“The Possessed,” the third feature film from Bosnian-Dutch writer and director Ena Sendijarević, has finalized its cast ahead of principal photography. The project brings together Suzy Bemba, Khalil Gharbia, and Ji-Min Park alongside previously announced lead Ariane Labed. The film is set during 17th-century Europe and follows two women who flee witch hunts and establish a refuge at the world’s edge, where the arrival of a captive man creates a dangerous romantic entanglement.
The production is characterized as a sensual, feminist drama that emphasizes ensemble chemistry while maintaining contemporary political resonance beneath its period setting. Labed will portray “The Midwife,” Bemba takes on “The Baroness,” Gharbia plays “The Shepherd,” and Park embodies “The Director.” Filming will occur across Spanish locations, including areas near Barcelona and the landscapes of Teruel and Bardenas Reales. Following early rehearsals and the chemistry observed among cast members, Sendijarević has adapted the script, and the production will now be conducted in the French language rather than its original conception.
Bemba has gained recognition through her role in the series “L’Opéra” and appearances in films including Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things” and the Cannes-screened “The Return.” She received César “Revelation” status and was named to Unifrance’s “10 Talents to Watch.” Gharbia’s television work includes BBC productions and the Starz/Sky series “Mary & George,” while Park, a Seoul-born artist and actor based in Paris, gained prominence following her performance in “Return to Seoul” at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and received César “Revelations” recognition.
Sendijarević achieved international attention with her 2019 debut “Take Me Somewhere Nice,” which won the Special Jury Prize at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Her second feature, “Sweet Dreams,” premiered in competition at Locarno and won the Pardo for best performance. The production is supported by multiple funding sources including the Netherlands Film Fund, Spanish Tax Rebate, and Creative Europe MEDIA, with production companies including Studio Ruba, Distinto Films, and VPRO.
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