Producer Christine Vachon discusses Todd Haynes’ film ‘De Noche’

Producer Christine Vachon discussed the production of Todd Haynes’ romantic drama, ‘De Noche’, during a panel at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The film, which is currently in post-production, stars Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez as two men in the 1930s who fall in love and travel from the United States to Mexico.

Vachon noted that the project faced significant challenges in summer 2024 when Joaquin Phoenix exited the film shortly before filming was scheduled to begin. While describing the departure as “devastating” for director Todd Haynes, Vachon suggested the change ultimately provided creative advantages. The production relocated to Mexico City, which Vachon stated was a better creative choice than the original location of Guadalajara.

Vachon also commented on the current state of the film industry, noting that many American productions are increasingly shooting abroad because domestic filming has become too expensive, a trend she described as a “terrible situation” for American crews.