Valerie Shusterov

Valerie Shusterov’s filmography? Man, it’s an oddball lineup if you’ve ever seen one. Palindromes (2004) is probably the one that sticks with people the most, and for good reason—this movie does not play by the rules. It’s the kind of film that’ll leave you scratching your head, then smirking at the sheer audacity of it. The story circles around Aviva, a thirteen-year-old girl, but here’s the kicker: her character is played by several different actors of all ages, genders, and races. It’s jarring, it’s confusing, and honestly, it’s kind of genius. The plot pokes at big themes—identity, family, the messiness of growing up—while steering clear of any sugarcoating. You’ll either love it or hate it, but you won’t forget it. Then there’s The Dawn Chorus (2006), which swings in a totally different direction. It leans into the whole coming-of-age vibe but in a quieter, more introspective way. It’s got this gentle, almost haunting feel—people dealing with loss, trying to piece themselves together, searching for hope when everything feels sort of gray. Not a lot of fireworks, but there’s something real and raw under the surface. Cavities (2004)? That one’s a short film—super quirky, kind of like a weird daydream that gets stuck in your head. It’s got this offbeat energy, a little dark humor, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Shusterov’s style? Unpredictable, but always interesting. You won’t catch her playing it safe, that’s for sure.