My First Summer

16 year old Claudia has lived a secluded life with her writer mother in rural Australia. When her mother dies, Claudia is bereft. She is discovered by Grace, a young local woman who cycles into her life on a red bike, dressed in a pink fairy skirt. Grace initiates the fragile and timid Claudia into new experiences and into the wider world she has previously only heard bad things about. She introduces her particularly to strawberry milk, but many other mysteries and delights.

It's an interesting scenario that develops, with beautifully scripted interactions between the girls.

The rustic setting is gorgeously portrayed, as are the innocent and lovely girls. (DOP Matthew Chuang) Gentle melodic songs mingle with magpie and chicken noises to sweeten the rich psychological drama.

Maiah Stewardson plays Grace, Claudia's mentor and saviour. Claudia is played by Markella Kavenagh (Lord of Rings tv serial).

This is a wonderful story, beautifully told. A highlight of the Adelaide Film Festival.