SYNOPSIS

"War is loud. Let's keep it quiet."

In a world where creative expression and verbal communication are forbidden, Eris discovers a secret resistance trying to keep art alive. But her brother, a relentless enforcer, will stop at nothing to silence them... even her.

Still Life is inspired by, you might have guessed it, silent film and 20s German expressionism, as it dives into both the oppressive and expressive qualities of silence.

It's a dystopian fantasy, reflecting a terrifying reality.

WHY NOW?

"Stay Silent. Stay Safe."

In May 2025 the World Press Freedom Index slid to 54.7 / 100 — the worst score recorded since the ranking began. In 2024 the world jailed 361 journalists—the second‑highest figure ever recorded. At least 124 more were killed, most of them while covering wars in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine.

Authoritarian toolkits look different on each continent:

• China blocks entire vocabularies overnight.
•  Turkey’s new “agent‑of‑influence” bill threatens any reporter who talks to foreign media. 
• In the EU, disinformation laws are increasingly used to throttle inconvenient speech instead of fake news.

Even the nations that once sold free speech as an export product are retreating: this month the United States moved to gut its own global broadcasters, a decision that drew applause from Beijing and Moscow—two regimes that know a good silence when they hear one.

Silencing is no longer a sci‑fi concept; it is a daily policy.

So Still Life isn’t whispering of a far‑off fantasy; it’s holding up a mirror to our present, posing the question: what if?

TEAM

• Director: Natasja Briers (https://www.instagram.com/_artasja_/?hl=en)
• DOP: Liam Emmerechts (https://www.instagram.com/liamemmerechts/?hl=en)
• 1AD: Griet Elsen (https://www.instagram.com/grietelsen/?hl=en)
• Production: Jessa Wouters: (https://www.instagram.com/jessa.wouters/?hl=en)
• Art: Emma Dehaene (https://www.instagram.com/emma.dehaene/?hl=en)
• VFX: Blurred Circle Studios (https://www.instagram.com/blurredcirclestudios/?hl=en)
• MUAH: Laura Iaconis (https://www.instagram.com/laura.iaconis/?hl=en), Denny Chan (https://www.instagram.com/xvisionarymua/?hl=en), Sina Hendrikx (https://www.instagram.com/sinahendrikx/?hl=en)
• Promotion: BC-Movies (https://www.instagram.com/bc_movies3139/?hl=en)

And MANY more! 

CAST

• Eris: Taeke Nicolaï (The Chapel, Milano, Alter Ego, Yummy, etc..)
• Silas: Jules Smekens (FBI: International, Professor T, Ripe!, etc..)
• Adham: Zakaria Ridouani (Rachid, Milo, Uw Rider is onderweg, etc...)
• Mother: Caroline Stas (The Last Front, Hidden Assets, Holly, Knokke Off, etc..)
• Presenter: Lucas Tavernier (Comandante, The Monuments Men, Subhuman, Familie, etc...)

And MANY more! 

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

Because filmmaking is expensive, and as a student-director, this is a self-funded project. Every contribution counts and goes to different aspects of movie making, such as:

• Paying actors and crew
• Art direction
• Costumes and makeup
• Food and drinks
• Locations
• Logistics
• More expensive stuff you wouldn't even relate to filmmaking

But even when the movie is shot, there is still post-production and a festival run to finance. Basically, the costs are never-ending, but the director's bank account is.

That's why we set the realistic goal of €3000 to help carry the costs.

WHERE WE'RE AT

The movie is shot. But the real adventure is only starting right now in the editing room, where the montage is being put together, sound is being mixed, a soundtrack is being composed and the film is being graded.

What's next? Delivering a finished film that's ready for its international festival run. 

Even though we managed to survive 8 challenging shooting days, a lot of costs still need to be covered. And contrary to popular belief, you don't actually win money by participating in film festivals - you just lose more of it:)

You will be supporting a project that's already shot - not just promised - and will help us showcase our hard work to the rest of the world.

An official premiere will be organised in August.

SUPPORT US & SPREAD THE WORD

In a world where speaking out is punishable by law, Still Life dares to turn up the volume. Help us prove that stories about oppression shouldn’t stay silent.

Every contribution helps, no matter how big or small.

Still can't get enough of Still Life? Follow and share our crazy and wicked shenanigans on our official Instagram page → @still_lifemovie

Cinematic Greetings,
Natasja Briers & The Team of Still Life <3