Valeska Grisebach on ‘The Dreamed Adventure’ and Playing the Long Game

Valeska Grisebach’s latest feature, The Dreamed Adventure, is a slow-burning crime thriller that probes the complexities of Europe’s external borders. As she navigates the treacherous terrain of rival criminal gangs and archaeological intrigue, she also reflects on her own journey as an artist, marked by long periods of research, collaboration, and self-discovery.

Grisebach’s approach to filmmaking has been both a blessing and a curse. Her reliance on amateur actors and unconventional scriptwriting has made it difficult for her to secure traditional financing from European funds and film boards. However, this unorthodox method has allowed her to tap into the raw emotions and experiences of everyday people, resulting in films that are deeply personal and universally relatable.

The Dreamed Adventure is no exception. Set on the Bulgarian-Greek-Turkish border, the film follows Veska, an archaeologist who becomes entwined in a war between rival criminal gangs. As Grisebach notes, this is a story about conflict as narrative, with strong vs. weak and top vs. bottom being recurring themes. But what sets The Dreamed Adventure apart from other crime thrillers is its nuanced exploration of the female experience within male-coded genres.

Grisebach’s fascination with these genres stems from her own childhood experiences watching classic adventure films with her father. She identifies with the male heroes, yet recognizes the limitations and biases that come with this perspective. As a filmmaker, she seeks to subvert these expectations by placing female characters at the forefront of the narrative. “I think it’s incredibly exciting to engage with [genre] because it tells us so much about the construction of society and gender roles,” Grisebach says.

One of the most striking aspects of The Dreamed Adventure is its use of non-professional actors. Grisebach has a history of working with amateur talent, which she believes allows her to tap into the raw emotions and experiences of everyday people. This approach also speaks to her desire to create films that are rooted in reality, rather than relying on scripted performances.

As The Dreamed Adventure premieres at Cannes, it marks a significant moment in Grisebach’s career. After nearly 10 years since her last film, Western, she has proven once again that her unique vision and approach to filmmaking are worth waiting for. With The Dreamed Adventure, Grisebach invites us to join her on an odyssey through Europe’s blind spots, where the lines between reality and fiction blur, and the complexities of human experience are laid bare.

Grisebach’s commitment to her craft is admirable. She takes the long view, investing years in research, collaboration, and self-discovery. This approach may not always yield quick results or easy financing, but it has resulted in a body of work that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The Dreamed Adventure marks a significant departure from traditional crime thrillers by placing the female experience at its forefront. Grisebach’s fascination with male-coded genres stems from her own childhood experiences, yet she seeks to subvert these expectations by creating films that challenge societal norms and biases.

Grisebach’s reliance on amateur actors has been both a blessing and a curse. While it may make financing difficult, it also allows her to tap into the raw emotions and experiences of everyday people. This approach speaks to her desire to create films that are rooted in reality, rather than relying on scripted performances.

The Dreamed Adventure is more than just a crime thriller – it’s a journey through Europe’s blind spots. Grisebach invites us to join her on an odyssey of self-discovery and exploration, where the lines between reality and fiction blur, and the complexities of human experience are laid bare. As The Dreamed Adventure premieres at Cannes, it marks not only a significant moment in Grisebach’s career but also a turning point for European cinema. With its nuanced exploration of the female experience within male-coded genres, this film has the potential to challenge societal norms and biases, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to follow in Grisebach’s footsteps.