Dark Comedy Honeyjoon Wins Hearts and North American Screens After Tribeca Triumph
The dark comedy Honeyjoon has secured North American distribution after winning a major award at the Tribeca Film Festival. Directed by Lilian Mehrel, the film follows a mother and daughter navigating grief in the Azores. Its premiere in 2021 marked the start of a journey that now brings it to cinemas across the US. Honeyjoon centres on June and her mother Lela as they deal with the death of June’s father. Set against the rugged landscapes of the Azores, the story blends humour with emotional weight. Lilian Mehrel took on writing, directing, and producing duties, shaping the film’s unique tone.
The project earned the Tribeca AT&T Untold Stories Award, which included a $1 million prize. This recognition helped propel the movie forward, with support from Tribeca Studios, AT&T Untold Stories, SFFILM Rainin, and the Portugal Film Commission. Producers included Andreia Nunes, while Rostam Zafari, Sepanta Mohseni, and Azadeh Vatanpour served as executive producers. Ayden Mayeri, Amira Casar, and José Condessa lead the cast, bringing depth to the story’s complex relationships. After its 2021 world premiere at Tribeca, the film caught the attention of Utopia’s Circle Collective, which acquired North American rights. Theatrical runs are now planned for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other cities, with week-long screenings scheduled.
The film’s release will give audiences a chance to see Mehrel’s vision on the big screen. With backing from key industry names and a strong festival debut, Honeyjoon is set to reach viewers in major US markets. Its mix of dark humour and heartfelt storytelling aims to leave a lasting impression.
