Having its world premiere at this year’s BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, Summer’s Camera is the feature directorial debut of Divine Sung, a South Korean filmmaker. The film depicts a wonderful and subtle exploration of youth and love. It also captures the theme of self-discovery while painting a portrait of a high school student, Summer (Kim Si-a: Sweet Home, The Silent Sea), who, after losing her father, discovers not just the nuances of her own heart but also her father’s hidden past. Kim Si-a’s remarkable performance makes this quiet yet powerful story stronger, making the film a stunning piece of storytelling.

At the heart of the film is Summer’s relationship with her father’s old Nikon film camera, symbolising memory and mystery. Summer, grieving her father’s death, finds a love story that surprises her, all captured on film. The quiet beauty of this shift from grief to acceptance is shown through the film’s slow pacing, which reflects Summer’s growing emotions as she discovers her first love with Yeonwoo, a charismatic soccer star.

Summer’s Camera’s slow pace also helps build the emotional tension between the two girls, focusing on the quiet intimacy of first love rather than rushing to sexualise Summer’s feelings. It stays grounded in the struggles of identity and the purity of love.

The film deepens when Summer develops the photos from her father’s camera and uncovers unexpected images of another man – her father’s lover, Maru. This discovery forces Summer to confront the hidden aspects of her father’s life, revealing a side of him she never knew. As she learns more about who her father truly was, she also begins her journey of self-discovery.

In a society like South Korea, where LGBTQIA+ individuals often face alienation, discrimination, and fear of dishonour from their families, the film’s treatment of Summer’s exploration of her sexuality is both refreshing and significant. It portrays her emotions without sensationalising her desires, focusing instead on the subtle, powerful feeling of love and connection. This is particularly important in a cultural context where LGBTQIA+ themes are often taboo or overlooked. Summer’s Camera presents these issues with a sense of grace and dignity, showing the universal and timeless nature of love.

Kim Si-a’s portrayal of Summer is extraordinary. At just 15 (during the filming), Si-a brings vulnerability to the role that grounds the entire film. Having started her career as a child actress, Si-a is no stranger to complex roles, but Summer’s Camera challenges her to explore the emotions of a teenager grappling with grief, love as well as identity. She handles this with maturity, balancing the subtle moments of vulnerability with the strength required to cope with her growth. Her ability to convey the internal struggle of a young woman discovering her sexuality without overplaying it is a true reflection of her skill as an actress.

The supporting cast is strong, and the film’s technical elements, including the beautiful camera work, editing, and sound design, all contribute to the story. The choice of punk rock songs at the film’s beginning and end brings a youthful energy that contrasts beautifully with the emotional journey of the characters, emphasising the restless and short-lived spirit of youth.

I truly appreciate the fact that Summer’s Camera approaches LGBTQIA+ themes with sensitivity and respect. The film never sensationalises Summer’s journey, nor does it overemphasise her struggles. Instead, it focuses on the purity of love and the gradual self-acceptance that comes with it. This approach is not just refreshing – it’s necessary, especially in a society where LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility remain a sensitive and often contentious issue. In Summer’s Camera, Divine Sung delivers a film that connects with universal emotions, offering a sincere portrayal of first love and the courage to be true to oneself.

Rating:

Written by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to film, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. While we already offer rich content to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by exploring Asian music in greater depth. At the same time, we remain committed to present the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that shape these industries worldwide.}