Teens Find Healing in Forest Wounds

Jannis Lenz's debut feature, "Oasis," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, offers a poignant exploration of contemporary youth struggles. The film's climax depicts three unclothed teenagers in a forest, gently tending to self-inflicted wounds, a powerful visual metaphor for healing.

The director, influenced by Jessica Hausner and Michael Haneke, describes his filmmaking approach as more open and improvisational with actors, contrasting with his mentors' styles. He emphasizes meticulous preparation to avoid on-set chaos but stresses the need for openness during filming.

The narrative follows Andy, facing expulsion after threatening students, who retreats to the forest with his friend Lukas. There, they encounter Maya, who helps them explore vulnerability and sensuality through shared rituals of pain and injury.

Lenz clarifies that the film's "Oasis" is not a physical place but a 'safe space' created through togetherness and trust. He encouraged young actors to explore demanding scenes with intimacy coordinators, fostering trust and open communication.

Lenz draws inspiration from the 2009 Winnenden school massacre, reflecting on themes of fear and exclusion. However, "Oasis" avoids a simplistic "birth of a killer" narrative, opting for subtlety and ambiguity. The film subtly portrays societal attempts to de-escalate tensions through anti-violence instructors and counselors.