Don't Let the Sun
| Don't Let the Sun | |
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 Promotional poster | |
| Directed by | Jacqueline Zünd |
| Screenplay by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Nikolai von Graevenitz |
| Edited by | Gion-Reto Killias |
| Music by | Marcel Vaid |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Filmcoopi Zürich |
Release dates |
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Running time | 100 minutes |
| Countries |
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Don't Let the Sun is 2025 Swiss-Italian science fiction drama film co–written and directed by Jacqueline Zünd. The film starring Levan Gelbakhiani, is a tender drama about the fragility of human relationships.[1]
The film had its world premiere at the 78th Locarno Film Festival on 9 August 2025, in the Filmmakers of the Present Competition section, where it competed for Golden Leopard – Filmmakers of the Present[2]
Synopsis
A subtle dystopian tale unfolds in an oppressively hot environment, where emotional connection is as rare. In a world eerily similar to our own, Jonah is employed by a company that sells simulated relationships. When he's assigned the role of father to a young woman named Nika, the carefully constructed order of his life begins to unravel.
Cast
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- Levan Gelbakhiani as Jonah
- Maria Pia Pepe as Nika
- Agnese Claisse as Cleo
- Karidja Touré as Ana
- Cecilia Bertozzi
Production
The film won 'Goes to Cannes' Award in May 2024, the prize organized by Marché du Film spotlights work-in-progress projects, and guarantees a €10,000 minimum for international sales. It is sponsored by Sideral, a Spain-based studio. The film was also part of five-title selection curated by the Solothurn Film Festival, included among 35 in-progress projects spotlighted at 2024 Cannes Film Festival through Seven Goes To Showcases. These showcases were coordinated by the Marché du Film in collaboration with the Adelaide, Queer Screen – Mardi Gras Film Festival, Solothurn Goes to Cannes, Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards, and Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. Additional presentations were made by the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum and Ventana Sur.[3][4]
Release
Don't Let the Sun had its world premiere in the 'Filmmakers of the Present Competition' section of the 78th Locarno Film Festival on 9 August 2025, vying for the Golden Leopard – Filmmakers of the Present.[5]
The film is slated to release in Swiss cinemas on 19 March 2026 by Filmcoopi.[6][7][8]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locarno Film Festival | 16 August 2025 | Golden Leopard – Filmmakers of the Present | Don't Let the Sun | Nominated | [9] |
| Pardo for Best Performance | Levan Gelbakhiani | Won | [10] |
References
- ^ "Don't Let the Sun". Locarno Film Festival. 8 July 2025. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ Mona Tabbara (8 July 2025). "Locarno unveils 2025 line-up including premieres of Radu Jude's 'Dracula', Kamal Aljafari's 'With Hasan In Gaza'". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ John Hopewell (22 May 2024). "Goes to Cannes Award Won by Delicate Dystopian Drama 'Don't Let the Sun (Catch You Crying)'". Variety. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ "Don't Let the Sun". Marché du film. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ Balaga, Marta (8 July 2025). "Radu Jude, Abdellatif Kechiche Head to Locarno as Swiss Fest Announces Lineup: An 'Ambitious and Exciting Edition'". Variety. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ "Don't Let the Sun". Lomotion (in German). Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ "Don't Let the Sun". Filmcoopi (in German). Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ "Don't Let the Sun". Swiss Films. 14 July 2025. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ Del Don, Muriel (9 July 2025). "Locarno announces the films selected for its parallel sections". Cineuropa. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
- ^ Georg Szalai (16 August 2025). "Locarno Film Festival Top Award Goes to 'Two Seasons, Two Strangers' by Sho Miyake". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 16 August 2025.
External links
- Official website
(in German) - Don't Let the Sun at IMDb
- Don't Let the Sun at Locarno Film Festival