Stairway to Earth has begun principal photography in the Netherlands for a five-week shoot. Director Finn Szumlas makes his feature debut with this intimate two-hander starring Magdalena Koleśnik and Kay Greidanus as Jan and Luiza, strangers who reconnect after a chance encounter at a music festival. The screenplay was written by Szumlas and Olga Ponjee. Production companies include Goldman Film and Phanta Film, with Polish co-producer Ewa Puszczyńska bringing her award-winning experience from Cold War, Ida, and The Zone of Interest. Dutch public broadcaster NTR is also a co-production partner. Set in present-day Leiden, the film shoots on location during the Leidens Ontzet street festival, capturing the festivities on Super 16mm. The production team includes cinematographer Katja van den Broeke, production designer Jorien Sont, and costume designer Manon Blom. The film is supported by the Netherlands Film Fund, Polish Film Institute, NTR, CoBo, and Creative Europe MEDIA.
