SPOTLIGHT SELECTION

Joanna (Nikki Hanseblad) is a fairly typical teen. About to graduate high school, she's still trying to sort out who she is. Amidst those complicated emotions she’s also processing her mother’s death and dealing with her father’s debilitating depression. And her ADHD is about to become a real problem due to financial difficulties at home that have left her unable to afford her prescription, the only thing that helps her manage her symptoms.  

With her anxieties rising and her ADHD throwing sparks in her head, she meets Audrey (Melina Paukkonen), a new girl in her class who seems to embody all of the coolness and confidence she believes will never be hers. 

“What kind of person are you?,” Audrey asks her. Flustered and embarrassed, Joanna stumbles over a response because she’s always been reticent to disclose anything about herself or her family situation. She’s used to revealing only superficial details because she’s convinced that, especially without her medication, people will think that she’s annoying, a freak, or just too damn weird. As a result she’s on a mission to make enough money to buy her prescription, whether it means selling the bulk condoms given to her by her casual sex partner, Matheus (Emil Algpeus) or parting with various items from her basement. Until, that is, she uncovers a more elicit but potentially more lucrative opportunity. Despite Joanna’s self-consciousness, her friendship with Audrey is turning into much more, so long as her reckless decisions don't come back to bite her.  

Based on the young adult novel Easygoing by Jenny Jagerfeld, Joanna's story is about navigating life's challenges and learning some difficult truths; whether funny, sad, or occasionally outright dangerous. 

~ Jennifer Morgan

Jury Award, Outstanding First Feature: Frameline SF International LGBTQ+ Film Festival

Official Selection: Seattle International Film Festival

Official Selection: Göteborg Film Festival