Jessica Chastain and director Michel Franco recently made waves at the Venice Film Festival with their film “Memory.” However, what many may not have known is that the dynamic duo had another project up their sleeves. Prior to “Memory” premiering in Venice, Chastain and Franco secretly completed shooting a feature film in San Francisco over the summer.
Titled “Dreams,” the film stars Chastain alongside Mexican ballet dancer and actor Isaac Hernandez. Also joining the cast is Rupert Friend, who has become a prominent player in Wes Anderson’s films. While the details of the story are scarce, it revolves around a possible forbidden romance between a woman working for an arts foundation and a ballet dancer. Franco penned the script and is directing the film.
Sources reveal that “Dreams” was shot in San Francisco with a budget of approximately $3 million. It managed to secure a SAG-AFTRA waiver, allowing it to continue filming during the actors’ strike. Franco is serving as the film’s producer, alongside Eréndira Núñez Larios. Currently in post-production, “Dreams” promises to be an intriguing addition to Chastain and Franco’s oeuvre.
Franco’s “Memory” received resounding applause at its premiere in Venice, including an eight-minute standing ovation. The film even garnered a Best Actor award for Peter Sarsgaard. Chastain’s performance also garnered rave reviews for her depiction of the complexities of drama and human connection.
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Taking advantage of the opportunity, Chastain has been publicly advocating for the use of interim agreements and independent productions during the actors’ strike. She believes that if a majority of independent producers sign the Interim Agreement deal, it will demonstrate to the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) that their contract terms are not unrealistic or unreasonable. Additionally, these agreements create employment opportunities for crew members who are struggling during the strike. Chastain sees this as a way to advance the strike agenda and put pressure on the struck companies in a meaningful way.
Chastain, represented by CAA and Mosaic, is currently accompanying Franco at the Toronto International Film Festival for the screening of “Memory.” Meanwhile, Rupert Friend, who recently appeared in the “Obi-Wan Kenobi” limited series as the Grand Inquisitor, has become a notable presence in Anderson’s films. He was part of the ensemble cast in “Asteroid City,” released in June by Focus. Next, he will be seen in Anderson’s “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” which premiered at Venice last week and is set for a theatrical opening on September 20, followed by its debut on Netflix on September 27. Friend is represented by Grandview and Hansen Jacobson.
Isaac Hernandez, a renowned ballet dancer, has been associated with various companies in San Francisco, Paris, Rome, the Dutch National Ballet, and the English National Ballet. He made his screen acting debut in 2021’s “The King of All the World,” a Mexican-Spanish co-production. Audiences may also recognize him as a dancer in Netflix’s Spanish-language limited series “Someone Has to Die.” Hernandez is represented by Vision Entertainment.
“Dreams” promises to be a captivating film that explores the boundaries of love and artistry. With a talented cast and the creative collaboration of Chastain and Franco, audiences can anticipate a powerful and moving cinematic experience. As the film enters post-production, fans eagerly await its release, which is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of viewers worldwide.
