For Gemma Chan, making “Josephine” was deeply personal. The film centers on Claire, a mother played by Chan, as she navigates the aftermath of a brutal rape witnessed by her eight-year-ancient daughter, Josephine (Mason Reeves), in a San Francisco park. A central conflict arises as Claire and her husband, Damien (Channing Tatum), grapple with the difficult decision of whether to allow their daughter to testify in court.
A Story Rooted in Personal Experience
The film’s narrative is deeply connected to the experiences of writer and director Beth de Araújo, who based the story on a similar event from her own childhood. This connection resonated strongly with Chan, who herself bravely testified in court after witnessing a fatal stabbing in London in 2012. “It was a big part of me wanting to be a part of the story and connecting to it emotionally,” Chan stated.
Overcoming Production Challenges
Chan was the first actor to join the project after receiving the script in 2019. She praised de Araújo’s vision, noting the script’s authenticity and its unique approach to a challenging subject. However, the production faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the project continued to resonate with both Chan and de Araújo, eventually resuming in spring 2024 with support from producer David Kaplan, and with Chan and Tatum also taking on producer roles.
“It’s a minor miracle that the film was made and I’m so proud of it,” Chan said, emphasizing her commitment to bringing the story to fruition.
Critical Acclaim and Future Prospects
“Josephine” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last month, where it achieved significant recognition, winning both the Grand Jury Prize Dramatic and the Audience Award Dramatic. The film’s success continued with its selection for the main competition at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, where it is nominated for the Golden Bear. Sumerian Pictures has acquired the film for U.S. Distribution, a move Chan believes will ensure the film reaches a wider audience and generate further discussion.
Chan expressed hope that the film will also secure distribution in Europe and spark important conversations among festival attendees. “The film asks the question, ‘How does a young person deal with the violence of the world?’ And really, that can extend to all of us,” she explained. “How do we persevere, how do we respond, how can we overcome fear and hatred and trauma and still hold onto our humanity? And that’s a question that I consider is really important for where we are at the moment in the world.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Josephine” about?
“Josephine” is a drama centered on a family grappling with the aftermath of an eight-year-old girl witnessing a brutal rape in a park. The film explores the emotional toll on the family as they consider whether to allow the child to testify in court.
Who stars in “Josephine”?
The film stars Gemma Chan as Claire, Channing Tatum as Damien, and Mason Reeves as Josephine. Philip Ettinger, Syra McCarthy, and Michael Angelo Covino also appear in the cast.
What awards has “Josephine” won?
“Josephine” won the Grand Jury Prize Dramatic and the Audience Award Dramatic at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
What impact might a film like “Josephine” have on broader conversations about trauma and its effects on families?
