Cleveland International Film Festival: Dear Lemon Lima

Suzi Yoonessi’s Dear Lemon Lima is a delightful journey into the world of adolescence. Thirteen-year-old Vanessa Lemor is a quirky, off-beat girl who struggles to find her identity when she is thrust into a new school. Recently dumped by Adonis himself, Lemor nurses a wounded heart as she grapples with fitting in and making new friends.

One of the few films to get teenage heartbreak right, Dear Lemon Lima is a touching picture which manages to be sweet and uplifting without being overly saccharine or cheesy.

I particularly enjoyed the animations during the rolling credits. Something about bunnies defecating heart-shaped poop just really tickles my fancy.

Yoonessi’s Dear Lemon Lima is a smart, refreshing treat. I highly recommend it. (8 stars out of 10)

Edit: Due to popular demand, Dear Lemon Lima will enjoy an encore screening on Monday, March 21st at 5:10 pm at Tower City Cinemas. To check out the Cleveland International Film Festival and purchase tickets, visit clevelandfilm.org.