I got the opportunity to speak with the director Mateusz Balcerek and producer Pinar Binay about their live action short film “Sunflower,” which is now in the competition for an Oscar nomination. Learn more about the film by visiting https://soundsbetter.co/sunflower-short, and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflower_themovie/. The film is a personal one, as it is based on the life of the director’s grandmother. The story is told from the perspective of a young girl, Danuta (Martyn Zozula), and follows the journey of her and her family as they struggle to survive in their homeland during World War II. It is a beautiful short film, and is a proof of concept for the feature film they are developing.
Director Mateusz Balcerek, a Forbes 30 Under 30 lister, is known for blending deeply personal stories with universal themes. As the Founder of Sounds Better Productions, with offices in London, Warsaw, and LA, he leads the company in producing premium content across scripted series, feature films, and unscripted shows. Balcerek’s previous work includes the Spectrum TV documentary “Cerro Gordo” (2020), along with professional experience at Norman Lear’s Act III Productions and Bob Shaye’s Unique Features. In “Sunflower”, he brings his family’s history to life, creating a cinematic experience that resonates deeply with both the heart and the conscience.
Pinar Binay, originally from a small town in Western Turkey, is a Los Angeles-based creative producer. A Film Independent Project Involve fellow on the producing track and a graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts with triple minors, she produces a wide range of content from short films to TV series. Pinar’s work has been showcased at prestigious festivals worldwide, including HollyShorts, the Tokyo International Film Festival, and RiverRun. Drawing from her diverse background, Pinar aspires to find the most authentic stories in innovatively told histories.
Can you talk about the inspiration for this project?
Mateusz Balcerek (MB): “Sunflower” is incredibly personal—it’s inspired by my grandmother’s life story from 1944. Growing up, her memories of that time were a constant presence, told with this mix of quiet resilience and grace that always stayed with me. She’s been a source of strength in my life, and with this year marking the 80th anniversary of those events, it felt like the right moment to honor her legacy.
Through this film, I wanted to capture not just her story, but the universal strength of those who endure unimaginable hardships and still find a way to hold on to hope. It’s my way of reminding younger audiences that no matter how daunting life may seem, courage and love can see us through.
What was your interest in working on this project?
Pinar Binay (PB): Historical fiction has always captivated me, and I love working with child actors to bring a fresh, authentic perspective to storytelling. What truly drew me to “Sunflower,” though, was the depth of the narrative—it’s a multi-layered story with universal themes that speak to audiences worldwide. Having collaborated with Mateusz before, I knew his artistic vision and commitment to authentic storytelling would elevate this story beautifully.
Can you talk about the choice to add illustration and stop-motion in the film, and why that was symbolic?
We wanted to capture the world through a child’s eyes, filled with color and imagination, even amidst the darker historical context. Danuta, our main character and inspired by Mateusz’s grandmother, embodies resilience and optimism, so we wanted the film’s visual style to reflect her spirit. Incorporating illustrations and stop-motion helped us layer in a sense of hope and magic. Mateusz has always been passionate about animation, and with the expertise of stop-motion artist Olivia Valdez, we brought this unique perspective to life, shooting those sequences in Los Angeles.
Is this a proof of concept for a feature? If so, where will the feature take us?
Yes, “Sunflower” serves as a proof of concept for a feature-length film that will delve deeper into Danuta’s journey. The feature will follow her quest for a new home, blending fantasy, musical elements, and a whimsical tone that amplifies the child-like wonder and resilience we hinted at in the short. It will be a period drama with an added layer of magical realism, creating an immersive and hopeful experience.
What do you hope people see in your film?
Our hope is that “Sunflower” serves as a source of resilience and hope. Although the story is set 80 years ago, the themes are sadly relevant today, echoing struggles people still face around the world. We want “Sunflower” to resonate as a universal message of strength, showing that even in difficult times, there’s light and hope to be found.
Additional thoughts?
We encourage everyone to keep following our journey with Sunflower on our social media accounts.
