German filmmaker Nele Wohlatz's latest film, 'Sleep With Your Eyes Open,' made its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. The film delves into the theme of searching for belonging in a foreign land, following the lives of characters from different backgrounds.
The story revolves around Kai, a young Taiwanese woman, who encounters a group of Chinese migrants in a Brazilian beach resort. The narrative intertwines the lives of Xiaoxin, who writes about her experiences on postcards, and Fu Ang, who aspires for wealth despite his humble beginnings.
Wohlatz drew inspiration from filmmakers like Martín Rejtman and Edward Yang, known for their unique storytelling styles. The film's genesis lies in Argentina, where Wohlatz previously directed 'The Future Perfect,' exploring identity reconstruction post-migration.
'Sleep With Your Eyes Open' explores the complexities of belonging and connection, portraying fleeting moments of redemption amidst characters' rootlessness. The film's structure, with one character writing and another reading postcards, symbolizes the construction of belonging through shared experiences.
The cast comprises a mix of professional actors and non-professionals, reflecting the characters' unease. Production design and cinematography play pivotal roles in reinforcing the film's themes, such as the symbolism of a fish tank mirroring the migrants' isolated lives.
Wohlatz's background in documentary filmmaking influences the film's hybrid approach, blending fiction with real elements. She challenges traditional narrative structures, opting for a risky yet engaging storytelling method that captures the transient nature of migration and human connections.
