The film by Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth is to be screened on the first day of the festival
The Belgian, Dutch, Bulgarian and Croatian co-produced comedy “The Barefoot Emperor'' will serve as the opening film of the 11th Odesa International Film Festival. Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth’s film continues the topic set by the couple’s previous film, “King of the Belgians”, which received the Grand Prix at the 8th OIFF.
“The Barefoot Emperor” follows the protagonist’s adventures after the events of the “King of the Belgians”. After being shot in Sarajevo and losing consciousness, Nicholas III comes to at a sanatorium on a Croatian island, which used to be a famous Tito summer residence. The king’s entourage go to great lengths to protect him from the news of his kingdom’s collapse, which led to the fall of the European Union. Nicholas is desperately trying to return home, but the authoritarian sanatorium head, Otto Kroll, will allow no travelling. The doctor prescribes physiotherapy and a rehabilitation programme to the king, which includes changing his name to Brezhnev. A delegation from Vienna arrives at the sanatorium to announce that the last king of the Belgians is to become the first Emperor of Europe.
The film premiered in the Contemporary World Cinema of the 2019 Toronto Film Festival. “The Barefoot Emperor” features world class actors. One of the roles is played by Charlie Chaplin’s daughter, British and Spanish actress Geraldine Chaplin. Udo Kier, whose filmography includes over 70 works, stars as Doctor Udo Kroll.
The political comedy is directed by the Belgian couple Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth, who have jointly directed 5 films. Peter Brosens has worked in the film industry for 25 years. His films have received awards at 75 film festivals all around the globe. Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth’s joint film received the Grand Prix at the 8th Odesa International Film Festival, while Peter also headed the International Competition jury at the 10th OIFF.