Moroccan filmmaker Asmae El Moudir is currently in production on her new hybrid documentary titled “Don’t Let the Sun Go Up on Me,” with international sales handled by Autlook Filmsales. The project, which will be showcased as a work-in-progress at the upcoming Marrakech Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops, delves into the life of Fatimazahra, a young woman who lived with a rare genetic disorder that rendered her vulnerable to sunlight.
Exploring a Hidden Community
Fatimazahra’s condition forced her to lead a nocturnal existence, ultimately leading her to establish a unique community known as the Children of the Moon. Following her death in 2023, the group relocated to Norway’s Lofoten Islands to experience life beneath the polar night, a world where darkness provides a sense of safety.
El Moudir describes the film as a poignant exploration of how a community can thrive in circumstances that many would find alien. “We’re talking about a rare disease with a very strong antagonist: the sun,” she explains. “What normally represents joy becomes a source of danger. For this community, light can kill. In that sense, the project is like a vampire film made real.”
The filmmaker emphasizes her intent to portray the community authentically rather than framing them as victims. “I’m always looking to find fantasy in reality,” she adds. “For them, wearing astronaut helmets to go out is normal life. This film will explore how they form connections and relationships after the death of their leader, Fatimazahra.”
Collaboration and Future Releases
El Moudir’s collaboration with Autlook Filmsales continues her successful partnership with producer Emma Lepers of Haut et Court Doc and Monica Hellström of Ström Pictures. They aim to deliver the film by 2027. Stephanie Fuchs, CEO of Autlook Filmsales, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “From our earliest conversations, it was clear she was embarking on another bold and visually striking project. We can’t wait to see Asmae’s unique vision unfold.”
El Moudir previously gained recognition for her documentary “The Mother of All Lies,” which participated in the Atlas Workshops as a development project in 2019 and won the top post-production prize in 2021. The film garnered accolades, including the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section and Best Film at the Sydney Film Festival, making history as the first Moroccan film to win the prestigious Étoile d’Or at the Marrakech Film Festival.
According to Rémi Bonhomme, artistic director of the Marrakech Film Festival, El Moudir has become a significant figure in Moroccan cinema, paving the way for new generations of filmmakers. “We created the Atlas program to support very young filmmakers who need guidance in the early stages of development,” Bonhomme noted. “’The Mother of All Lies’ opened doors for filmmakers and producers who previously felt excluded from the possibility of creating films capable of such global reach.”
As “Don’t Let the Sun Go Up on Me” progresses, it promises to bring attention to a community often overlooked, highlighting their unique experiences and the challenges they face in a world that can be both beautiful and dangerous.
