A chat with Madelynn De La Rosa, a filmmaker, content creator, and ceramicist
Tulips, Tsai Ming-Liang and the beauty of life
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!
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!)
“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 :-)
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! :-)
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
“I love cinema because so much can be said without really saying it.”
— on the importance of cinema
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!
Love,
Iris
Films mentioned in order:
Vive l'amour (1994) Dir. Tsai Ming-Liang
A Tale of Springtime (1990) by Éric Rohmer
Donkey Skin (1970) Dir. Jacques Demy
Silsila (1981) Dir. Yash Chopra
Juliet of the Spirits (1965) Dir. Federico Fellini
The Tales of Hoffmann (1951) Dir. Emeric Pressburger & Michael Powell
Frances Ha (2012) Dir. Noah Baumbach
Spring Blossom (2020) Dir. Suzanne Lindon
love madelynn's taste in films and directors.