Stars Reunite, But Time Keeps Them Apart!

Agata Kulesza (“Ida”) and Bartosz Bielenia (“Corpus Christi”) are set to appear in “The Time That Never Arrived.” (This version is easier to read, maintaining the original meaning.)

In 2026, the dramatic tale of a dystopian society fixated on eternal youth will make its debut. The story centers around a pair, Sara (Kulesza) and Oskar (Bielenia), who chose different paths: while Sara decided to age naturally, Oskar opted for anti-aging treatments. After being separated by time but connected through their shared history, Sara embarks on a voyage to rediscover her lost love, face long-suppressed feelings, and seek liberation.

In an interaction with EbMaster, Kulesza, famed for “Green Border,” expressed: “I deeply wish we could craft a tale that resonates universally, prompting contemplation on the role and significance of the elderly in today’s society. There’s a tendency to overvalue youth, which, by definition, is a competition we’re all eventually bound to lose. It’s understandable that when you’re young, aging isn’t something you ponder much – but aging is an inevitability for everyone.

The film is directed by Julia Rogowska, who is making her feature debut. 

Kulesza shared that he was deeply intrigued by young people’s thoughts and perspectives on life. He found the story and the world imagined by Julia particularly captivating, as it resonated with him instantly.

I believe we found common ground through our shared sensitivity and concerns for global issues. At this point in my life, I find myself navigating a period of transformation. It saddens me that aging is often stigmatized, and the elderly are frequently marginalized. Instead of focusing on their age, we rarely consider what they’ve contributed to society or their individual achievements. Regrettably, they are too often reduced to mere numbers.

As a passionate cinephile, I can share that “The Time That Never Came” is a film birthed out of discussions on where our shared fascination with youth stems from and what the silent toll of growing older secretly robs us of.

Collaborating with screenwriter Małgorzata Piłacińska, we delved into what fears may drive us to relinquish or forsake entirely. Fundamentally, this narrative also embodies a romantic tale; one that evolves through time, recollections, and yearnings. I was captivated by the emotional turmoil of melodrama: the concept that despite years spent apart, two individuals can continue to bear the burden of their past losses and nurture the dreams of potential reconnections.

She called Sara “the kind of heroine we need today.”

In my perspective as a film critic, Sara shatters the conventional wisdom that only the youth can bring about meaningful transformation. This captivating character pushes boundaries, making us reconsider not just the concept of growing older, but also the essence of personal liberty.

Additionally starring Dobromir Dymecki and Michalina Łabacz, “The Time That Never Came” is a production by Krystyna Kantor for Shipsboy, based in Poland. Joanna Szymańska assists in production too, along with Dries Phlypo for A Private View, located in Belgium. The film’s distribution within Poland is managed by Next Film.

In our company that specializes in co-productions worldwide, we’ve consistently sought narratives that bridge cultural gaps. However, ‘The Time That Never Came’ marks our first full-length production. The story of Sara captivated us due to its strong emotional impact, artistic daringness, and striking relevance to contemporary life. This is the kind of courageous, genre-blending cinema we think audiences are craving,” expressed Kantor.

Previously, A Private View collaborated with Shipsboy on “Dust,” directed by Anke Blondé.

Through our interactions with Shipsboy, we came to view them as a dependable, dedicated, and powerful partner. Now, it’s our turn to step up and support ‘The Time That Never Came’ as a co-producer, backing this extraordinary tale, as stated by Phlypo.

This movie provides a thoughtful examination of societal beauty standards and aging, all while telling an engaging and universally relatable love story. Since the start, we were captivated by the uniqueness and individual charm of this production – a tale where love manages to triumph over every challenge and distraction.

This is all about the power needed to release what’s holding us back, understanding the outcomes of our decisions, and our journey in seeking independence and self-value.

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2025-05-14 09:58