Kristen Stewart Admits She Can No Longer
A New Directing Chapter
Kristen Stewart has entered a new phase of her career by directing her first feature, The Chronology of Water.
Instead of filming in the U.S., she moved production to Latvia, seeking “creative freedom and stability” while maintaining control over the project.
Why Leave the U.S.
Her decision reflects wider concerns in independent filmmaking. Political and economic uncertainty created “a climate of hesitation,”
where even small risks can disrupt fragile financing. Stewart described this environment as “a quiet pressure” that limits experimentation.
Why Latvia Worked
Latvia offered “competitive tax incentives, efficient permitting, and skilled European crews.” Its landscapes matched the film’s tone, helping Stewart protect her budget and artistic vision.
A Broader Trend
Stewart’s move is “not a rejection of the U.S.,” but part of a growing belief that “creativity flourishes where
conditions are predictable.” For many independents, choosing where to work has become essential to artistic autonomy.
