Short Film

To My Girls

Directed by Matthew Kaukiainen

AFIN 2022 Honorable Mention

  • 2022
  • 15m
  • Australia
  • English
Australian
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Stills

1 frame

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Credits

Cinematography

Synopsis

Emotionally distant sisters struggle to process the sudden death of their mother.

Director's Statement

Matthew Kaukiainen, filmmaker portrait provided to AFIN.

This is a story I've been longing to make for many years. One of the most unusual symptoms of grief is how it can just as easily tear loved ones apart as it can bring them together. This thin line grows even thinner when it comes from someone taking their own life. The confusion, guilt, and even anger felt by the people left behind can often fit together poorly, causing even more separation. I'm hoping, however, to showcase a story where a relationship can ultimately become stronger from this pain. Not by offering a solution, or by heroically overcoming the pain they're enduring, but simply by finding a sense of solitude with the person just as lost as you. I'm so thankful I got the opportunity to make this film, and couldn't be more excited to share it with you.

Also selected at

1 finalist placing across 1 other festival

  1. FinalistGold Coast Film Festival 2022Finalist · Gold Coast, Australia · 2022

Recorded by the filmmaker on their entry.

Director's Biography

Matthew Kaukiainen, filmmaker portrait provided to AFIN. Matthew Kaukiainen Director

Matthew Kaukiainen is a 23-year-old award-winning writer, director, and producer based in Sydney, Australia. He has a passion for character-driven, detail-oriented films. This approach to his work has seen his work being showcased in multiple festivals across 3 separate continents.

AFIN 2026

The festival opens in 4 days

Screening 1 at Dendy Cinemas Portside, Brisbane

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