Ciudad sin sueño

Sleepless City, the debut feature by Guillermo Galoe, offers an intimate and deeply human portrait of a community rarely seen on screen.

Toni spends his days alongside his grandfather, a proud scrap collector who refuses to leave their land, even as their home faces demolition. In nights without electricity, the line between reality and childhood legends begins to blur, while the threat of displacement becomes increasingly real.

Galoe adopts a patient, observational approach, allowing small gestures and everyday rituals to carry emotional weight. Filmed over several years in close collaboration with the residents, the story unfolds through Toni’s quiet yet perceptive gaze, revealing a world of humour, pride, and vulnerability. The result is a layered coming-of-age story that also serves as a poignant reflection on loss, dignity, and the struggle to endure.

Festivals: Premiered at Cannes Critics' Week, where it won the award for best screenplay.