Danish Director May el-Toukhy Brings Post-WWII Drama 'Woman Unknown' to Venice Competition

The film follows a young woman in post-war Denmark who is about to marry her wealthy employer while concealing a wartime relationship with a German soldier. Director May el-Toukhy drew inspiration from a 1940s newspaper photograph of a woman with a swastika painted on her back, exploring themes of class, complicity, and survival. She is one of only two female directors competing for the Golden Lion this year.