Naked Truth: Belgian Film Explores Taboo Intimacy

Belgian filmmaker Muriel d'Ansembourg's "Truly Naked" is set to premiere in Berlinale's Perspective section, with M-Appeal handling international sales. The film centers on Alec, a shy teenager whose life is intertwined with his father's adult entertainment empire. Relocating to a quiet town, Alec encounters Nina, whose challenging perspective reshapes his understanding of connection.

D'Ansembourg aims to explore human longing for connection and societal boundaries around intimacy and taboo subjects. While not focusing on pornography itself, the narrative uses this context to examine genuine human connection under pressure. The production prioritized authenticity and safety, employing an intimacy coordinator and ensuring all cast members were adults.

Maren Kroymann of M-Appeal highlighted the film's blend of provocative aesthetics with deep emotional and intellectual substance, noting its progressive and human approach to intimacy through a distinct female gaze. Producers Isabella Depeweg and Els Vandevorst emphasized d'Ansembourg's years of research and clear vision for the story, which deals with themes of sexuality, intimacy, and love.