Summer is reluctant to finish her late father’s final roll of film until she finds a surprisingly captivating subject: her school’s soccer star Yeonwoo. When she develops her prints, she is puzzled to find lovingly framed photographs of a strange man. On her quest to unravel the mystery of her father’s friend and her own attraction to Yeonwoo, Summer receives help from an unexpected mentor. First-time director Divine Sung realizes her vision through beautiful cinematography, empathetic character development, and the universal experience of first queer love. The film successfully grounds itself in Summer’s unique perspective as she navigates the joy of her sapphic awakening and the grief of confronting a family secret. Summer’s Camera avoids the tired tropes of many queer narratives to provide a wholly delicious slice of life that balances the humorous and the bittersweet. This delightfully tender story of first love and loss will resonate for audiences young and old alike.
—Megan Garbayo-López (Seattle International Film Festival)
