In the film industry, there is an adage that is referenced time and time again: “Write what you know”. This is all but guaranteed to generate a story that is compelling and unique to a filmmaker’s individual perspective. Director Mateusz Balcerek takes this guidance to heart in his short film Sunflower (Słonecznik). Inspired by the true story of the director’s grandmother, Danuta Górecka, Balcerek’s short film is a moving portrait of survival against all odds. 

A Child Trapped in the Violence of War

Sunflower tells the harrowing story of perseverance despite atrocity. The protagonist is a young girl named Danuta, who lives with her family in a war-torn country. It’s the height of the conflict and avoiding harm’s way has become her daily routine. To create some sense of normalcy, Danuta’s grandfather encourages the family to play a game of “hide and seek” whenever soldiers from the opposition invade their home. Without the soldiers present, Danuta engages in activities that any normal young girl enjoys, specifically coloring pictures of sunflowers with the crayons her grandfather gave her. 

Watch the Sunflower trailer here.

One night, soldiers make an unexpected appearance at the family’s residence and it turns catastrophic. Panicked, Danuta’s grandfather urgently tells her to begin the game of hide and seek. This time, their game is a matter of life and death. Danuta hides under the bed, out of sight of the soldiers. Her grandfather, however, isn’t so lucky. Shots ring out and Danuta sees her grandfather fall to the floor. 

A Drama Based on Horrific True Events

For as traumatic as this story is, filmmaker Mateusz Balcerek’s approach to telling it is undeniably beautiful. Special attention should be paid to the lighting, where a single table lamp is a literal and figurative symbol of illumination and hope. The young actress who plays Danuta radiates brightness and innocence. Despite experiencing tragedy at such a young age, her outlook on life is inspirational. Danuta is the embodiment of a literal sunflower, which is a recurring image throughout the film’s 16-minute runtime. The sunflower reminds her of happier times, connecting her with her lost loved ones. Danuta’s memories are the only thing the soldiers can’t take from her.

Takeaway

Sunflower serves as a symbol of survival. Having qualified for the 2025 Academy Awards, Sunflower marks a monumental achievement for director Mateusz Balcerek, who wears his heart on his sleeve with this film. “This year marks the 80th anniversary of a pivotal event that profoundly influenced my family, particularly the life of my grandmother – Danuta Gorecka. Her vivid recollections of hiding under her bed as a 4-year-old child, paralyzed by fear, while three bullets claimed her grandfather’s life, continually echo in my mind.”