In a city where the sun never shines, a young skeptic helps his scientist uncle conduct an experiment that could give his people hope. Made in Kazakhstan by Batyrkhan Jussipov, “Helios” is deadpan dystopian sci-fi with an inventive DIY spirit. Nurseit is a disaffected young man living in a remote region with his mother and younger brother. Gloomy, sunless days stretch on for months at a time as enormous piles of snow fill the frame. Nurseit is in the habit of skipping work to spend time with his uncle on a mysterious project, to the dismay of his boss and mother. As a local rumor begins to spread that the town may experience a moment of sunlight, Nurseit downplays the possibility to his little brother, who has come to believe that faith in a local religion will make it true. Using a combination of miniatures and resourceful production design, the film is endearing and inspiring coming from an unlikely locale, an exploration of hope living in desolation. -KA. Writer, Editor & Director: Batyrkhan Jussipov. Cast: Erkin Mukarram, Meyrlan Bolat. DP: Mariyam Dauletalina. Production designer: Kseniya Maximyuk. Sound: Adilkhan Tildabay. Executive producer: Abdureim Akhmadi. Line producer: Gulbibi Ykylasova. 1st AD: Karina Amantaeva.