Apichatpong Weerasethakul to Collaborate Again with Tilda Swinton for Jengira’s Grand Dream

      After his brilliant work Memoria, Apichatpong Weerasethakul announced a few years ago that he was preparing for his next film project, and we now have the initial details. Titled Jengira’s Magnificent Dream, the movie will feature Jenjira Pongpas, Connor Jessup, Sakda Kaewbuadee, and Tilda Swinton, as confirmed by ARTE France Cinéma (via IONCINEMA). Filming is set to take place in Sri Lanka, starting in February 2026.

      The synopsis reads: “Jenjira, a Thai widow, journeys to Sigiriya to scatter her husband's ashes. As distorted visions blur her understanding of time and space, she embarks on a journey across various eras. Guided by science and empathy, Jenjira evolves into a living portal that links the past, present, and spirit. The film presents a retro aesthetic influenced by 1970s science fiction, showcasing a world where the only notable difference across time is the lack of cell phones.”

      The film's production involves Anna Sanders Films (France), Burning (Colombia), Kick the Machine (Thailand), Baldr Film (Netherlands), Piano Producciones (Mexico), and Meta Films (Canada). If everything proceeds as scheduled, anticipate its debut at Cannes 2027.

      In a conversation with us a few years back, the director mentioned, “Typically, having more people allows for greater experimentation because with a small group of five, there’s not much you can alter — you can’t shift ideas during production or have someone change their wardrobe. A smaller crew lacks flexibility. However, it also depends significantly on the production itself. This highlights the importance of rehearsal time: it’s a valuable opportunity to make changes, to improvise, and to emphasize the significance of friendship. I always need to collaborate with friends. It's vital to recognize that it’s not just about the time spent shooting but about the time spent living together.”

      Check out a recent discussion with the director.