"What echoes through eternity do you seek to engrave in your memory?" Kanopy has unveiled the official trailer for "How to Shoot a Ghost," a mesmerizing new short film conceived and helmed by the renowned filmmaker and writer, Charlie Kaufman. This marks his latest cinematic endeavor since the release of "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" in 2020. Premiering at the ongoing 2025 Venice Film Festival, this 27-minute masterpiece delves into the depths of mortality in a narrative unlike any other.
The festival's original introduction painted a vivid picture: "Two souls, recently departed, wander the streets of Athens as spectral figures, their journey weaving a tapestry of existence's final whispers. The film interweaves this narrative with the primal urge to belong, our innate desire to leave a mark, a trace behind, and the paradoxical longing for self-obliteration. Street photography, archival footage, and vintage home videos blend seamlessly into the film's fabric, underscoring the inevitable transition from 'now' to 'then,' and the haunting reality that today's living become tomorrow's ghosts."
Starring an almost unrecognizable Jessie Buckley, with her striking blue hair and nose ring (also featured in "Hamnet"), alongside Josef Akiki as the fellow spirit, "How to Shoot a Ghost" was shot on location in the enchanting city of Athens, Greece. This isn't merely a tale of spectral wanderers drifting through urban landscapes; it's a profound exploration into the complexities of human existence and beyond.
The Venice introduction further captivates: "Amidst the vibrant pulse of Athens and the spectral whispers of history, two newly deceased young individuals cross paths. One, a translator; the other, a photographer – both outliers in life, now grappling with the lingering remnants of their yearnings and regrets. They roam the city together, finding solace in the poignant beauty of existence and its aftermath."
Directed by the Oscar-winning American auteur Charlie Kaufman, whose credits include "Anomalisa," "Synecdoche, New York," and the aforementioned "I'm Thinking of Ending Things," and who penned the scripts for "Being John Malkovich," "Adaptation," and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "How to Shoot a Ghost" showcases a screenplay by Eva H.D. Produced by Isabelle Deluce and Emily McCann Lesser, the film made its debut in the Out of Competition section at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. With no additional release dates announced as of yet, stay tuned for future updates.
Are you enthralled by the promise of this cinematic journey?
