The Richmond International Film Festival returns this week with 'Saturn'

The Richmond International Film Festival will screen about 170 films this week from directors representing 25 different countries, as the annual event runs from Tuesday to Sunday at locations around town.

The festival kicks off Tuesday night with feature film "Saturn," including a red carpet at 6 p.m. before the show at the Byrd Theatre. Following the film, there will be a Q&A with director Eric Esau and several other participants.

The red carpet is open to the public, but the film screening is sold out. Tickets for other screenings are available on the RIFF website.

Saturn is a science fiction film that promises to transport audiences into a world where cosmic forces and personal struggles collide, offering a narrative of sacrifice and redemption.

At the heart of Saturn is the story of James, a young father whose peaceful life is disrupted when a mysterious planet appears on a collision course with Earth. His journey becomes one of profound personal sacrifice as he faces an ancient calling to save the world. Meanwhile, James' wife, Sarah, is battling her own demons, fighting against the advanced stages of addiction. Despite her struggles, Sarah’s role in the narrative offers a message about resilience and purpose.

In the words of writer and director Eric Esau, Saturn is about more than just cosmic threats.

"We have James, our hero. But what's the inverse of that?" he asked. "It's someone like Sarah, struggling with addiction. Even in her brokenness, she still has a great purpose."

Esau explained that Sarah's character is inspired by his own life.

"I have family members who’ve struggled with addiction," he said. "Sarah is written from that perspective, and we wanted to show that even in our darkest moments, we can still make meaningful and beautiful choices."

The film's aesthetic starts with the serenity of a Norman Rockwell-inspired world, but as the characters face greater challenges, the visuals break down, mirroring their personal turmoil.

"We wanted the visual design to reflect the emotional journey," Esau said. "It’s a film about the collapse of what’s perfect, both on the inside and the outside."

Esau was inspired by the real-world solar system, particularly the gas giants, which protect Earth from cosmic debris.

"That concept sparked the mythology behind the film—a world where beings, akin to these planets, serve as protectors of Earth," he said.

Producer Douglas Haines added that the film was also shaped by its unique filming environment.

“We essentially took over a small part of a coastal town in Washington State,” he said. "The cast stayed in the homes of the families they were portraying. It created a close-knit, immersive atmosphere, adding a layer of authenticity to the film’s portrayal of family dynamics."

Behind the scenes, Esau’s wife Anna, along with her sister Ally, played pivotal roles in bringing Saturn to life. As production designers, they handled art direction, set decoration, costumes, and props, ensuring that every frame of the film visually supported the story’s deep emotional themes.

Looking back on the long journey to make Saturn, Esau reflected: “It took years of late nights, constant revisions, and fighting for every frame. But in the end, we made something special. Something beautiful.”