In the latest installment of the personal essay series, “Cutaways,” Canadian filmmakers Tamara Faith Berger and Clement Virgo delve into the making of their film “Steal Away,” premiering at TIFF 2025. Drawing inspiration from Karolyn Smardz Frost’s book “Steal Away Home,” which recounts the complex relationship between white debutante Frances “Fanny” Thruston and enslaved girl Cecelia Reynolds in antebellum Kentucky, the directors aimed to explore the challenges of female bonds amidst racial inequality.
Rather than focusing directly on slavery, the filmmakers crafted a contemporary narrative set in a transhistorical world blending anachronistic technology, futuristic fashion, and timeless emotions. Embracing a female-led thriller approach, “Steal Away” centers on the intertwined journeys of young African traveler Cécile and Fanny, unfolding in a realm that blurs temporal and genre boundaries.
Taking cues from Afrofuturist and speculative cinema, the directors envisioned a world of danger and sensuality, emphasizing the complexities of their characters. The casting process played a pivotal role, with Mallori Johnson and Angourie Rice embodying the rebellious spirit of Cécile and the nuanced innocence of Fanny, respectively. The ensemble cast, including Idrissa Sanogo, Gloria Mampuya, Arnold Pinnock, Ronnie Rowe, and Lauren Lee Smith, brought depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Filmed across diverse European locations, the production of “Steal Away” was a collaborative and immersive experience, enriched by the historical echoes of colonial legacies. Through its cathartic storytelling, the film aims to provoke reflection on past injustices while offering a hopeful resolution. As it premieres at TIFF 2025, “Steal Away” invites audiences to engage with its evocative narrative and thematic resonance.