Ariane Labed Explores Sisterhood in Her Debut Film September Says
The highly anticipated debut feature film by Ariane Labed, titled September Says, is set to hit cinemas across Greece on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The film, which had its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and was later showcased at the Thessaloniki Film Festival, captures the complex relationship between two sisters in a mysterious environment.
On opening day, Labed will be present for a Q&A session at Cinobo Opera following the 19:40 screening, allowing viewers an opportunity to engage with the director and writer.
September Says is a cinematic adaptation of the gothic novel Sisters by Daisy Johnson, who is noted as a finalist for the International Booker Prize. The narrative tells the story of two inseparable sisters, July and September, who navigate adolescence while grappling with their diverging identities.
The film encapsulates a haunting atmosphere that resonates with viewers, immersing them in the lives of the sisters who have created their own captivating yet dark universe. According to Labed, the film offers a poignant exploration of the complexities of sisterhood and the challenges that arise during a transformative period in life.
Labed’s vision for September Says was to foster a sense of intimacy between the audience and the characters. The director said, “My aim was to present the intricate dynamics that exist between both sisters as they grow apart, each influencing the other in profound ways.” Through the lens of this unique relationship, the film delves into how the pressures of adolescence and the expectations from their mother shape their identities.
As the story unfolds, viewers are introduced to contrasting personalities: September, who is protective and guarded towards others, and July, who embodies curiosity and openness. Their differing traits highlight the tension within their family, which is predominantly guided by their single mother, struggling to manage the complexities of their personalities.
In a pivotal moment of the film, after September gets expelled from school, July finds herself yearning for independence. This shift not only alters July's trajectory but also causes ripples that affect their relationship deeply. “Independence and sisterhood often come at a cost,” Labed remarked during an interview. As the sisters seek refuge in an old country house in Ireland, the emotional stakes rise, precipitating a series of surreal encounters that challenge their familial bonds.
“The film serves as a metaphor for the shifts that inevitably occur in the sibling relationship as one matures,” Labed said. “It illustrates how personal transformations can sometimes lead to unforeseen fractures.” Viewers are drawn into the surreal yet enthralling world the sisters inhabit, capturing the audience’s imagination as they witness the evolution of their bond.
September Says features a talented cast, including Mia Tharia, Pascale Kann, and Rakie Ayola. The film, with a runtime of 100 minutes, was produced in 2024 across three countries: Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The cinematography is helmed by Balthazar Labe, with editing by Bettina Beller and music composed by Johnny Byrne.
The release of September Says is a highly anticipated event for film enthusiasts, as it marks the beginning of Labed's journey in feature filmmaking. With the fittingly gothic and enchanting qualities of its source material, the film seems poised to resonate with audiences, sending them on a thrilling emotional journey that highlights the nuances of growing up.
As the excitement builds for the premiere, Ariane Labed’s welcoming presence at Cinobo Opera promises not only insights into her creative process but also a deeper understanding of the themes woven throughout the film. This event is an excellent opener to what promises to be a standout film, illustrating the depth and intricacy of sibling relationships against a backdrop of enchantment and mystery.
The chance to hear direct from the filmmaker speaks to Labed’s commitment to connecting with her audience, making the evening not only about watching a film but also about engaging in a conversation that bridges the gap between art and interpretation.
September Says arrives in theaters with the potential to ignite dialogues around familial relationships, identity, and the inevitable transformations that define our youth, ensuring an unforgettable cinematic experience for those who choose to witness Labed’s groundbreaking work.
