Don't Let the Sun Go Up on Me

Fatimazahra belongs to the «Children of the Moon,» a community in Morocco bound by a rare genetic condition that makes daylight a mortal threat. The film follows her nocturnal existence and the devotion of a father who reimagines their world to shield her from the sun.

Following her death, the family establishes a sanctuary in Rabat, eventually leading other affected children on a journey to the sunless landscapes of Norway in search of a different kind of freedom.

The film was supported in 2026 and received 600 000. 

Jury Statement

Don’t Let the Sun Go Up on You is a heartbreakingly tender documentary about an often unseen community living with the rare genetic disorder Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), a condition that makes exposure to sunlight potentially life-threatening.

Through the filmmaker’s intimate relationship with Fatima Zahra and her family, the film gains extraordinary access to years of family history and opens a window into the world of the Children of the Moon Association, founded by Fatima’s father, Habib. What emerges is both a deeply personal portrait and a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and resilience, where the people in it, both those who battle with XP and their families are illuminated by the warmth, humor, determination, and love that define Fatima and her family.

It is their passion, courage, and unwavering hope that linger. More than a story about living with limitation, Don’t Let the Sun Go Up on You is a moving celebration of what it means to be beautifully human: to build community, embrace joy, and live with kindness in the face of adversity.