Slovenia's Bold Film on Faith and First Love

A new movie from Slovenia is capturing attention. Titled "Little Trouble Girls", it explores the journey of a young girl navigating a strict religious world. The film's director, Urška Djukić, is a newcomer to full-length films but is already generating significant buzz.

The Story

The narrative revolves around Lucia, a shy 16-year-old who joins a Catholic school choir. There, she befriends Ana-Maria, a popular and outgoing older girl. Complications arise when Lucia develops feelings for a worker she meets during a choir trip, creating tension between the two girls and disrupting the group's harmony.

Director's Vision

Djukić, who did not grow up in a highly religious family, delves into the restrictive nature of religious traditions, particularly their impact on women. She has explored similar themes in her short films and aims to highlight how these traditions can suppress individuality.

The film is rich in sensory details, featuring shots of plants and flowers. Djukić describes her approach as intuitive, trusting her instincts even when unsure of the direction.

Women's Stories

Djukić emphasizes the importance of telling women's stories, which are often overlooked in history. She is currently working on another project about a strong woman who hid in a male monastery during a witch trial, aiming to present the story from a female perspective.

Title and Casting

The English title of the film is inspired by a Sonic Youth song, while the Slovenian title comes from a famous folk song sung by the girls in the movie.

Djukić discovered her lead actress, Jara Sofija Ostan, by seeking someone on the cusp of womanhood. Though Ostan was not a professional actor, she gained valuable experience during the filming process.