Sunflower + Q&A

The heartfelt feature debut by writer-director Gabriel Carrubba dives into the complexities of coming out as a teenager in Melbourne's outer suburbs.

Seventeen-year-old Leo (Liam Mollica) grapples with his sexual identity as he navigates peer pressure and hormonal confusion. He finds solace in his friendship with Boof (Luke J. Morgan), but his feelings become even more entangled when he develops a crush on Tom (Daniel Halmarick), a friend of his younger brother. Elias Anton – who played queer teen Kol in Goran Stolevski's Melbourne-set Of An Age (2023) – brings a rough edge to Sunflower as Boof's big brother.

Carrubba's narrative draws deeply from personal experiences, confronting the harsh reality of homophobic violence, both physical and psychological, while also highlighting moments of tenderness and unexpected support. Leo's journey is further complicated by his uncertain relationship with his working-class parents, who find it difficult to grasp his struggles and fears about coming out.

Against the backdrop of Melbourne's suburbs, cinematographer Martine Wolff captures the hazy beauty of summer days, while Marlon Grunden's score adds depth to Carrubba's promising debut. Despite the challenges Leo faces, flashes of humour and teenage antics bring levity to this tale of self-discovery.

– Ella Cawthorn, Film Programs Coordinator

Join us in ACMI Cinemas after festival selections at Melbourne International Film Festival and Melbourne Queer Film Festival.

Crew Night

Before the screening, from 6pm, you can mingle, connect and talk film with fellow cinephiles, creatives and industry folks at the ACMI Cafe + Bar. Find out more about Crew Nights.