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
WINNER of PANO Network's Microgrant 2023
Festivals
*Oscar-Qualifying
1. Uppsala Short Film Festival - Sweden, 2023*
2. Vancouver Asian Film Festival - Canada, 2023
3. Chicago International Children's Film Festival - USA, 2023*
4. MINT Chinese Film Festival - UK, 2024
5. DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon - USA, 2024
6. REGARD - Saguenay International Short Film Festival - Canada, 2024*
7. Reel 2 Real International Film Festival for Youth - Canada, 2024
8. Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth - India, 2024
9. Big Eyes, Big Minds - Singapore International Children's Film Festival - Singapore, 2024
10. KINOLUB International Film Festival for Children and Youth - Poland, 2024
11. Oakville Festivals of Film and Art - Canada, 2024
12. Sunrise Film Festival; Nominated: Best International Short - UK, 2024
13. Asian American International Film Festival - USA, 2024
14. Sidewalk Film Festival - USA, 2024
15. FICPBA - International Film Festival of The Province of Buenos Aires - Argentina, 2024
16. Seoul International Children's Film Festival - South Korea, 2024
17. Odyssey Film Festival - UK, 2024
18. Cinemira Film Festival for Children & Youth - Hungary, 2024
19. Hobnobben Film Festival - USA, 2024
20. Tacoma Film Festival; Nominated: Best Short Film - USA, 2024
21. Buffalo International Film Festival - USA, 2024
22. Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest - USA, 2024
23. Woodstock Film Festival; Nominated: Mark Braunstein Award for Best Short Narrative - USA, 2024*
24. Reel Sisters of The Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series - USA, 2024*
25. Hof International Film Festival - Germany, 2024
26. Galway Film Fleadh: Generation Fleadh - Ireland, 2024*
27. CineMagic Film Festival - UK, 2024
28. Mirada Corta - Mexico, 2024
29. Boston International Kids Film Festival - USA, 2024
30. ZUBROFFKA International Short Film Festival - Poland, 2024
31. Anchorage International Film Festival - USA, 2024
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)
"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: An Impressive Short Film About Teenage Emotions (4/5 Stars)" - FILM FUGITIVES
"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
"Mint Chinese Film Festival: Competition 1. Food for the mind" - CUT TO THE TAKE