MOVIE REVIEW
Sunflower Girl
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Genre: Drama, Family, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 13m
Director(s): Holly M. Kaplan
Writer(s): Holly M. Kaplan
Cast: Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja, Cairo Zion, Fanny Lawren, Daniel Girdo, Abigail Lopez
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Woodstock Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: SUNFLOWER GIRL doesn't just showcase New York City; it uses its streets and quiet corners as a canvas for Rosie’s (Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja) coming-of-age story. At thirteen, Rosie navigates the intersections of youth and skateboarding through the complexities of identity and belonging. Holly M. Kaplan's direction and the rich textures of urban life frame a narrative as vibrant as the city itself, offering an earnest depiction of adolescence punctuated by the clash and blend of cultural influences in just 13 minutes!

In SUNFLOWER GIRL, young Rosie's journey poignantly explores the struggles and joys that define coming of age in a multicultural setting. The film opens with Rosie renouncing her given name, Kui, in a bid for self-identity, engaging in the quintessential teen conflict of personal desire versus cultural expectation. Her skateboarding adventures through New York City mark her physical journey and her internal quest for self-definition amid two colliding cultures.

Kaplan infuses the screenplay with touches from her Chinese-American background, presenting a narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced the challenge of balancing the preservation of one’s cultural roots with the desire to assimilate into a new environment. The city, captured through Michael Cong’s cinematography, acts not merely as a backdrop but as a living, breathing entity that complements Rosie’s story. The choice of a 4:3 aspect ratio intensifies the focus on Rosie, framing her moments of joy, doubt, and resolution intimately and immediately.

Kristine Bernabe's score beautifully accentuates the emotional landscape of SUNFLOWER GIRL. Its reflective tones weave through the narrative, enhancing moments of introspection and highlighting the film's themes of identity and belonging without overpowering the scenes.

Central to the film’s core is Tjandrawidjaja’s portrayal of Rosie. Her performance captures the nuanced turmoil of adolescence with a depth that transcends the screen, supported by Cairo Zion’s Skylar, who represents new beginnings and the innocence of first love. Together, they bring a tender yet poignant dimension to the film, enriching Rosie’s journey toward self-discovery.

Kaplan handles the culmination of Rosie’s story with subtlety. Rather than grand gestures, the quiet acknowledgment of Rosie’s dual heritage and aspirations shapes her path forward. This resolution reinforces the film’s message about identity construction—crafted not from external expectations but from the inner strength of choosing one’s way.

Editor Hailey Choi plays a pivotal role in ensuseamlessly ringing the film’s pacing and emotional rhythm flow so that editing is precise, facilitating a narrative progression that keeps the audience engaged through natural transitions and a keen focus on maintaining the integrity of the emotional stakes.

SUNFLOWER GIRL transcends the boundaries of a coming-of-age narrative. It is a testament to the power of personal storytelling and cinematic craft, inviting viewers from all backgrounds to reflect on their own experiences of growing up and finding their place in the world. Kaplan’s film is not just a story about a young girl in New York; it’s a universal dialogue on identity, growth, and the courage to be oneself.

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[photo courtesy of SUNFLOWER GIRL LLC, COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINE FILMS]

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