Sunflower Girl, Short - 2023

Writer/Director/Producer for Narrative Short Film sponsored by Netflix

Currently in the festival circuit.
2023 | 14 min | USA | English, Cantonese | English Subtitles [CC]

When a 13-year-old Chinese-American girl has the opportunity to go skateboarding with her crush, it comes at the cost of abandoning her little sister.
Starring 
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja (AFTER YANG) 
Cairo Zion (AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR JR.)
Abigail Lopez, Daniel Girdo, Fanny Lawren
Written & Directed by Holly M. Kaplan
Produced by Seika Paradeis, Holly M. Kaplan
Executive Producer NALIP
Sponsored by Netflix

Director of Photography - Michael Cong
Editor - Hailey Choi
Production Design - Mischelle Moy
Composer - Kristine Bernabe
Sound Design - Delu Duan
Costumes - Dan Wang
Casting/Associate Producer - Sunny Chen
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja as Rosie
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja as Rosie
Cairo Zion as Skylar
Cairo Zion as Skylar

Cairo Zion with Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja - Photos: Luna Cristales

WINNER of PANO Network's Microgrant 2023

Festivals
*Oscar-Qualifying
1. Uppsala Short Film Festival - Sweden, 2023*
12. Sunrise Film Festival; Nominated: Best International Short - UK, 2024
14. Sidewalk Film Festival - USA, 2024
17. Odyssey Film Festival - UK, 2024
19. Hobnobben Film Festival - USA, 2024
20. Tacoma Film Festival; Nominated: Best Short Film - USA, 2024
23. Woodstock Film Festival; Nominated: Mark Braunstein Award for Best Short Narrative - USA, 2024*
28. Mirada Corta - Mexico, 2024
30. ZUBROFFKA International Short Film Festival - Poland, 2024​​​​​​​

Poster by Jee Kim

Reviews

"Transcends the boundaries of a coming-of-age narrative. It is a testament to the power of personal storytelling and cinematic craft." - (OVERLY HONEST REVIEWS)
"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." - (BATTLE ROYALE WITH CHEESE)
"With intimate hand-held camera work and nuanced performances from the lead actors, Kaplan tells an emotionally resonant coming-of-age story perfect for fans of The Florida Project. The film is vibrant and inventive, whilst always being entrenched in the world of a teenager." - (REBYS J HYNES; UK Reviewer)
"Despite the sorrowful undertones of the message, Kaplan manages to transmit through Sunflower Girl a very positive and upbeat message of hope. The narrative doesn’t dwell on the sadness, but rather on the adventure of finding your place in the world and discovering who you are, who you want to be. [..] one of the best you can watch when you are having a bad day." - (CUT TO THE TAKE)

"A very well directed debut from Holly M. Kaplan, complimented by Zhejian Michael Cong’s cinematography and Hailey Choi’s editing, and the use of the score from Kristine Bernabe is very soothing. To highlight from the performances, Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja really stands out in the lead role as Kui/Rosie, she has a captivating presence on screen." - (IRISHCINEPHILE)​​​​​​​

Sunflower Girl Review: Detailing a Shared Human Experience - CINEMACY
"‘Sunflower Girl’ Review: An Impressive Short Film About Teenage Emotions (4/5 Stars)" - FILM FUGITIVES
A Review of ‘Sunflower Girl’: An affecting tale of a blooming teen’s divided devotion - REVIEWRON
"Sunflower Girl - Review (Movie Score: 8/10)" - FILM THREAT
"Dos cortometrajes para conocer el Festival Internacional de Cine de la Provincia de Buenos Aires" - MAGAZINEMA
"Asian productions at the Buenos Aires Province International Film Festival" - XIAHPOP
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