“There are so many young women out there, sleepless with worry, searching for a film that brings them joy, comfort, and most of all, hope.”
16-year-old Claudia has grown up in isolation from the outside world. Stranded on a remote property after her mother's death, she is shocked when Grace, a spirited local teen, appears in the garden like a mirage, a breath of fresh, sugary air. The pair find in each other the support, love and intimacy they need, and teach each other the restorative power of human connection. But their idyllic peace is a fragile one as the adult world closes in and threatens their secret summer love. Headlining some of Australia’s brightest young talent, Markella Kavenaugh (Romper Stomper) and Adelaide’s own Maiah Stewardson (Windmill, STC, Patch), My First Summer takes girls seriously and sensitively.
Markella was recently announced as a lead in the new Amazon Prime series 'The Lord of the Rings'. She made her screen debut in the Australian series 'Romper Stomper' opposite David Wenham. She then went on to the 2018 miniseries 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', alongside Natalie Dormer. Markella also starred in 'The Cry' for the BBC, opposite Jenna Coleman.
Maiah's screen debut was in the widely acclaimed feature 'Girl Asleep' (Berlin Film Festival), followed by the ABC series 'The InBESTigators'. Her theatre work includes 'A View from a Bridge' for the State Theatre Company of South Australia, 'Emily Loves to Bounce' for Patch Theatre Company and 'Amphibian' for Windmill Theatre Company.