Lilian T. Mehrel Talks About Her Debut Film 'Honeyjoon' - Interview
Inspired by real life events, Lilian T. Mehrel’s feature debut, “Honeyjoon,” deals with grief, loss and love through this cross-cultural dark comedy.
Writer-director Lilian T. Mehrel’s feature debut, “Honeyjoon,” is a heartfelt comedy that finds humor, hope and healing in the midst of grief. Now in limited release after a celebrated festival run, the film invites audiences on an emotional journey that is as funny as it is deeply moving.
I spoke with Mehrel about the inspiration behind “Honeyjoon.” The conversation quickly found common ground through the shared experience of losing fathers of Iranian ancestry, adding another layer of understanding to a film that speaks so honestly about love and loss. It also served as a full-circle moment after this writer first experienced “Honeyjoon,” at the Round Top Film Festival in Round Top, TX.
The story follows June (Ayden Mayeri) and her Persian-British mother, Lela (Amira Casar), who travel to Portugal’s breathtaking Azores Islands to commemorate the anniversary of a profound loss. While each woman grieves in her own way, an easygoing surfer named João (José Condessa) helps lead them on an unforgettable adventure filled with laughter, self-discovery, unexpected romance and the gentle reminder that life, like the ocean, is always in motion.
For Mehrel, filmmaking is about guiding audiences through the full spectrum of human emotion. She embraces the delicate balance between dark humor and heartfelt drama, creating stories that surprise viewers with moments of laughter just as they’re opening themselves to something more profound. At its heart, “Honeyjoon,” celebrates the beautifully imperfect experience of being human.
Mehrel hopes the film resonates with anyone who has experienced loss, searched for a sense of freedom within themselves or navigated the awkward vulnerability of trying to connect with another person. Rather than simply telling a story about grief, “Honeyjoon,” invites audiences to feel it alongside its characters, discovering that healing often arrives in unexpected ways.
Since premiering on the festival circuit, “Honeyjoon,” has connected with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Viewers have responded to its honesty, emotional depth and breathtaking visuals, embracing its gentle reminder that life is made up of changing waves and that feeling fully alive means welcoming every one of them.
To find upcoming screenings of “Honeyjoon,” visit: https://honeyjoon.utopia.film/buy-tickets.
Follow “Honeyjoon,” on Instagram @honeyjoonfilm.