FilmOut San Diego returns for its 22nd year of sharing provocative and impactful work of LGBTQ artists and filmmakers from all over the world. The festival will feature dozens of documentaries, shorts, and movies to be screened September 8th through 11th at the San Diego Natural History Museum and The Museum of Photographic Arts both located in Balboa Park. Over 30 features, documentaries, romantic comedies, dramas, horror/thrillers, and even sci-fi are some of the genres represented.
We reached out to most of the film directors and producers to get their thoughts on how they hope audiences will receive their work, LGBTQ cinema, and some of the challenges they faced during production (For most of them, the COVID pandemic was a common denominator). Here are some highlights of their responses.
HORROR/THRILLER
SWALLOWED
“The Queer midnight movie I wish my teenage self had found in the horror section of my local video store.”- Carter Smith, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of Swallowed?
After a drug run goes bad – two childhood friends must survive a horrific night in a backwoods hell of drugs, bugs, and obscene intimacy in this Queer horror nightmare. Set in a remote township on the border between Maine and Canada, it’s a story about friendship and loneliness. About the extremes we are willing to endure to protect the ones we love.
Why do you think it is important that this film reaches LGBTQ audience members?
It’s not enough to see Queer stories told in angst-y coming of age dramas. We need to see our stories in horror films. In action films. In comedies. We need films where we are more than the comedic sidekick or the first one to die.
BOTTOM
“…when his date arrives, the night turns grotesque and leaves the sheets drenched – in gore.” – William Lott, Director
Why do you think it is important that this film reaches LGBTQ audience members?
I think there’s this really scary aspect about Queer sex. As a society we don’t ever talk about it in sex-ed and if you’re closeted or in an unsafe space, sex can seem terrifying in some ways. And I think this film presents a character who, seemingly, isn’t familiar with sex and by the end of the film you realize that wasn’t the case at all. It’s this mind game of “here’s a vulnerable person you’re nervous for and now here they are taking charge and owning their sexuality and appetite for connection”. I don’t know if a young Queer person will see it and interpret it that way specifically, but I hope that’s what people take away from it.
What change(s) would you like to see in the film industry regarding LGBTQ representation and portrayal?
I would love to see just unapologetically Queer people front and center as they are and not put in that one box of “the fabulous side character”. I think that’s a great box to be if that’s who you are, but we’re so much more than our struggles or a comic relief and I’d like to see more of us up there on the big screen.
THE WAY OUT
“Disturbed, uplifted, shocked — woke!” (On how they want audiences to feel) – Barry Jay, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
Alex is a young singer/songwriter who’s struggling to stay sober and shut down by childhood trauma. He takes in a charming roommate, a fighter, who takes Alex under his wing, teaching him how to fight back and stand up to abusers.
Why do you think it is important that this film reaches LGBTQ audience members?
‘The Way Out’ is an LGBTQ+ revenge thriller – not sure there are that many out there that fall under that but personally as a horror fan… I need more Gay horror!
INFESTED HEARTS
“Creature feature of the relationship kind.” – Michael Varratti, Writer/Director
Why do you think it is important that this film reaches LGBTQ audience members?
I’ve always been interested in how the horror genre and Queer identity intersect in stories, because we can often utilize that dark lens of the fantastic to explore concepts and themes mainstream storytelling might avoid. I think it’s important that our art shows that our relationships have many facets, some joyful, some complicated…some affirming, some not. Infested Hearts is the story of something fundamentally broken, but sometimes we need to see that as an audience.
What change(s) would you like to see in the film industry regarding LGBTQ representation and portrayal?
Simply put, I want to see more, more, more. The industry has made great strides in representation in recent years, but for every step forward, there’s still many more to go. Just as people are finally getting to see themselves on screen, there are many communities that are barely represented or have yet to see themselves at all. As creators and artists, it’s our job to amplify the voices of our peers and keep fighting to make sure that everyone’s stories have a place.
DOCUMENTARY
PAT ROCCO DARED
“A fun, nostalgic soundtrack compliments the sexy visuals, and a few special moments allow us to relax, reflect and enjoy…” – Morris Chapdelaine, Producer/Director
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
Pat Rocco Dared is a fun, colorful, entertaining, politically relevant, and provocative documentary. It is a priceless historical record and an erotic art film. With the addition of our other interviews, it is also a contemporary investigation of social justice, and a deeply personal portrait of an LGBTQ+ hero. A fun, nostalgic soundtrack compliments the sexy visuals, and a few special moments allow us to relax, reflect and enjoy the lyrical and poetic films of a truly ingenious artist. Moreover, his documentaries and the community service work that followed, reveal the courage and determination required to live openly at that time. Rocco’s story reminds us that the rights we enjoy today did not come easily, and that there is still much work to do.
