The world premiere of IN THE EVER at CIFF 2026. Blending intimate voice-over with the fractured memories of a 1970s folksinger, IN THE EVER follows Sam Ellis, a mechanic, whose songs written for his dead mother become a surprise hit. Unable to cope with fame, Sam retreats to a desert ranch, where an unexpected love affair forces him to confront his pain in order to move forward. The film is a love letter infused in music. With 70s needle drops, an original score by Sonny Luca, and original music by lead actor and co-writer/director C.M. Sutton, watching IN THE EVER feels like listening to a complete album. IN THE EVER explores our shared sense that sadness clings to our lives until we do something with it— whether we want it to or not, whether we share it with people or keep it silent. In all cases, we survive with beauty and imperfect resilience.