New queer sex drama set in Copenhagen entitled “Sauna” begans filming this month in Denmark.
The film revolves around the character of Johan, he is a young man seeking a sense of belonging by working at a gay sauna. His life takes a turn when he falls in love with William, a transgender man.
Sauna marks the feature debut of Danish director Mathias Broe, who co-wrote the screenplay with William Lippert, adapting Mads Ananda Lodahl’s novel of the same name.
Actors Magnus Juhl Andersen and Nina Rask, who previously starred together in the Danish series Carmen Curlers, lead the cast.
Broe envisions Sauna as a reverse Romeo and Juliet tale, emphasizing the significance of Copenhagen community-based love over romantic love alone. He believes the film will be groundbreaking as the first Danish feature with a transgender lead character. “There are not a lot of actors who are trans in Denmark (Copenhagen),” Broe notes, highlighting the industry’s representation gap. “That’s why it’s so important that we get to make these stories.”
Aware of the challenges facing the trans community, Broe aims to contribute positively. “As a director, I’m interested in building bridges between people and in our society, but it’s even more important for me to create something that makes the audience feel seen and transformed.”
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