A Tender Tale of Love and Choice: 'Stairway to Earth' Debuts with Star Power

Love in the Time of Summer Festivals

When you think about love stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant, a few things come to mind: summer festivals, unexpected encounters, and those moments that change everything. Enter Stairway to Earth, the debut feature from Dutch filmmaker Finn Szumlas, which just wrapped its principal photography in the Netherlands. This isn't your typical romantic drama—it's a nuanced look at how fleeting connections can become life-altering decisions.

"Stairway to Earth" is a deeply personal project for me, inspired as it is by how my own parents met. We have relocated the story to contemporary times, and I am super excited to be shooting in the very streets where I grew up," said Szumlas.

The film stars Polish actress Magdalena Koleśnik (“Sweat”) and Dutch actor Kay Greidanus (“Dit Zijn Wij”), both bringing depth and authenticity to characters who find themselves in an unexpected situation. The plot centers around Jan and Luiza, two strangers who meet during a one-night stand at a summer music festival in Poland—an impulsive moment that takes on deeper meaning weeks later when Luiza discovers she's pregnant.

The Journey Begins

The film unfolds as Luiza returns to Leiden, Netherlands, for an appointment to terminate the pregnancy. As the couple walks through the streets of Leiden during its annual Leidens Ontzet celebrations, they confront not just their past but their future. What starts as a simple medical procedure becomes a journey of emotional discovery, one that challenges assumptions about identity, ambition, and love.

Set against the backdrop of contemporary Dutch life, the film takes full advantage of Leiden's rich cultural tapestry. The streets become more than just locations; they're characters themselves. Szumlas plans to shoot on Super 16mm film, emphasizing the rawness and authenticity of each moment.

A Cast Fit for a Story

Magdalena Koleśnik brings her signature strength and vulnerability to Luiza, a Polish woman preparing to leave for New York. Meanwhile, Kay Greidanus plays Jan, a Dutch gardener content with letting life unfold naturally. Their chemistry is palpable, and the narrative doesn't shy away from exploring how people from vastly different worlds can find common ground in shared moments of uncertainty.

• Magdalena Koleśnik – Polish professional, ambitious and ready to start a new chapter
• Kay Greidanus – Dutch gardener, comfortable with life's rhythms

Their roles aren't just about romantic tension—they're about emotional complexity. Each character is given room to breathe, to grow, and to surprise the audience.

Production Team and Support

This isn't just a story about two people meeting; it's a collaboration of creative minds working together to bring this vision to life. The production team includes cinematographer Katja van den Broeke, production designer Jorien Sont, costume designer Manon Blom, and others who ensure that every visual detail supports the emotional arc.

The film is supported by a range of cultural institutions including the Netherlands Film Fund, Polish Film Institute, NTR, CoBo, and Creative Europe MEDIA. These partnerships are crucial not only for funding but also in creating a platform for cross-cultural storytelling—a trend that's becoming increasingly important in global cinema.

Backstory: A Personal Vision

Szumlas' inspiration came directly from his parents' meeting, making the film an intimate reflection of how love can transcend boundaries. The shift from historical context to modern-day relevance shows a thoughtful approach to storytelling—one that doesn't ignore the present but honors the past.

"As soon as I saw Magdalena and Kay together, I knew that I had found the intimacy, courage and chemistry I was looking for, and that the film was going to work."

This is exactly what we want from a debut feature: a filmmaker who trusts his instincts and doesn't compromise on emotional honesty.

Why This Matters in Today's Cinema

In an era where streaming platforms offer countless stories, there's something refreshing about a film that feels grounded in human experience. Stairway to Earth isn't trying to be a blockbuster—it's aiming for emotional resonance and cultural relevance.

We're seeing more films that take the time to explore how people live, love, and grow, especially those from diverse backgrounds. With support from major European institutions and a stellar cast, this project has all the ingredients to make waves at festivals and in art-house theaters alike.

Looking Forward

As production wraps up, anticipation builds for what's next. We're excited to see how Szumlas translates this emotionally rich script into a visual experience that speaks to audiences worldwide. With its unique blend of cultural insight and cinematic artistry, Stairway to Earth promises to be one of the year's most memorable debuts.

It's rare these days to find a story that balances intimate character moments with broader themes of identity and belonging. This is a film that asks us to reflect on our own choices, even when they're not made in the spotlight. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound changes begin with a single step—or a single night.