Sunstrokes
Los Angeles County | 2023 - 2025 | 75’ & 28’
By integrating documentary techniques with fictional narratives, the film explores the social interactions of its characters as they navigate their relationships and daily lives. They reenact stereotypes to redefine the identities of others while struggling to formulate their own positions in society.
Her friend Lili (Ava Hase), who is struggling with depression, reminisces about a time when she lived only in her dreams—a place where she felt limitless and untouched by external expectations.
Then there is Kevin (Jonathan Maguire), who has never been intimate with anyone, and Theo (Marco Martinez), who is tired of waiting for a relationship. In response, Theo’s friend Jiselle (Aria Patterson) suggests that he stop waiting and instead channel his affection toward his family.
Rahdeera
Lilly
Ava Hase
Kevin
Jonathan Maguire
Theo
Marco Martinez
Jiselle
Aria Patterson
Sanam
Anushka Shah
Sylvie
Olivia Idera
Tristan
Martin Duenes
Charly
Logan Fenner
Blair
Kennedy Franz
Sam
Simone Liu
Tobi
Oscar Madrid
Gabe Noah
Ronnie
Elvina Roberts
additional Camera
Danni Ma
Unit Production Manager
Xiangwu Xie
music by
Lene Talgø & Johannes Warnke
picture-posptroduction
PLANEMO
Marcin Malaszczak
color grading
Abdul Twebti
sound mixing
Jochen Jezussek
supported by
Student Union, CalArts
produced by
Berlin University of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts
directed by
Julian Rabus