Holly Mai-kin Kaplan
李美娟
Holly M. Kaplan is a second-generation Chinese-American filmmaker born and raised in New York City. Driven by ties to her mixed Cantonese heritage, her work explores narratives focused on diversity, the Asian diaspora, and femme perspectives.
In 2022, Holly was chosen for NALIP and Netflix's “Latino Lens: Narrative Short Incubator for Women of Color” to write, direct, and produce SUNFLOWER GIRL. The film premiered at the Uppsala International Film Festival and currently holds over 40 selections. It was nominated for "Best Short Narrative" at the Woodstock Film Festival and won the "Prix du Public" (Audience Award) at Ciné Junior, France's largest youth film festival.
Holly has served as a Co-Executive Producer/Director's Assistant on PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: ORIGINAL SIN (HBO/Max) and was a former apprentice to the late Independent Producer/Director Ben Barenholtz. She received her BA in Film & Media Arts from American University and completed a filmmaking program at (FAMU) Academy of Performing Arts in Prague; she is also an alumnus of LaGuardia Arts High School.
Holly continues to direct short-form content and music videos that reflect her commitment to authentic storytelling and representation. She is currently developing the feature-length script of SUNFLOWER GIRL with Stowe Story Labs.
PRESS
Photo Credit: Janira Natalie Hernandez
HOLLY M KAPLAN © | 2025