Sunlight co-stars Shenoah Allen... and a monkey outfit

Nina Conti has wrapped filming on her first movie as a director.

The comedian and ventriloquist also stars in the film, Sunlight, alongside her partner, Shenoah Allen, who wrote the screenplay.

Conti said: ‘It was a five-year journey to this point and it’s no less than a dream come true to see it come to life. I’m excited to share the film with audiences in 2024.’

Set in Allen’s home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the plot has been inspired by Conti’s work with her Monkey puppet.

She plays Jane, who creates a new persona when she disappears into a monkey costume. She  strives to break free from a toxic relationship when she encounters a suicidal radio show host, Roy (Allen), 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.

Spinal Tap’s Christopher Guest, who previously worked with Conti on the TV comedy Family Tree, serves as an executive producer.

Allen is also known for his award-winning double act  Pajama Men, while he and Conti co-host the podcast Richard and Greta together. They also took their live show Comedy Sassafras to the Edinburgh Fringe last year.

Sunlight will launch on the festival circuit early next year.

Published: 21 Apr 2023