Kate Winslet has stepped behind the camera for the first time, making her directorial debut with Goodbye June, a Christmas drama written by her son, Joe Anders. Speaking to Deadline, the Oscar-winning actress reflected on the milestone, saying it felt “great” to direct her first film at 50.
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Winslet admitted she could not bear the thought of her son’s script being directed by someone else, describing the idea as feeling “like I’d been stabbed in the gut”. Anders began writing Goodbye June at the age of 19 during a screenwriting course, and Winslet was originally attached as both producer and actor before deciding to take on directing duties as well.
The actress explained that her decades of experience working with acclaimed directors such as James Cameron, Sam Mendes, Francis Lee and Todd Haynes gave her confidence to take on the challenge. She noted that years on set had taught her “what works and what doesn’t” and how best to support actors in the creative process.
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Goodbye June, which blends festive themes with personal storytelling, is scheduled for release in December. The project not only marks Winslet’s first time in the director’s chair but also a creative collaboration with her son, making it a particularly meaningful achievement.
