Italian
The surprising journey behind nina conti’s ‘sunlight’
A risky venture in directorial debut
Nina Conti’s foray into directing with her feature film “Sunlight” is nothing short of bold and innovative. Her decision to reimagine Monkey, a character from her well-known ventriloquist act, as the human-sized alter ego of a woman fleeing a toxic relationship, brings a unique angle to the table. But what’s fascinating is how she juggles playing both the woman and the monkey, adding depth to each character and, in turn, the narrative.
A challenging yet rewarding experience
Conti candidly admits, “The monkey is much easier.” Her venture saw her wearing multiple hats, literally and figuratively, which is a testament to her resilience and creative vision. Principal photography was shot in Albuquerque, NM, just miles away from the Santa Fe International Film Festival. There, “Sunlight” premiered to a warm reception, marking a significant milestone in Conti’s career which started over 20 years ago with a serendipitous discovery of a monkey hand puppet in a Woolworth’s store.
A voice behind the puppet
Monkey, which served as an outlet for Conti’s robust comedy for years, evolved through her realization that it reflected the strongest aspects of her personality. “It’s like projecting parts of yourself through this avatar,” Conti explains. This iteration of Monkey in the film, however, was designed to be a more well-defined character, serving as a protective and empowering force for Jane, Conti’s character.
The magic of movie sets and ‘star wars’ influences
The transformative journey of Monkey from a hand puppet to a full-body get-up is a remarkable story. Conti credits a brief stint in a “Star Wars” film with inspiring this leap. She collaborated with the supervising animatronic designer to scale Monkey to Chewbacca size. This upgrade didn’t just aim for visual impact but also for expressivity—giving Monkey a character-defining mouth movement while maintaining its charmingly low-fi essence.
Performance dynamics behind the monkey suit
The transition to a full-body costume was surprisingly intuitive for Conti. “It was stepping into this tiny character that I’d been talking to for years,” she reflects. The ease with which she brought Monkey to life suggested a deeply instinctive connection to her character. This seamless integration made delaying Jane’s human face reveal a strategic choice, culminating in a significantly more impactful introduction.
A homegrown filmmaking experience
The film’s production process was akin to student filmmaking, characterized by a do-it-yourself spirit and a close-knit team. With members doing their own makeup and location setups, the project had a homegrown feel. “We had no influence; it was all ours,” Conti emphasizes, highlighting the autonomy they had over their creative space.
Musical synergy
Conti’s unique approach extended to the film’s soundtrack, featuring bands like Radiohead and The Pixies. Through serendipitous connections and sheer perseverance, she managed to secure tracks that would typically be out of reach for a modest production. Integrating these tracks into the final edit without needing replacements struck a special chord with Conti, reinforcing the authenticity she sought throughout the project.
Comparative influences and cinematic parallels
“Sunlight,” described by Conti as reminiscent of “Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid” or “Thelma and Louise”, follows Jane on a road trip with Roy, a suicidal radio host. The narrative explores themes of empowerment and self-discovery, taking unusual yet heartfelt turns as Jane seeks to build a dream business with Roy’s help. Their relationship, evolving through the course of the film, challenges the bounds of conventional romance and improvisational storytelling.
Taking the helm and seeking guidance
Despite initially considering other filmmakers, Conti chose to direct “Sunlight” herself. The process, described as “difficult and terrifying,” allowed her to retain closer control over the project. She drew upon the expertise of experienced mentors to navigate her new role. This guidance, interwoven with Conti’s own capabilities, facilitated a unique directorial journey.
An intimate, student filmmaking spirit
“Sunlight” embodies a homespun, intimate filmmaking spirit, a trait Conti cherishes deeply. Using resources like an Airstream trailer and local connections for locations, Conti and her team maintained an atmosphere of artistic independence. This autonomy allowed the team to dive deep into their creative visions without external pressure, creating a film that is deeply personal and original.
A final note on the journey and outcome
Nina Conti’s “Sunlight” is more than just a debut film—it’s an exploration of personal growth, storytelling innovation, and collaborative spirit. The journey from a monkey puppet to a full-fledged cinematic character illustrates Conti’s unparalleled dedication to her craft. With its well-received festival screenings and heartfelt narrative, “Sunlight” promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
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