WRITER / DIRECTOR - JAKE ROTHMAN
Jake is a Pennsylvania-based, award-winning screenwriter and
director of a dozen short films. NEVER-SETTING SUN will be his
second feature film. His first, UNDERSTORY, told the tale of an
aimless young man traversing forests, hotels, and dreams, in
search of his dead friend. Jake is committed to experimental,
innovative storytelling, all in search of a grand emotional
payoff.
Note from the writer/director:
Sometimes I feel allergic to joy. When pure happiness afflicts
me, I can grow frightened, afraid that my contentment will
devolve into complacency, then stasis. I avoid this fear by
always moving, always doing. This struggle, pitting joy against
purpose, is the inner conflict that I embodied in the
protagonist, Sophie. She has a choice that she must recalculate
at every moment: Do I let passion guide my life to the Moon, or
do I let joy take over instead? Endless contentment may seem like the end goal of a life, but once you have it, is
it enough?
"SOPHIE" - MARLEY CASTRO
Marley is a versatile actress known for her ability to navigate
the complex emotional landscapes of human nature. From the
gritty, Zoloft-fueled irreverence of Gen-Z dramas to the
resilient optimism of a Victorian-era child, she brings a
grounded authenticity to every role. With a background spanning
independent short films, seven-episode series, and national
commercial campaigns, Marley has developed a reputation for
being both a charming on-screen presence and a disciplined
physical actor. A natural athlete and multi-instrumentalist, she
often incorporates her skills in soccer, softball, and guitar
into her performances, adding layers of realism to her
characters. Whether portraying the lovable best friend or a
determined protagonist, Marley is dedicated to stories that
highlight the messy, beautiful complexities of coming of age.
"ANNABELLE" - LILY SOLEIL
Lily Soleil is a Nicaraguan-American actor, model, makeup
artist, and creative director based in Southern California. Lily
is a film school graduate and tenured freelance creative working
in the film and media industry. Despite the wide range of
mediums, Lily's work shares in one thread: passion for
expression and supporting the creativity of others. Whether
through organized creative events, social media, runway, photo
and film projects, Lily's work is always rooted in community and
exploring life's immeasurable vastness and depth through art.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER - JESSICA BURNAM
Jessica Burnam is a story-centered creator with experience
spanning fine art, theater, business, and film. She holds an MBA
from the College of William and Mary (2022), an MFA in
Production Design from the American Film Institute (2024), and
has been selected for LA's Art Directors Guild's Production
Design Initiative Program. She has designed short films, music
videos, and indie features. Her films have exhibited at LALIFF,
NYLFF, SDLFF, PHLAFF, MDFF, AFI Fest (AZUL), SBIFF (TWO LIE
TOGETHER), and at MOMI (ARE THE STARS ALIVE?). Jessica has
worked as an art coordinator at Lucuma Studios for clients such
as Nike, Hyperice, and Liquid Death, and as an art production
assistant for Season 2 of Apple TV's THE STUDIO.
EDITOR - MANNY ROTHMAN
Manny Rothman is a filmmaker and editor raised in Lewisburg,
Pennsylvania, and currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
A graduate of the American Film Institute Conservatory program,
he recently finished his second feature, UNDERSTORY, which
he co-created with his brother, Jake Rothman. Ever since he
could use a camcorder and a computer, Manny has been making
films.
COMPOSER - VERONICA YABLOKO
Veronica Yabloko is a New York-raised, Boston-based full-time law student and part-time composer and singer. She studied classical piano, opera, and jazz vocals throughout her childhood and college, pausing temporarily while pursuing her law degree. She was the lead jazz vocalist at Swarthmore College, a privilege that culminated with the honor of performing "Lush Life" with grammy-winning saxophonist and composer Branford Marsalis. Today, she continues to compose and perform between studying the Constitution and criminal procedure. Veronica has previously collaborated with the Rothman brothers and has loved every moment of it.
Graphic art by Hailey Akau
Website by Manny Rothman