Comedian and ventriloquist Nina Conti makes her directorial debut with Sunlight, and here are the first details of the upcoming movie.
Nina Conti comes from a showbiz family, her father being noted actor Tom Conti. Nina trained with theatre director Ken Campbell, which is explored in the documentary Her Master’s Voice. Conti is best known for her ventriloquism, performing with a variety of characters, the best known of which is the sardonic Monkey.
Conti now makes her feature directorial debut with Sunlight. The plot “follows two people on the edge of life who find purpose and romance through an unlikely connection, escaping the darkness in search of some sunlight. Disappearing into a monkey costume and creating a new persona, Jane strives to break free from a toxic relationship when she encounters a suicidal radio show host, Roy, who presents a path to freedom. After hitting the open road in Roy’s Airstream, the unlikely duo soon hatch a plan that could help finance a new life but could also land them in jail. Hot on their heels is Jane’s controlling partner, Wade, who aims to put an end to Jane’s newfound freedom”.
Conti directs from a screenplay by Shenoah Allen. The two are regular collaborators, having most recently devised and performed a series of Monkey and Roy stage shows. They both star in the film, alongside Bill Wise and Melissa Chambers.
Christopher Guest serves as an executive producer.
Sunlight recently wrapped production in New Mexico, with plans to screen the film on the festival circuit in 2024. We’ll keep you updated as we hear more.
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