The Yellow Affair boards world sales on Jonas Ulrich’s debut WOLVES in competition at Zurich Film Festival
‘Wolves,’ a Tale of Toxic Love and Self-Discovery, Debuts Trailer Ahead of Zurich Premiere (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety has been given the exclusive first look at the trailer of Jonas Ulrich’s debut feature “Wolves,” which will world premiere in competition at Zurich Film Festival. The Yellow Affair is on board for world sales.
It is a tale of toxic love and self-discovery – told through the eyes of its protagonist Luana, played by Selma Kopp, who falls for Wiktor, played by Bartosz Bielenia, the star of Oscar nominated “Corpus Christi.”
Luana, 23, finds escape from her monotonous life when she joins her cousin’s black metal band, WLVS, on tour. Life on the road is raw: hard work, cheap hostels, endless rehearsals. But the energy of the stage is addictive, and so is her growing bond with Wiktor, 31, the band’s new frontman. While Luana proves herself taking care of social media and merchandising, controversial photos of Wiktor surface. Accusations of extremism push the band to the brink of collapse, forcing her to confront her feelings: how much does she really know him?
SEE THE TRAILER OF WOLVES HERE
“Wolves” tells this story from a female perspective: through Luana’s eyes we experience both the allure and the dark side of a male-dominated subculture. “The film combines the raw energy of live concerts with intimate moments of profound vulnerability,” according to a statement.
For the shoot, a real band – WLVS – was formed, with Bielenia as its frontman, after months of vocal training. An original album was composed by Manuel Gagneux (Zeal & Ardor, Swiss Music Award 2025). Shot in real clubs, with actual musicians and a mix of professionals and non-professionals, the film reaches for a high level of authenticity.
At the Zurich Film Festival, ahead of the world premiere on Sunday, there will be a concert performed by WLVS with Bielenia performing live.
“Wolves” is the only Swiss title in the feature competition lineup this year in Zurich.
The film is written and directed by Jonas Ulrich and is produced by Nicole Ulrich, Jonas Ulrich and Philipp Ritler for Dynamic Frame.
The cast also includes Fabian Künzli and Anna Sauter-McDowell.
The film is financed by Zurich Film Fund, Federal Office of Culture, Film Fund Basel and Graubünden Film Fund with support from Temperatio Foundation and Burger Collection, Suissimage, Pro Helvetia and Foundation SUISA.
The Yellow Affair’s slate also includes TIFF Discovery title “Babystar” by Joscha Bongard, which is also in competition in Zurich, “On the Sea” by Helen Walsh, which had its world premiere at Edinburgh Film Festival, and “Pixie: The New Beginning,” which had its world premiere at Locarno Kids.
Source: Leo Barraclough - Variety