Joe Swanberg Returns With 'The Sun Never Sets' After Nearly a Decade Away

The filmmaker discusses his 10th SXSW premiere, taking a break from directing, and his optimism about the future of independent film.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 5:40pm

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After nearly a decade away from SXSW and feature directing, filmmaker Joe Swanberg is back with his new film 'The Sun Never Sets,' which premieres at the festival this weekend. In an interview, Swanberg discusses taking a break from directing following the conclusion of his Netflix series 'Easy,' his return to the craft, and his optimism about the future of independent film despite the industry's recent challenges.

Why it matters

Swanberg was a driving force in the rise of the mumblecore movement in the 2000s, establishing himself as a name-brand director with films like 'Nights and Weekends,' 'Drinking Buddies,' and 'Win It All.' His return to directing after a hiatus is significant for indie film, as he reflects on the evolving landscape and his own creative journey.

The details

Swanberg took a break from directing after wrapping up his Netflix series 'Easy,' a project he considers the 'pinnacle' of his career so far. During this time, he explored producing other filmmakers' projects, including a slate of horror films, before ultimately feeling the urge to direct again. His new film 'The Sun Never Sets,' a starry dramedy set in Alaska, marks his return to the director's chair and his 10th film to premiere at SXSW, the festival that launched his career.

  • Swanberg took a break from directing following the conclusion of 'Easy' in 2018.
  • He began producing other filmmakers' projects, including a slate of horror films, in the years that followed.
  • Swanberg felt the urge to direct again in 2024 and began developing 'The Sun Never Sets.'

The players

Joe Swanberg

A filmmaker who was a driving force in the rise of the mumblecore movement, known for directing films like 'Nights and Weekends,' 'Drinking Buddies,' and 'Win It All.'

Dakota Fanning

An actress starring in Swanberg's new film 'The Sun Never Sets.'

Jake Johnson

An actor starring in Swanberg's new film 'The Sun Never Sets.'

Cory Michael Smith

An actor starring in Swanberg's new film 'The Sun Never Sets.'

Ashleigh Snead

Swanberg's producer on 'The Sun Never Sets.'

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What they’re saying

“It's honestly been a very life-changing place for me. I've had many indelible days and weeks at the festival where I met people or had premieres that totally changed the course of my life and career.”

— Joe Swanberg, Filmmaker (Deadline)

“Coming off of [the Netflix series] Easy, I was just completely spoiled, having just spent four years having the best creative experience of my life. I felt very supported by Netflix; I was making 100% the show I wanted to make. It was the pinnacle.”

— Joe Swanberg, Filmmaker (Deadline)

“I don't even know how I feel about tax incentives as a resident of Illinois. I'm like, why are we giving our money to some of the biggest, most profitable corporations? So that's definitely not a driving factor for me.”

— Joe Swanberg, Filmmaker (Deadline)

What’s next

Swanberg's new film 'The Sun Never Sets' will premiere at the SXSW Film Festival on March 13, 2026.

The takeaway

After a nearly decade-long break from directing, Joe Swanberg's return to filmmaking with 'The Sun Never Sets' signals his continued passion for independent, character-driven storytelling. Despite industry challenges, Swanberg remains optimistic about the future of indie film, believing there is still ample space for middle-class, mission-driven projects to thrive alongside big-budget blockbusters.