Directed by Yu-Hsiu Camille Chen

In the midst of an Australian summer, we meet three sisters who must confront a turning point in their lives when their mother Susan (Nicola Bartlett) finds out that her breast cancer has returned. All the young women seem to be living under shadows. Nina (Nina Deasley) is widowed with two young children. Anna (Melanie Munt) is an aspiring actress, unhappily married to a filmmaker. Christine (Arielle Gray) is a studying medicine and trying to come to terms with her sexuality. As their ineffective father hovers on the periphery, they are all faced with the reality that this will be their last Christmas together and Susan tries to impart wisdom and encouragement to help her daughters define themselves.

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According to the Western Australian writer/director and producer Yu-Hsiu Camille Chen, “our lives are the sum of our decisions and there is always a determining event along the journey”. Little Sparrows is a story of three women’s journeys as they fight for individual freedom and independence. This visually beautiful film looks at the choices we face, with all the faults, responsibilities and passions, the desire we have for and change and “the chance to be someone truer and stronger”. Fortunately, “somehow, behind all the confusion, pain and unfinished business, there is hope and a spark of optimism”.

This debut film by is self-funded and has received rave reviews around the world before being screened here – the Perth premiere is on Thursday 5 May at Cinema Paradiso. Chen will introduce her film and answer questions after the screening at the special Talking Pictures event (with tickets at normal prices and available on www.lunapalace.com.au). There’s also a special fundraising screening for breast cancer on Friday 3 June and a Mother’s Day promotion which offers a free ticket when you take your mum to the film.

Lezly Herbert

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