Kate Winslet presented her first directorial project titled Goodbye, June, which began screening in theaters on December 12 and will be available for viewing on Netflix worldwide starting December 24.
The film is an intimate family drama with elements of humor, telling the story of a large family gathered in an emergency situation at the bedside of a loved one receiving palliative care. Against the backdrop of hospital corridors and everyday life, the characters cope with loss in different ways, using practicality, denial, care, and humor as a means to deal with pain. The film touches on themes of love, farewell, and difficult conversations that are often postponed until the last moment.
The screenplay for the film was written by Kate Winslet's son and is based on personal experience: after the death of her grandmother in 2017, the entire family came together at the last moment, and the realization that "we are all here because of one woman" became the foundation for the script. Initially, it was a student project at a London screenwriting school, which later evolved into a full-fledged film.
In an interview with the news agency AKIpress, Winslet shared her impressions of her first experience as a director and the significance of authenticity in life.
Interview
Asel Sherniyazova: News agency AKIpress, Kyrgyzstan. Hello, Kate. It's great to see you.
Kate Winslet: Hello, nice to meet you.
Asel Sherniyazova: I’m also glad to meet you. Allow me to congratulate you on your directorial debut. Your film looks very confident. Were there moments during the directing process that surprised you, even despite your experience on set?
Kate Winslet: I was impressed by how effectively I managed to plan everything in advance. I was surprised by how we organized our days. I kept an eye on the actors and the seven children. We worked in winter, and it was really cold; the conditions were challenging. I had only 35 days for filming, and during that time, I needed to work with Helen Mirren for 16 of them. So I realized how important the preparation process is. It helps to remember the good lines and dialogues that I had already learned.
Additionally, I had a good memory for really captivating takes. When I went into editing a few weeks after filming was completed, I remembered how Tim Spall sang Georgia in the pub during the fifth take. That was the moment I remembered as the best performance. I didn’t know I could work like that. It really helped with the fast pace of filming. Honestly, I enjoyed the process. We worked with a wonderful team, and the atmosphere was truly supportive and friendly.
Asel Sherniyazova: Thank you for your words. Your film is indeed honest. Have there been moments in your life when you realized that sincerity is more important than anything else, regardless of fame and awards?
Kate Winslet: Authenticity has always been my top priority. It’s how I live and continue to live. When Titanic came out, it was difficult because the media often criticized me for my sincerity. It made me fear that I might lose touch with myself and with the work that had become an important part of my life. I realized that if a woman holds onto her authenticity, she will always be able to overcome difficulties. For me, that is the most important thing.
Asel Sherniyazova: Thank you very much and good luck to you!
Kate Winslet: Thank you! All the best!
