Kathmandu - 'Summer Never Sleeps'
Award: Yellow Pencil
Yellow Pencil / Sound Design & Use of Music / Existing Music / 2023
Award: Shortlist
Shortlist / Production Design / Fashion Film
Summer Never Sleeps is a film that encourages outdoors enthusiasts to cram in every ‘out there’ adventure they can this summer, by waving goodbye to sleep. With no need to sleep, symbols associated with drifting off are given new meanings. Pillows become campfire marshmallows, nocturnal animals are new friends, and sheep nod off by counting humans. Day turns into night and back into day, as simply as a merman flipping a switch. And even when you finally crawl into your tent – normally the end of a full day – you find it’s actually a portal to a cave party, where the DJ is an owl.
What did the judges have to say?
The song totally taps into nostalgia - I think the 1980s! - but also feels current, and was central to the whole film. The quirky, joyous feeling of the song was so aligned to the brand, which wants to appeal to thrill-seekers and encourage fun outdoors. Really enjoyable. We just can’t imagine this piece being any better! It’s the ultimate crate find. We all wish we got to work on this one!
Abby Sie, Head of Sound, FIlm & TV, MassiveMusic Sydney