Kat Steppe’s Heartfelt Drama "Sunday Ninth" Premieres at Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival
Exciting news from the film world! Kat Steppe’s emotional drama, "Sunday Ninth," has been officially selected for Estonia’s prestigious Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. In this poignant story, two brothers reconnect as one grapples with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Deadline is thrilled to share the exclusive trailer, giving audiences a glimpse into this touching narrative.
This marks Steppe’s debut in feature filmmaking, following her successful work on acclaimed documentary series such as "Food for Thought," "Taboo," and "The Vatican." The film stars Josse De Pauw ("The Passion of the Darkly Noon," "Kursk") and Peter Van den Begin ("King of the Belgians," "The Barefoot Emperor," "Adoration") as Horst and Franz, brothers who have drifted apart over the years. As Horst battles Alzheimer’s, Franz finds himself in financial trouble and sees an opportunity in his brother’s unspent inheritance.
The plot thickens when Andrea, Horst’s former love played by Kristien De Proost ("Girl"), re-enters their lives, unearthing old wounds and a family mystery that compels them to confront their shared past. The cast also includes Frank Lammers ("Undercover") as a doctor, adding depth to this layered narrative.
Steppe draws upon her rich background in documentary filmmaking to craft "Sunday Ninth." Her experience as a volunteer caregiver at a residential care center for individuals with Alzheimer’s has profoundly influenced her storytelling. "I wanted to delve into the nuances of the illness to authentically portray it in my writing," Steppe shares. "The character of Horst is inspired by countless conversations I’ve had with a man I’ll refer to as ‘Eddy’ for privacy reasons." She emphasizes that people living with Alzheimer’s are not just empty shells; many retain a keen awareness of their deteriorating abilities. "What helps them is being able to express what they see and feel without constant correction," she explains.
The film is produced by Kato Maes and Sofie Rooseleer at Antwerp-based Panenka, marking their first feature production following successful projects like the Netflix series "Two Summers," as well as "This Is Not A Murder Mystery" and "Taboo."
The Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival will take place from November 7 to 23, showcasing a diverse array of films from around the globe. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness "Sunday Ninth," a heartfelt exploration of family, memory, and the human spirit.
