A chat with Madelynn De La Rosa, a filmmaker, content creator, and ceramicist

Tulips, Tsai Ming-Liang and the beauty of life

Feb 13, 2024

Welcome to a brand-new series in which I have a chat with filmmakers and florists of various kinds. It should go without saying that I love movies and flowers, thus making me curious about their favorite movies, their watch list, and their relationship to flowers.

Follow Madelynn
Instagram ✿ Youtube ✿ Maddie Cakes Ceramics

I stumbled into Madelynn's YouTube channel years ago and subscribed instantly after watching her makeup tutorial of Anna Karina's iconic baby blue eyeshadow look from Jean Luc Godard's film A Woman is a Woman. I was always smitten by Anna Karina's blue eyeshadow and cat-eye combination, and that movie was my all-time favorite from my teenage years till my early 20s (Exhibit A). Finding a YouTuber in 2015 who was creating videos that resonated with me deeply felt like finding a hidden gem.

Since then, I've been a fan of Madelynn’s playful and charming perspective, especially her handwritten title cards, clever storytelling and use of color. She is a brilliant ceramicist in addition to being a filmmaker, who creates the sweetest cake ceramics.

Witnessing the evolution of her art as both a friend and observer has been such a joy! I can't wait to watch more of Madelynn’s gorgeous short films in the future. So, with that in mind, I knew she would be the perfect first guest interviewee for the Flowers in Cinema Substack! ✿ Continue reading to see which directors inspire Madelynn and what she has on her watch list.

*Note: The interview took place in November of 2023*

Hi Madelynn! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?

Hello!! My name is Madelynn De La Rosa, I’m a filmmaker and content creator and ceramicist living and working in LA :-)

Are there any films or filmmakers who have had an impact on your work as a filmmaker?

I really love Tsai Ming-Liang’s work — it’s slow, intentional, and captures Taiwan in a way that’s both tragic and beautiful. And of course Jacques Demy and Éric Rohmer!

*Vive l'amour* (1994) Dir. Tsai Ming-Liang

Do you believe flowers can play a significant role in movies? If yes/no, why?

Absolutely! First off, I really appreciate nature in film, I think it’s important. Flowers in particular can evoke so many different emotions, represent peace, or symbolize something so pure — like the beauty of life itself.

Favorite flower?

Tulips are my favorite — they remind me of my mom (they’re her favorite, too!)

*A Tale of Springtime* (1990) by Éric Rohmer

“Flowers in particular can evoke so many different emotions, represent peace, or symbolize something so pure — like the beauty of life itself”

— on how flowers can play a role in movies

Why is cinema important to you?

I love cinema because so much can be said without really saying it. And anything and everything can mean something — the way something is lit, how a shot is framed, the clothing, the dialogue (or lack thereof), color grading, etc. It's an art form that requires a bunch of different hats and I just love every bit of it - it's so delicious to me!

What is your favorite movie theater?

An art-house movie theater in Madrid called Sala Equis :-)

Interior of the Sala Equis in Madrid, Spain

What are you working on right now?

I have another art show coming up for my ceramics so I’ll be working on that over the next couple of months! :-)

*Classic Frosted Cherry* Cake by Madelynn

Which three movies are on your to-watch list right now?

Silsila (1981) Dir. Yash Chopra
Juliet of the Spirits (1965) Dir. Federico Fellini
The Tales of Hoffmann (1951) Dir. Emeric Pressburger & Michael Powell

*Juliet of the Spirits* (1965) Dir. Federico Fellini

“I love cinema because so much can be said without really saying it.”

— on the importance of cinema

*The Tales of Hoffmann* (1951) Dir. Emeric Pressburger & Michael Powell

The last film you saw?

I just rewatched Frances Ha (2012) — The date with Adam Driver gets me every time!

What movie would you recommend I watch?

I am STUMPED here! I feel like you’ve seen all the classics… I want to recommend Spring Blossom (2020) because it’s been on my mind :-) Mostly because Suzanne Lindon wrote, starred in, and directed this film at the age of 20!!! So fun!