Program Note
Mildred is a ‘bookworm’ girl who prefers the stories in books over spending time with her peers. One day, her mother suddenly falls into a coma due to an unexpected accident, and Mildred, having lost her only guardian, meets her biological father Strawn for the first time. Once a successful magician, Strawn is now living a ruined life, past his prime. When he suddenly appears and starts acting like a father, Mildred feels deeply uncomfortable. However, when Strawn proposes they film a rare wild leopard to win a prize, the two embark on a journey together. Amidst the constant commotion and conflict, the father and daughter slowly begin to understand each other and open their hearts. Bookworm deviates from the clichéd, formulaic narrative of father-daughter reconciliation, and instead delivers a warm emotional core through quirky humor and a unique storyline. Set against the vast natural landscapes of New Zealand, this special father-daughter ‘buddy movie’ is a refreshing treat for audiences tired of conventional family films. (Kani KIM)