Sleep Has Her House
Original Version: 2017 / Revised Version: 2023Producer / Director / Camera / Image / Sound / Editor
Scott Barley
︎ 90 ︎1.33:1 ︎2K
︎ iPhone 6+ 60p︎︎︎24p
︎ 5.1
︎ Final Cut Pro
Synopsis
The shadows of screams climb beyond the hills.
It has happened before. But this will be the last time.
The last few sense it, withdrawing deep into the forest.
They cry out into the black, as the shadows pass away, into the ground.
Through long static takes, the film develops a contemplative, hypnotic experience, akin to paintings that move, mixing live action, still photography, and hand-drawn images.
The film is dedicated to the late French filmmaker and friend, Philippe Cote, who passed way in 2016. The revised edition is also dedicated to American filmmaker, mentor, and friend, Phil Solomon.
Awards & Nominations
Best Film (Jury award) Fronteira International Documentary & Experimental Film Festival
The Village Voice 2017 Film Poll (Best film, Best first feature, and Best director)
Sight & Sound 2017 Film Poll
Sight & Sound 2018 Film Poll
Sight & Sound 2018 Essay Film Poll
Sight & Sound Greatest Films of All Time 2022 Poll
Stills











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© Scott Barley 2025. Sole copyright holder of all work featured herein (2010—present). All rights reserved.
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Filmography
In Production
Completed
2025
2020
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Unreleased
In Production
- Within Without Horizon
- The Flesh
- The Sea Behind Her Head
Completed
2025
2020
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Unreleased
Work with other filmmakers & artists
Completed
Unreleased
Completed
- Silent Friend
Ildikó Enyedi, 2025
production consultant
-
The Occupant of the Room
Kier-La Janisse, 2025
colourist & visual artist
-
Standing at the Ruins
Saeed Taji Farouky, TBA)
cinematographer & visual artist - To the Moon
Tadhg O’Sullivan, 2020
cinematographer, visual artist, musician - Wind
Emmit Fenn, 2019
directior, cinematographer, editor - The Sadness of the Trees 2015
- collaboration with Mikel Guillen
Unreleased
- ‘The Speed of Dark’
collaboration with Phil Solomon