Director Julia Ducournau Discusses New Film 'Alpha' and Her Approach to Provocative Cinema

French filmmaker Julia Ducournau has released her latest feature film 'Alpha,' a dramatic dystopian work now in theaters. In an interview with kulturnews, Ducournau reflected on audience reactions to her work, noting that younger viewers tend to ask technical questions while older audiences focus more on thematic and emotional elements. She described her filmmaking process as a continuous exploration of personal obsessions rather than following formulas for success. Ducournau acknowledged that her films often provoke strong reactions but emphasized this isn't intentional; rather, she aims to create authentic work that sparks discussion and multiple interpretations. Regarding 'Alpha,' she explained the film centers on the mother-daughter relationship and the complex process of separation, exploring identity formation through the daughter's perspective during a transitional period. Ducournau characterized coming-of-age as a universal experience that can occur at any life stage, involving shedding previous identities. She detailed her creative approach as building from interconnected networks of images, emotions, and desires rather than single ideas, and highlighted the importance of allowing uncertainty in the creative process. When asked about directing intense scenes, she emphasized giving actors sufficient time without immediate interruption to achieve authentic performances. The interview was conducted by Antje Wessels.