RTA Media Production students make their mark at the Vancouver Short Film Festival
The world of short films is set to be transformed by an extraordinary creation from the minds of talented RTA Media Production students, whose short film was recently accepted into the Vancouver Short Film Festival. Directed by students Kathleen Burgess and produced by Olivia Solo, Dandelion Green is a captivating short film that explores the transformative power of friendship and the complex emotions experienced by youth on the cusp of adulthood. Their thesis short film delves into the lives of foster care teenagers Kay and Olivia and their synchronistic bond sparked into existence. The film will premiere in person at the VSFF (external link) on June 3rd and online from June 2 to 11.
Behind the scenes of Dandelion Green. Photo courtesy of Ayanna Allen
The origin around Dandelion Green: from lived experience to the big screen
The idea for Dandelion Green arose from the acclaimed queer coming-of-age film Princess Cyd, which ignited writer and fellow RTA Media Production student Maria Barr's imagination. Recognizing the scarcity of representation of foster kids in the media, the executive team explored the experiences of foster teens living in Toronto. Burgess and Barr conducted interviews with former foster kids and current foster parents to ensure the authenticity of their narrative, resulting in a story that resonates with emotional depth and truth.
Burgess and Barr explained how their lived experience coming into their queer selves, with relationships that often fell between platonic and romantic, also had a profound impact on the direction of the film.
"We wanted to show this beautiful gray space we believe is unique to queer love in the film,” said Burgess. “In the burst of relatability from these long conversations in the depths of a Covid lockdown, we knew we wanted the film to center Kay and Olivia's electric friendship as the driving force of the story."
The executive team of Dandelion Green, from left to right, top row: Samantha McNulty (Audio Lead), Olivia Solo (Producer), Abigail Chevalier (Production Designer). Bottom row: Maria Barr (writer), Daniela Lasso-Neufeldt (Director of Photography), Kathleen Burgess (Director). Photo courtesy of Ayanna Allen
At the intersection of passion and community
Burgess and Solo reflected on the experience, emphasizing the sense of fulfillment derived from working on a project that melds artistic vision and collaboration.
"Completing the film helped me realize how much I enjoy the process of weaving everyone's vision together from page to screen,” said Burgess. “This film will always hold a special place in my heart as my directing debut that helped me start to discover my creative style and voice as a queer artist.”
An actor in Dandelion Green lying in the grass holds a dandelion for a scene. Photo courtesy of Ayanna Allen
A makeup artist and hair stylist puts the finishing touches on an actor before shooting. Photo courtesy of Ayanna Allen
The RTA Media Production program played a crucial role in shaping the team's abilities and providing a supportive community.
“Our RTA classmates, friends, and connections were crucial in taking this film from a mere concept to what has become a defining career moment for all of us," expressed Solo. “So many students and community members came out to help us with this film, most for no money and some not even for creative practice hours. Their desire to support came from their love of filmmaking and love for the RTA community.”
As the film prepares to make its mark on the Vancouver Short Film Festival, Burgess opened up about the hopeful impact of their creation on viewers.
“When Maria and I started developing this film, I was just starting to step into my queer identity during the pandemic. It was scary to have all these feelings bubbling up alone in my room, without a community to connect to in person,” Burgess said. “The creation of the film sparked the start of a loving community for me, and I hope that other queer and trans folks who are experiencing isolation or fear will gain that same spark of hope after watching the film.”
Interested in learning more about Dandelion Green? Grab tickets for the virtual premier (external link) starting June 2, 2023 and follow their Instagram page (external link) for more information!
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