Daylily Documentary Screening

Daylily is a feature length documentary that explores the devotion surrounding a plant that blooms for only one day. Through the personal stories of gardeners from different backgrounds, the film reflects on the fleeting beauty of life and the quiet meaning found in moments that often pass unnoticed. By observing these flowers, which appear briefly and are found everywhere, the film invites viewers to recognize the same fragility, value, and presence within themselves.

During the making of the film, I traveled to nine U.S. states and two countries, interviewing gardeners along the way, and ultimately finished the project with a deeper appreciation for the small, often overlooked moments we pass by every day. One of the most meaningful moments in the film centers on what many people casually call “ditch lilies.” Flowers that are easy to ignore slowly become something an entire community learns to truly see and celebrate.

Another powerful story comes from the history of daylily hybridizers and the ongoing efforts of today’s growers who are shaping the future of the plant.

Working on this project changed my perspective on life, and I hope it can offer the same inspiration to those who watch it as it did for me while creating it. This film brings warmth to winter and allows audiences to experience the peace and unexpected gifts that flowers bring to us all.