“No matter what family you were born into, we all want to connect”: Muriel d’Ansembourg and cast on Truly Naked at Berlin Film Festival 2026

Director Muriel d’Ansembourg, alongside cast members Caolán O’Gorman, Andrew Howard, Alessa Savage and Safiya Benaddi, shared insights into their film Truly Naked at the Berlin Film Festival 2026. The cast vividly recalled the notorious octopus scene, a dramatic turning point that proved physically arduous for Savage, who described it as the “hardest thing that I’ve ever filmed”. D’Ansembourg, who fought for its inclusion, emphasised its necessity for the protagonist Alec’s breaking point. Howard highlighted his character’s struggle as an ageing father in the shifting porn industry, grappling with his son, while O’Gorman described Alec’s fierce loyalty amidst their complex relationship. The cast explored the movie’s deeper themes, delving into how individuals, regardless of upbringing, universally seek connection and identity in a world increasingly desensitised by digital content. The feature serves as a poignant exploration of fractured relationships and the quest for true intimacy.