Christian Petzold's upcoming film will focus on "political-left witches who are eliminating capitalists"; Bi Gan provides an update on his new project.

      Christian Petzold's Miroirs No. 3 has made its way to the U.S., and during its premiere at the NYFF, I had the opportunity to chat with him yesterday morning. While our complete conversation will be available with the film's theatrical release next spring, I thought it was worthwhile to share a preview of two upcoming projects he will be working on in the next couple of years.

      Although he is primarily known for his subtle, often gentle character dramas as a festival staple, Petzold has also cultivated a side career in the German television crime-anthology scene. (Imagine our cop shows, but longer and with significantly more artistic depth.) He will soon return to that realm, sharing with me:

      I’m working on two projects. One is a 90-minute crime story for TV. I enjoy making these because when you're producing for German TV—during prime time on a Sunday—you’re not an artist. You are immersed in an ordinary world. There’s news before, and afterward, a political talk show discussing political issues. It makes me feel less isolated. When I create a film for theaters, I have to travel to places like Toronto, Telluride, etc. I’ve made one film—whether it’s a masterpiece or not, I’ve done something. But cinema feels like a single house on a street and not the grand, incredible museum at the end of it. I appreciate that.

      He will also begin work on a new feature "the following year, in about a year and a half." During our conversation, he said:

      I’m making a film for theaters about young people fighting against capitalism—what’s the English term for those who can cast spells?

      Witches?

      Yes, like witches. Politically-left witches who are taking down capitalists.

      Occasionally, great filmmakers step forward to deliver the films that our world needs.

      I also had a conversation with Bi Gan yesterday. At the conclusion of our interview (to be released with Resurrection on December 12), he mentioned that the seven-year gap since Long Day’s Journey Into Night will not happen again—his next film is expected in two years. (If he aims for another Cannes premiere, we could estimate that to be within 18 months.) No further specifics were disclosed, which didn’t surprise anyone.