Back to Portfolio
Sunflower

Sunflower

A psychological drama exploring identity and self-perception through visual storytelling.

About the Project

"Sunflower" is an intimate psychological drama that delves into the complex relationship between self-perception and identity. Through the story of a young protagonist confronting their own reflection, the film explores themes of inner conflict, acceptance, and the masks we wear in our daily lives.

Shot primarily in confined spaces with a focus on mirrors and reflective surfaces, the visual language of the film emphasizes the duality of human nature and the often distorted view we have of ourselves. The cinematography employs tight framing and a muted color palette to create a sense of isolation and introspection.

The project was conceived as a character study that challenges viewers to reflect on their own self-image and the gap between how we see ourselves and how others perceive us. Through minimal dialogue and expressive visual storytelling, "Sunflower" creates a powerful emotional experience that resonates on a deeply personal level.

Director's Statement

"With 'Sunflower,' I wanted to create a film that feels like looking into a mirror – uncomfortable, revealing, and ultimately transformative. The title references how sunflowers turn toward light, much like how we often turn toward external validation rather than finding worth within ourselves.

The bathroom setting serves as a private space where we're most vulnerable and honest with ourselves. It's where we prepare the face we show to the world and where we confront our unfiltered selves. The mirror becomes both a window and a barrier – reflecting truth but also creating distance from it.

Working with our lead actor was an intensely collaborative process that required tremendous vulnerability. Their willingness to explore the raw emotions of the character brought an authenticity to the performance that grounds the film's more abstract elements in genuine human experience.

My hope is that audiences will see something of themselves in this story and perhaps be inspired to look more compassionately at their own reflections."

Project Details

Year
2023
Duration
8 minutes
Format
Digital Cinema
Role
Director, Writer
Screenings
Mumbai Independent Film Festival, Online Premiere

Credits

Director
Karan Karania
Writer
Karan Karania
Cinematography
Shreesh Sharma
Lead Actor
Arjun Mehta
Sound Design
Priya Desai

Watch the Film

Behind the Scenes

Behind the scenes - Sunflower
Behind the scenes - Sunflower 1
Behind the scenes - Sunflower 2
Behind the scenes - Sunflower 3
Behind the scenes - Sunflower 4
Behind the scenes - Sunflower 5
Built with v0