SUNFLOWER NICKY, 19min,. USA
Directed by Clifton J. Adams
Eight year old Nicolas dreams of owning a Nikki doll, but when his dream becomes a reality it sends a shift through his home as his parents grapple with their beliefs of how their young son should express himself.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
This film started as a "coming of age" writing prompt for a competition I was planning on submitting to in early 2019. At that time there was a lot of vitriolic debate regarding a particular Oscar host situation. A lot of the debate centered around how young Black boys and Black girls (or just children in general) should express themselves in accordance to the binary society around them. And how emotional, mental and even physical abuse is seen as an appropriate way to adjust your child's behavior should they choose to express themselves outside of that. A debate that consistently happens today and that has happened time and time again even before 2019. It is my opinion, that this control of expression is one of a child's first experiences with trauma. And how this kind of trauma deeply impacts their growth and how they view and interact with themselves and others in the world around them. I wanted to show the importance of allowing a child, especially a Black child, to be free to fully be themselves because as Black fol(x) we often don't have that freedom. Gender norms are destructive and placing them and sexuality on various hobbies, items and colors is a parasite on the human experience.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
About 3 years. I didn't win that competition that prompted me to first write the film. But, about a month later, I shared the script with two of my besties; Victoria Villarreal (Sr. Executive Producer) & Caleb Miller White (Creative Producer: Artistic Integrity) who both powered the idea that this film should be created. From there I shared the idea with some more of my good friends: Charmee Taylor (Creative Producer: Social Media & Marketing), Britney Campbell (Costume Designer) & Vaneh Assadourian (1st AD) who all jumped on board. Vaneh introduced me to Monica Mejia (Cinematographer) and we just hit it off. It's a wonderful feeling when director and cinematographer align magically on the vision of the story. From there my pals Manny Zaldivar (Editor/Sound Design) & Mike Gill (Sound OP) hopped on the project. My other bestie Andrew C. Carson (Producer) joined and also created our original song Sunflower. We really built a family with this project from the crew to the amazing cast. I feel like that type of environment was needed to effectively tell this story.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Colorful Freedom

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Money!! Which may be a generic obstacle but it truly is the highest necessity needed when creating a film. And, it's not always the easiest to come by. I do believe that any group of talented collaborative artists can create magic with little to nothing, but money can make things a little easier. I would like to say that we were blessed with some amazing donors during the process of creating our film. The organization I work for, Los Angeles Black Worker Center, sponsored our film and helped us maintain a Covid-free set. Also my good friend, Alvin E. Ford, Jr. (Associate Producer) and his husband Jerome Hunt were major contributors to the film as well.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I cried!! I didn't really know what to say really. It was beautiful to see that people not only enjoyed the film but that the message was clear and understood.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I've always loved movies from when I was a kid. My artistic background is mainly in acting, but I've always wanted to be in movies. It wasn't until 2017 that I wrote my first screenplay. The lingering thought has always been there and I have been a producer on a short film before, but this was the first film where I decided to take the leap and I definitely caught the filmmaking bug for sure.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Probably....Bring It On or Scream (the first one). I think they're pretty even.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
This is my first festival experience, so right now I think y'all are doing great!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
Really great. Especially when you're a Gold Member. The prices get wayyy cheaper haha

10. What is your favorite meal?
It's about to be fall/winter so I can't take my mind off of my Granny's gumbo.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
First and foremost, supporting all artists on the current strike. And within appropriate barriers creating as much art as I can. With this film, I'm able to fully launch my budding independent production company Eye of Ra Productions (not affiliated with AMPTP). I've actually been polishing a hometown Queer series (10 episode, half-hour dramedy) loosely based off of my life and a Queer experimental thriller feature. Both I'm hoping to put on camera in the near future depending. And helping and collaborating with my friends on their films. I'll also be returning to A Noise Within! Theater in Pasadena, CA for A Christmas Carol, so you can see me on stage there!