learn the technical side of it,” she said. “I do really feel at this time in my life I have learnt everything.”
Challenging the Nepo Baby Label
A significant aspect of Winslet’s career discussion involved addressing the controversial term “nepo baby.” Both her children, Mia Threapleton and Joe Anders, have pursued careers in the entertainment industry. However, Kate emphasized that this was a conscious decision on their part. “These kids are not getting a leg up,” she insisted. “Joe would say to me, ‘I don’t want people to think this film is just being made because you’re my mum.’ The film would have been made with or without me. The script is so good.
It was the script that attracted all these wonderful actors.”
Winslet hopes her experience will inspire a new generation of female filmmakers. “I certainly felt that in making the decision to direct now, at this time in my life – I turned 50 this year – it felt meaningful to me, to be actively participating in hopefully changing that culture,” she said. “If there is more of us doing it then hopefully more will follow and we’ll be giving across the message that we are perfectly capable of doing that job just as well as the men.”
“Goodbye June” hits Netflix on Christmas Eve, bringing Winslet’s personal story to the screen. The film tells the story of siblings trying to put disputes aside to unite and honour their mother as she undergoes palliative care at Christmas. “It’s not actually a film about dying,” said Winslet, explaining why she thinks it will make a suitable festive watch on Christmas Eve. “It’s a film about living more than anything. People have been finding it very, very uplifting.”
In addition to her acting and directing roles, Winslet is also an accomplished author. Her son Joe Anders co-wrote the screenplay for “Goodbye June,” demonstrating the deep connection between mother and child in their creative journey.
