At the Berlinale 2025 press conference for Dreams, director Michel Franco and lead actress Jessica Chastain sat down to discuss their latest collaboration. The film, a thought-provoking drama, follows the intense and complex relationship between a wealthy American socialite and a Mexican ballet dancer. While on the surface a love story, Dreams delves into deeper themes of privilege, migration, and power imbalances between the U.S. and Mexico. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that the film is as much a social critique as it is a romantic drama.
Franco explained that the inspiration for Dreams stemmed from the often contradictory relationship between Mexico and the U.S., emphasizing that the story reflects both the allure and the disillusionment that come with the American Dream. When asked whether the film portrays America as a land of opportunity or broken dreams, Franco responded that he wanted to leave the interpretation open to the audience, but acknowledged the stark realities that many face. Chastain, known for choosing bold, socially conscious roles, spoke about the importance of storytelling that challenges viewers. “You have to participate in creating the world you want,” she said, reinforcing the idea that films can be a powerful force for social reflection.
The press conference wasn’t without lighthearted moments. When discussing their collaboration, Franco jokingly called Chastain ‘Hollywood’, to which she quickly responded with a laugh, “No, I’m not Hollywood—I’m New York!” The exchange set the tone for an engaging discussion, where the cast, including Rupert Friend and Isaac Hernández, shared their perspectives on blending love, politics, and personal transformation on screen.
As the session wrapped up, it was evident that Dreams isn’t just a film about romance—it’s a mirror to real-world tensions and a conversation starter for the social issues it portrays. Onepress TV was there to capture every moment—stay tuned for more exclusive Berlinale 2025 coverage!