Danish director Lars von Trier plans to finish writing the script for his final film After by the end of August, according to producer Peter Aalbæk Jensen.
Jensen, a long-time friend of the filmmaker, confirmed that filming on the project has not yet started. He told Danish publication Ekkof Film that before the summer break he understood von Trier could complete the screenplay around August if all went well, adding that admirers of the director were eagerly awaiting the script.
The upcoming feature, which is described as the 15th and potentially final movie of von Trier's career, centers on life after death. The narrative draws directly from the director's personal reflections on mortality and the transience of human existence.
Development funding and festival reports
The project recently secured 1.3 million Danish kroner in development funding from the Danish Film Institute, an exceptionally large sum for the development stage. The production team can only submit an application for actual filming funds once the screenplay is fully completed.
Reports published by The Hollywood Reporter in March suggested that the director's farewell movie might premiere soon at a festival. However, that forecast appeared unlikely given that writing remains underway and shooting has not commenced.
Health challenges and creative process
The filmmaker is currently battling Parkinson's disease and spends part of his time residing in a nursing home. Jensen emphasized that these health circumstances would not prevent von Trier from directing the picture.
Throughout his career, von Trier has routinely embraced physical and technical constraints within his artistic work. He is now incorporating his own physical condition directly into the creative process for the project.
The director publicly disclosed his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2022, the same year he released the third season of his television series The Kingdom. He has not directed any new feature films since that release.
