Saartje Van de Steene

Based on the 1990 experimental novel by Japanese author Banana Yoshimioto, Lisa Spilliaert’s feature debut N.P is a translation of the text into a "silent" cinematic scenario. Translation itself is at the heart of N.P’s narrative, which details the absurdities of protagonist Kazami’s attempts to translate the short stories of fictional author Sarao Takase-- as well as her sometimes disturbing interactions with the late author’s children. The previous three translators of Takase’s writing committed suicide in mysterious circumstances and Kazami’s encounters with his daughter (and lover) Sui increasingly pull her into a world of darkly chaotic energy.

The movie tells the story of two best friends, Florence (50) and Nina (30). Each one has an existential problem: Nina has doubts to become a mother in the current society, Florence is afraid of getting older. Both friends decide to "escape" Belgium and fly off to Portugal. They rent a campervan in Lisbon and head off direction the South along the beautiful region of Alentejo and the Costa Vicentina. A roadtrip begins, during which the two friends not only face each other, but mostly themselves.