Fraser Kershaw’s The Summer of Love

The Seoul International Short Film Festival (SISFF) proudly presents The Summer of Love, an 11-minute experimental short by St. Croix-based filmmaker Fraser Kershaw. This daring and unconventional film, lauded at 50 international festivals and recipient of 12 prestigious awards, exemplifies SISFF’s commitment to celebrating innovative artists who push narrative boundaries and explore the depths of the human experience.

Shot across a serene college town, The Summer of Love weaves a poetic blend of romance, documentary, and reverie. Kershaw’s masterful use of natural light, captured at dawn and dusk, bathes the film in an ethereal glow, particularly in scenes tracing the sun’s movement across an island. “I learned to cook from Andy, a chef of South Korean descent, on St. John,” Kershaw shared with SISFF. “We’d hike and watch the sun shift from the restaurant’s waterfront over the mountain.” This visual splendor, paired with a fluid, spontaneous narrative, captures the timeless essence of love across generations, striking a universal chord with audiences worldwide. Kershaw also stated, “One of my all-time favorite meals is a Jue de Bop, that combines fresh fish, rice, with vegetables covered in sauce and sesame oil.”

(Director Fraser Kershaw with Andy Phillips and his family)

Kershaw’s creative journey mirrors the film’s dynamic spirit. Inspired by his travels and a fascination with selfless love, he embraced bold risks to craft The Summer of Love. Initially intended for private screenings, the film’s festival run began at a friend’s encouragement, earning accolades such as Best Experimental Film at the Golden Lion International Film Festival, Western Canadian Film Festival, Santa Barbara International Movie Awards, and the best at International Independent Short Movie Award (IISMA).

SISFF celebrates The Summer of Love for its ability to bridge cultures through shared emotion and its standout presence in the experimental genre. As Film Matters Magazine notes, the film’s universal resonance and pioneering “live cinema” approach make it a must-see, authentically depicting the human condition with creativity and heart. Kershaw’s advice to aspiring filmmakers— “Grab a camera and find people willing to experiment and share time”—reflects SISFF’s mission to nurture a community of passionate, boundary-breaking storytellers.

Fraser Kershaw Biography:

Driven by capturing the shifting feelings from image and sound, to somehow provoke the human experience. I've collaborated with Francis Ford Coppola on 'Distant Vision,' now known as 'Live Cinema.' I played a key role in the globally broadcast Earth Day film 'Behind the Water' and have engaged with universities worldwide, involving students as professionals in my projects. Recently, I adopted a wild cat named Kiki, whose presence has surprisingly curtailed my travels, affording me the opportunity to focus on creating a short film for your consideration."