SHORT STUFF EXCLUSIVE: Watch the trailer for ‘The Fruits They Burnt That Summer’, a short exploring the nuance of childhood assault

By Natalia Albin Legorreta

Premiering at London International Film Festival later this year, The Fruits They Burnt That Summer is a a story unpacking the lasting effects of child sexual assault in a British-Chinese household.

The short focuses on two estranged siblings, Sydney and Alex, reuniting at their grandfather’s funeral and coming to terms with his abuse. It aims to shine a light on the struggles of dealing with trauma when growing up in a multi-cultural household.

The Fruits They Burnt That Summer is written and directed by Megan Teo, a Singaporean writer-producer whose work aims to surpass genre and convention. Their script was a finalist at The Golden Script Competition in 20204.

“It's been 4 years in the making now and what started as an experience I felt so lonely in became a space so many people came out to share with me. It's never easy to talk about abuse, but I wanted this film to be about the survivors and the living that comes after,” Teo tells Short Stuff. “I think particularly in Asian households, we're scared that talking about it will rip us apart. My hope with this film is to highlight that being there for each other and giving space to grieve can actually bring us closer together. Silence doesn't have to be our default.”

Watch the trailer below.

The Fruits They Burnt That Summer is produced by Jazelle Cheong and stars Marian Lee and Jackie Lam. Its premiere is set for the  12th April and tickets are available here.