Read the Jan. 7, 2008 interview in The Desert Sun.
When filming a story about women who open a lingerie shop, it is important to stick with professionals.
"Our casting had a lucky hand," said Late Bloomers director Bettina Oberli.
For the mature cast, Oberli wanted to award the roles to actors who were popular in their prime but are no longer regulars on the big screen.
"It's very difficult to have good roles at that age," Oberli stated. "But they were very enthusiastic and had positive energy."
She was particularly happy with the casting of Stephanie Glaser, a popular actress in her home country of Switzerland who had yet to play a lead role. Oberli was proud to give her that opportunity.
Oberli wants the comedy to honor widows and the choices they make when they are left single. "Suddenly they have time for themselves," she said. "They either stop living or restart their lives."
"I have a grandmother who inspires me a lot and became very energetic after her husband died," she noted about the preferred decision.
Oberli was not sure her second film would see many audiences. "I was told no one would want to see a film with old women," she said. "Elderly women and the countryside are not so trendy."
But audiences overruled that opinion. The film became the biggest Swiss box office success in 30 years. Ultimately the comedy was submitted as the country's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category of the Academy Awards.
"People went to see it because they rarely see stories like that," Oberli said. "The message is positive, not just for the elderly but for all generations."
Oberli's next movie is a dark psychological thriller to be filmed in Germany. Noting the disparity in topics, she said, "I'm interested in different things — some subjects lead to comedy and some lead to drama."
"I always first think of the content I'm interested in and then how I want to tell the story," Oberli said regarding her dual role as writer and director. "I'm always in the process as writer — I don't want to be seen just as the director, but as part of the preparation."