Honeyjoon Film Set for European Premiere at Tribeca Festival Lisboa

Director Lilian T. Mehrel’s debut feature, Honeyjoon, is heading to Portugal. The dark comedy will have its European premiere at the Tribeca Festival Lisboa in Lisbon. This follows its successful world premiere at the U.S. Tribeca Festival.

The film explores the complex grief of a mother and daughter on holiday. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mehrel describes the project as an emotional thrill ride for audiences.

A Story of Contrasting Grief and Connection

Honeyjoon follows Kurdish-Persian Lela, played by Amira Casar, and her American daughter June, played by Ayden Mayeri. They travel to the Azores on the one-year anniversary of a profound loss. Their conflicting approaches to mourning create the film’s central tension.

Mehrel sees her characters as a yin-yang of grief. Lela immerses herself in pain, while June actively seeks light and pleasure. Their journey intersects with a local tour guide, João, portrayed by José Condessa. His presence helps them reconnect with life and each other.

From Festival Win to Silver Screen Success

The film’s path to the screen was itself a whirlwind. Mehrel won Tribeca’s Untold Stories pitch competition. The award included a $1 million grant to produce the movie. A strict condition required completion within one year for the 2025 Tribeca Festival.

This tight deadline prompted a rapid production phase. Casting, crew assembly, and location scouting in the Azores happened in a matter of months. The director credits the dedicated team for bringing the project to life against the clock.

The film’s upcoming European debut marks a significant milestone for the indie production. Honeyjoon continues its festival run by celebrating its Portuguese roots. This dark comedy proves that exploring grief can be a universally connecting experience.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the film Honeyjoon about?

It is a dark comedy about a mother and daughter grappling with grief during a holiday in the Azores. Their contrasting coping mechanisms drive the film’s emotional narrative and eventual connection.

Who stars in the movie?

The film stars Amira Casar (Call Me By Your Name) as Lela and Ayden Mayeri as her daughter, June. Portuguese actor José Condessa plays a pivotal role as their tour guide, João.

Where was Honeyjoon filmed?

The movie was shot entirely on location in the Azores, Portugal. The scenic islands provide a stunning backdrop for the characters’ emotional journey.

How did the director fund the film?

Lilian T. Mehrel secured production funding by winning the Tribeca Untold Stories pitch competition. The award provided a $1 million grant to make the feature.

What is the tone of the film?

Director Lilian Mehrel describes it as an emotional roller coaster. It blends comedic moments with deep, heartfelt drama about loss and human connection.