In the world of independent cinema, few projects have captured the imagination—and stirred the soul—quite like Growing Daisies, a bold and psychologically daring short film from rising creative duo Arielle Raycene (Bupkis) and Alessandra Williams (Spencer Confidential). With their newly launched banner, Daisyland Productions, the pair is not just making films; they’re redefining the landscape of experimental storytelling with audacity, precision, and a flair for emotional complexity.
Their latest offering, Growing Daisies, is as much a cinematic experience as it is a psychological deep-dive—a swirling, sensual, and unsettling portrait of a woman consumed by desire and obsession. The film, already a critical darling, has swept awards across the international festival circuit: Best Short Film and Best Editing at the Berlin Indie Film Festival; the coveted Grand Jury Prize at Indie X; Best Female Director for Williams and Best Actress for Raycene; not to mention Best Experimental Film and an Honourable Mention at the New York Independent Film Festival. And with more festivals on the horizon in 2025, the Daisyland momentum shows no signs of slowing.
So, what makes Growing Daisies so arresting?
A Collaboration Sparked by Creative Instinct
Growing Daisies was born from a shared drive to create something intimate and unflinchingly raw. Raycene and Williams approached the script with urgency and intensity, drawn to a lead character so magnetic and destructive that she risked destabilising the entire creative process. Set in New York, the cityscape becomes more than a backdrop—it mirrors the internal chaos of its protagonist, offering a surreal, immersive view into her unraveling psyche.
Stylistically Bold and Emotionally Grounded
The film leans heavily on experimental techniques, including long takes, unsettling imagery, and deliberate pacing that leaves room for discomfort. The visual language is provocative yet grounded, designed to amplify the emotional experience rather than distract from it. The film navigates sexuality and emotional vulnerability with care, portraying complex relationships that are both beautiful and frightening. The balance lies in portraying Daisy’s humanity, inviting the audience not only to observe but also to feel her impulses and turmoil.
An Artistic Partnership Defined by Trust and Vulnerability
The synergy between Raycene and Williams is central to the film’s impact. Raycene brings a background in theatre and comedy that adds visceral layers to her performance, while Williams, with a foundation in visual arts, brings an exacting eye to each frame. Their creative process is marked by a willingness to explore uncomfortable themes, breaking away from convention with a shared sense of fearlessness.
From Performance to Directorial Vision
Williams’ transition from actor to director allowed her to bring a nuanced understanding of performance to her work behind the camera. Her experience on set informed her directorial approach, enabling her to shape scenes with empathy and precision. Her recognition as Best Female Director marked a pivotal moment in her artistic journey, validating the risk and vulnerability poured into the project.
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13 February 2025
A Standout Performance Anchored in Raw Emotion
Raycene’s portrayal of Daisy is deeply committed and layered, earning her a Best Actress award. Her process required her to strip away control and access primal emotions that rarely surface. Her performance was shaped within a supportive environment fostered by Williams, where artistic risk-taking felt safe and necessary. The result is a character that lingers long after the credits roll.
The Chaos and Liberation of Indie Filmmaking
Though both creators have experience in large-scale productions, independent filmmaking offered them unmatched creative freedom. The process was often chaotic, with the duo shouldering multiple roles, but that chaos also bred innovation. Their work drew inspiration from the spontaneity and passion of French New Wave cinema, even as they look forward to tackling future projects with larger budgets and better infrastructure.
Confronting the Raw Edges of Human Experience
At its core, Growing Daisies tackles themes of sexual obsession, blurred perception, and the complexities of female psychology. It offers no easy answers, but instead creates space for reflection and resonance. The film serves as a mirror to the hidden parts of ourselves—the ones that question, desire, and unravel behind curated façades.
A Glimpse at What’s Next
Building on the success of Growing Daisies, Raycene and Williams are preparing to embark on their next film. This literary adaptation will feature Raycene in the lead, with Williams once again taking the director’s chair. This new project will explore fresh narrative territory while continuing their signature exploration of intimacy, chaos, and emotional complexity.
With Growing Daisies, Daisyland Productions has laid the groundwork for a compelling cinematic voice. What comes next is poised to be even more daring, beautiful, and unforgettable.