Dakota Johnson takes the helm: a 'very personal' directorial debut that promises to captivate

Dakota Johnson is stepping into the director's chair for the first time in a project she says is “very close to her heart”.

The acclaimed actress, best known for her roles in “Fifty Shades of Grey”, “Black Mass" and “Suspiria” revealed her plans during an online interview while attending the 59th Karlovy Vary Film Festival in the Czech Republic.

Not many details were shared about the upcoming film, but Johnson described the project as a genuine reflection of her passion for telling nuanced female-centric stories.

This deeply personal venture is born from her collaboration with Vanessa Burghardt, her co-star from "Cha Cha Real Smooth", whom she praised as an "incredible autistic actress".

“I’ve always felt that I’m not ready to direct a feature. I don’t have the confidence, but, with her, I feel very protective and I know her very well. I can see this world, so I just won’t let anybody else do it. That’s the real answer," said Johnson. 

On Sunday, July 6, at the prestigious festival, Johnson was also honoured with the prestigious President’s Award. 

American actor Peter Sarsgaard and actress Vicky Krieps from Luxembourg were also honoured on the opening night, Friday, July 4. 

Aside from Johnson's weighty directorial ambitions, she is also attending the festival with two films: Celine Song’s romantic drama “Materialists”, where she stars alongside renowned actors Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal, and Michael Angelo Covino’s “Splitsville”, which she produced under her banner, TeaTime Pictures.

In “Materialists”, Johnson portrays a matchmaker, further blending her roles as both actress and producer.

As she dives deeper into the directing realm, Johnson also reveals her eagerness to tackle challenging roles.

The versatile actress hinted at her yearning for complex characters.

"I’m itching to play a psychopath and would love to do an action film. I’m open to anything," she said.  

Before her debut, Johnson directed the music video for Coldplay's “Cry Cry Cry” and produced the short film “Loser Baby.”

Reflecting on her experiences at film festivals, Johnson expressed: “I love coming to film festivals, just because everyone loves movies so much. I think art can really reach people, and so, festivals in places like this make me feel inspired and hopeful.”

Despite the challenges faced in today’s film landscape, Johnson maintains an optimistic outlook on the role of art in society.

"It’s really hard to make movies right now and to get people to believe in what you want to say,” she shared.

However, her faith in the power of art remains steadfast.

“I don’t think movies will save the world, by no means, but I do think it’s nice to have them around.”