorial conviction, coupled with a meticulously crafted narrative, proved irresistible. “I was intrigued by it because she was so intrigued by it,” Depeweg admits, articulating the contagious passion that fueled the project. “I also felt connected to these themes of sexuality, intimacy and love. The first version of the ‘Truly Naked’ script we read had layers and richness to it.” This initial script, already imbued with depth and complexity, laid a robust foundation for the years of development that followed.
Els Vandevorst, Depeweg’s producing partner at Isabella Films, reflects on the formidable challenges overcome during the film’s extensive nine-year journey from conception to realization. “I’ve had the privilege of facing many challenges in the last 35 years. ‘Truly Naked’ was no exception, but perhaps one of the biggest,” Vandevorst confesses, underscoring the extraordinary effort required to bring such an ambitious and sensitive project to fruition. She powerfully emphasizes the collaborative and empowering spirit that defined the production: “In the nine years we worked on the financing and realization of ‘Truly Naked,’ the voices of women, and the women we surrounded ourselves with – were a decisive element in getting the right people involved.” This statement highlights the critical role of female leadership, perspective, and networking in navigating the complex landscape of independent film financing and production, particularly for a project centered on a distinct female gaze. For Vandevorst, the film holds a deeply personal significance: “For myself, I always need to have one specific reason why I’m making any film. For me, this film is about intimacy.” Her personal connection to the subject matter further illustrates the profound commitment driving the project. “For my entire life, I’ve been struggling with intimacy. I think it’s a real and difficult thing, and people are always talking about it like it’s no problem at all,” she shares, revealing a vulnerability that mirrors the film’s own honest exploration of human connection. This personal investment undoubtedly infused the production with an authentic and empathetic lens, ensuring that the film’s portrayal of intimacy resonates with raw honesty.
The realization of “Truly Naked” is also a testament to robust international co-production efforts. The film benefits from the collaborative expertise of co-producers Antonino Lombardo from Prime Time BVBA, Tom Dercourt representing Cinéma Defacto, and Christophe Bruncher of Ici et Là Productions. This multi-national collaboration underscores the global appeal and shared vision behind the project. Early distribution deals further affirm the industry’s confidence in “Truly Naked’s” potential to captivate audiences worldwide, with Paradiso Films set to handle distribution in the Netherlands and Shellac taking on the theatrical release in France. These early commitments signify strong market anticipation and a belief in the film’s ability to provoke thought and foster dialogue long after its Berlinale premiere, solidifying its place as a significant contribution to contemporary cinema.
