INDEPENDENT FILM COMPANY AND SAPAN STUDIO ACQUIRE JOE SWANBERG’S ROMANTIC DRAMA
“THE SUN NEVER SETS,” STARRING DAKOTA FANNING, JAKE JOHNSON AND CORY MICHAEL SMITH
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New York – May 4, 2026 – Independent Film Company and Sapan Studio announced today that they have acquired U.S. rights to THE SUN NEVER SETS, the latest feature from acclaimed writer-director Joe Swanberg (Drinking Buddies). Fresh off its premiere at the SXSW Film Festival, where it drew strong critical praise, the film marks Swanberg’s tenth overall collaboration with Independent Film Company. Shot on 35mm against the sweeping landscapes of Alaska, THE SUN NEVER SETS is a richly observed romantic drama featuring an all-star cast led by Dakota Fanning (Ripley, The Perfect Couple), Jake Johnson (Maximum Pleasure, The Dink), and Cory Michael Smith (May December, Saturday Night), alongside Debby Ryan (Insatiable), Anna Konkle (PEN15), Lamorne Morris (New Girl) and Karley Sciortino (Slutever). Independent Film Company plans a theatrical release later this year.
In THE SUN NEVER SETS, Wendy (Fanning) finds her life upended when her boyfriend Jack (Johnson)—older, divorced, and with children—asks for space to reassess their relationship. During their separation, Wendy reconnects with her ex, Chuck (Smith), sparking an emotionally charged love triangle that forces all three to confront the realities of love, timing, and personal growth.
“Independent Film Company has done a masterful job releasing my films since the beginning of my career. They continue to innovate and effectively connect audiences with the best global cinema, and I’m honored to continue our nearly 20 year collaboration,” said Director Joe Swanberg. “In partnership with Sapan Studio, whose passion for the film is inspiring, I look forward to reaching the largest possible audience, both theatrically and digitally, and sharing this special project, which I love so much.”
“Joe Swanberg’s longstanding relationship with Independent Film Company reflects our enduring commitment to championing distinctive storytellers who create meaningful, impactful work,” said Head of IFC Entertainment Group, Scott Shooman. “Over the course of ten films together at IFC, he has consistently delivered work that feels deeply human, intimate, and emotionally authentic. With THE SUN NEVER SETS, he continues that tradition, and we’re especially proud to bring this beautiful story to the big screen, where this mature and layered experience may be best shared with audiences in a communal way.”
Said Josh Sapan of Sapan Studio, “THE SUN NEVER SETS is Joe Swanberg at his finest. The deft script and brilliant cast yield true-to-life characters that are impossible to resist. There is no one better than IFC to bring this rare film to audiences and the world.”
Johnson, Fanning, and Smith produce alongside Swanberg and Ashleigh Snead. Executive producers include Dan Johnson, Kathryn Gitibin Parsa, and Ariana Parsa. The deal was negotiated by Ayo Kepher-Maat on behalf of Independent Film Company and Jake Carter of UTA on behalf of the filmmakers.
About Independent Film Company
Independent Film Company is a leading U.S. distributor of independent cinema at the forefront of championing boundary-pushing, thought-provoking films for 25 years, with a commitment to delivering high-quality, filmmaker-driven cinema across all genres. Independent Film Company’s slate reaches a national audience through theatrical releases, cable Video On Demand (VOD), and digital platforms.
Some of the company’s successes over the years include Andrew Haigh’s 45 YEARS, Jennifer Kent’s THE BABADOOK, Matthew Johnson’s BLACKBERRY, Richard Linklater’s BOYHOOD, Armando Iannucci’s THE DEATH OF STALIN, Noah Baumbach’s FRANCES HA, David France’s HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE, Chris Nash’s IN A VIOLENT NATURE, Colin and Cameron Cairnes’ LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, Stephen Frears’ THE LOST KING, Adam Elliot’s MEMOIR OF A SNAIL, Olivier Assayas’ PERSONAL SHOPPER, Tran Anh Hung’s THE TASTE OF THINGS, Michael Winterbottom’s THE TRIP, and Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER.
Press Contacts
Judy Woloshen, Judy.Woloshen@ifcfilms.com
Guillermo Restrepo, Guillermo.Restrepo@ifcfilms.com