Short Film| CHANEL x BAFA | 2024
Lusthouse
Directed & Written by
Neeraja Raj
Lusthouse is a live-action, fantasy-infused rom-com and coming-of-age short film produced by CHANEL and Busan International Film Festival. Set in a remote lighthouse - a symbol of longing - against the vast, sensual backdrop of the ocean, it follows a young lighthouse keeper woman as she unapologetically embraces her horniness.
The film subverts muted, stereotypical depictions of female desire often seen in mainstream media, offering instead a bold, refreshing take on sexuality from a distinctly female gaze.
Director's Statement
Lusthouse was born from a wild idea during my time in South Korea, as part of the CHANEL x BAFA Filmmaking Fellowship. I wanted to make something strange, bold, funny - and deeply honest about female desire. Shot over just one long, bright day at the White Lighthouse in Busan, the film was a labour of love pulled together by an international crew of dream collaborators who were all just as excited by the weirdness of it as I was.
With Lusthouse, I craft a comedic yet intimate exploration of limerence, longing, and female sexuality. The film celebrates sexual agency and emotional honesty through an inclusive and intersectional lens. By portraying a woman who confidently and unabashedly pursues her own desire, Lusthouse reclaims space for female pleasure on screen - challenging entrenched taboos and contributing to broader conversations around empowerment, representation, and gender equity.
Production History
Lusthouse was developed and produced as part of the prestigious CHANEL x BAFA Filmmaking Fellowship in South Korea, an initiative that supports emerging directors from across Asia. The short was shot over the course of a single day on location at the iconic White Lighthouse in Busan, using a minimal crew and budget-friendly practical effects.
​
We had no VFX, limited time, a modest budget, and only one location - but we leaned into all of it. From live seafood to ugly 'Jaws' swimsuits and sexting mishaps, every beat of the film was crafted with care, humour, and a deep sense of play. Since wrapping, Lusthouse has found its people on the festival circuit - having its European premiere at Playgrounds Film Festival, and US premiere at Pan Eros Film Festival - two amazing platforms that celebrate the kind of sexy, strange, unapologetically queer-feminist cinema I love.
Awards
-
Pan Eros Film Festival (Seattle, USA, May '25) - Audience Choice Award
Festivals Selections
-
World Premiere at Busan International Film Festival (South Korea, October '24)
-
Europe Premiere at Playgrounds International Film Festival (Netherlands, March '25)
-
Pan Eros Film Festival (Seattle, USA, May '25)
-
Playgrounds International Film Festival (Berlin, May '25)
-
Women in Film & Television UK (London, June '25)
Credits
Production: CHANEL x BAFA
Directed & Written: Neeraja Raj
Producer: Annie Song
Cinematographer: Jethro Jamon
Production Designer: Kyle Jumayne Francisco
Editor: Thunchanok Suthanintr
Composer: Han Hyein
Sound Designer: Raven Cheuk Ying Chiu
​
1st Assistant Director: Li Yingtong
2nd Assistant Director: Sein Lyan Tun
3rd Assistant Director: Suman Sen
1st Assistant Camera: Zaher Jureidini
2nd Assistant Camera: Niu Hsien-Yu
3rd Assistant Camera: Ujjal Bastakoti
Boom Operator: Han Jiyoung
Wardrobe & Makeup: Gong Hyegyung
Wardrobe & Makeup Assistants: Lee Haneul, Kim Kyeongjin, Kim Eunji
Technical Assistants: Rachel Liew, Rahat Rahman
Production Manager: Lee Junsang
Production Team: Choi Myeonggyu, Kim Minho,
Lee Sanghyun
Gaffer: Jeon Byungyoon
Lighting Technicians: Kim Jongsun, Kim Minhyuck, Lee Donghoon, Kim Taeyeon
Still Photographers: Park Jonghoon, Bang Geonwoo
Storyboard Artist: Park Beomjin
Interpreter: Kim Boseon, Kim Joshua Gujeong
