Ellen Burstyn and Taika Waititi have been cast in Place to Be, a feature drama directed by Kornél Mundruczó and written by his longtime collaborator Kata Wéber. The film follows an elderly woman and a middle-aged man as they travel from Chicago to New York to return a lost racing pigeon. Production is underway at Disney Studios Australia in Sydney.
Burstyn, at 92, has arrived in Sydney for filming, marking a return to Australia after her stage debut in 33 Variations in 2019. She described the opportunity to work with Mundruczó again as a significant factor in taking on the role. The two previously collaborated on Pieces of a Woman, for which Mundruczó earned an Academy Award nomination. “I had every desire to direct the legendary Ellen Burstyn in a leading role, not only because I admire her amazing talent, but also because the time has finally come to celebrate older women on screen,” Mundruczó said.
Waititi, known for his work as a filmmaker and actor, has expressed excitement about taking on a role different from his usual work. “This is unlike any role I’ve ever done, and I’ve always adored Ellen’s work,” he said. “When I read the script, I was deeply moved by Kata’s words and Kornél’s vision. Growing up in New Zealand, it was just me and my mum—this tiny dynamic duo against the world.
When this role came along, I thought, ‘Oh my god, it’s like me and mum all over again, except we’ve both aged several decades overnight and Ellen gets to be the Thelma to my Louise.’ Though I’m still not entirely sure which one of us drives off the cliff in this scenario.”
The film is being produced by Jomon Thomas (Monkey Man, Hotel Mumbai), Megan Wynn (Together, Poker Face), and Alexander Rodnyansky (Loveless, Beanpole), with support from Screen NSW’s Made in NSW fund. WME Independent is handling international sales.
Mundruczó’s previous films include White God and Pieces of a Woman, both written by Wéber. The director has described Place to Be as a film about the unexpected significance of human encounters. “I have always been interested in the true nature of coincidence.
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The way certain unforeseen encounters can turn out to be fateful events for us. Place to Be is about the absurdity of how, over time, a person becomes invisible in their own life. But losing visibility does not necessarily mean losing oneself. In fact, it can lead us and those who meet us to a deeper understanding.”
Burstyn has built a career spanning decades, with credits including The Exorcist, Requiem for a Dream, Interstellar, and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. She played a pivotal role in launching Martin Scorsese’s career after selecting him to direct Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, which won her an Academy Award. “I’ve worked with many legendary directors and Kornél is undoubtedly one of them,” she said.
Waititi, known for Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok, and What We Do in the Shadows, is set to arrive in Sydney later this week to begin filming. “I consider him a bona fide genius,” Burstyn said. “There are very few people in this business who have multiple talents in one package. So I’m very excited for him to get here and for us to start.”
The film is scheduled for release in 2026.
