Sunflower Girl: Review. By Callum Ward.

Following on from watching Sister Wives last week, I once again had the opportunity to watch one of the most exciting short films on the festival trail this year in the form of Holly M. Kaplan’s ‘Sunflower Girl’.

The film follows a 13-year-old Chinese-American girl, Rosie, who stops by her mom’s dry-cleaners and is asked to deliver her sister Amy’s forgotten lunchbox. At school, she runs into her crush Skylar and his wild friend Cooper. As she gets pulled into their skate crew, Rosie must decide between family responsibilities and her new friends.

This synopsis for the film didn’t initially grab me and I went into it slightly unsure of what to expect from it, but what ensues is a beautifully nostalgic and melancholic tale of managing adolescent love and family responsibility. Kaplan perfectly encapsulates those fleeting moments of freedom and excitement that come from a first crush and juxtaposes them brilliantly with subtle undertones of what life is like for Chinese-Americans in the US, inspired by her own experience of growing up in New York.

The performances of the main cast are all strong, in particular from the up-and-coming Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja as Rosie. She excellently portrays the underlying emotions of a character traversing a world in which she doesn’t entirely know where she belongs and how she fits in, as well as perfectly conveying the innocence and nervousness of a budding youthful romance with Cairo Zion’s Skyler. Complimenting Tjandrawidjaja’s performance extremely well was the beautiful camera work, with the handheld shots resulting in a raw and intimate feel that perfectly fits the journey that the character is experiencing.

Speaking of camera work, one of the most impressive aspects of the film is the truly incredible cinematography throughout. Kaplan and cinematographer, Michael Cong, craft a hazy, retro and colourful NYC backdrop for the story all shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio that expertly evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth in the audience – tying in perfectly with the hopeful ending to the tale to make for a wonderful viewing experience.

In conclusion, Sunflower Girl is a standout short film on the festival circuit this year, blending youthful innocence with deeper cultural reflections. Holly M. Kaplan crafts a heartfelt, visually stunning exploration of adolescence, first love and identity. With strong performances, especially from Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, and striking cinematography, this film leaves a lasting impression, offering a beautiful and nostalgic viewing experience. A must-watch for anyone seeking a thoughtful, emotional journey on screen.

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