How do you want audiences to feel after viewing your feature?
Primarily our aim was to inspire, just as Rocco inspired us. And appreciation for a person who not only lived their authentic self when it was incredibly dangerous to do so, but also fought to extend that right to everyone. Appreciation for his courage and tenacity. It was also very important to us that despite the sometimes heavy and upsetting topics being explored, that the film maintained a positive and joyful tone overall. Pat had a filmmaking philosophy we wanted to honor: Always leave the audience laughing.
ROMANCE
WHERE BUTTERFLIES DON’T FLY
“Lost in the darkness, cut off from the rest of the world, they are both looking for a way out.” – Roman Němec, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
I set the story of the film in a very unusual environment of a huge cave complex. We follow the development of the relationship between two different characters, the problematic student Daniel and his high school teacher Adam. Daniel and Adam live in their own bubbles until a moment when they both happen to be together in a life-threatening situation. Lost in the darkness, cut off from the rest of the world, they are both looking for a way out. How far will they be willing to go?
What was the most challenging aspect of production?
We filmed exclusively in the authentic environment of real caves in the Czech Republic. Tens of days at an average temperature of 7°C (~45°F), in the dark, wet, demanding terrain. The actors and crew had to undergo special training before filming. Speleologists, naturalists, climbers, divers, and other experts were involved in the production. We were the very first with a camera in some of the underground spaces. It was extremely challenging for everyone. I hope that we managed to transfer at least a little of this extraordinary experience to the audience.
MOVING OUT
“…a sense of optimism and freedom, that same feeling one gets driving along the beach with the windows down on Coast Highway”- Rachel Earnest, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
A young college student still lives at home with her parents in Oceanside, California. In love with her best friend who has just married another woman, she becomes confounded by faith and ultimately must risk telling her parents who she really is in order to save herself.
Why do you think it is important that this film reaches LGBTQ audience members?
Gay marriage is legal now, however, most churches still struggle with accepting Gay marriage. As long as the churches don’t accept LGBTQ individuals the struggle will be ongoing. To this day, for those raised in non-affirming congregations, the consequences of coming out can mean the loss of family, friends, and community. My intention with the film is to give hope to anyone who fears having to choose between faith and someone they love.
HALF
“…he meets this cute guy with a Star of David necklace and realizes, oh, shit… I think I have a crush.” – Jacob Roberts, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
It’s about this guy, Jonah. He’s just moved to New York City, he has this amazing girlfriend, he’s figuring out his relationship with his half-Judaism. He’s in love with the sights, the sound, the summer garbage stench. And he meets this cute guy with a Star of David necklace and realizes, oh, shit… I think I have a crush. And he’s finally able to articulate something he’s known for a while: He’s bi. He decides to come out to his girlfriend. And that’s where things get a bit funky, and we set out on this bumpy road of self-discovery.
What change(s) would you like to see in the film industry regarding LGBTQ representation and portrayal?
More Queer stories, more Queer directors, more Queer writers, more Queer characters, more Queer actors. More and more people, particularly young people, identify as Queer. I’d love to see that reflected on screen. Every time I see a movie with a Queer lead whose Queerness is fully fleshed out but isn’t their sole or defining characteristic, isn’t the driving circumstance of the movie; characters whose stories are multifaceted, full of romance and humor and thrills, oh, and yeah, they’re Queer – that makes me smile.
ALL KINDS OF LOVE
“A valentine to the joys of queer love.” – David Lewis, Director
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
A stuck-in-his-ways Gay man finds himself getting divorced on Marriage Equality Day but finds a lifeline when he becomes accidental roommates with a younger, romantically challenged nerd.
What was the most challenging aspect of production?
Covid. We shot the film during the Omicron surge, so we were in a bubble for weeks, basically in the middle of nowhere, away from loved ones. We had mandatory testing every day, and thank goodness, no one ever tested positive. I have been doing this filmmaking thing for a minute or two, but I had never encountered a situation quite like that.
LOVIE DOVIE
“Dovie St. James knows what she likes. She likes marine biology, the color pink, and Dolly Parton.” – Frankie Brescia, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
College student Dovie St. James knows what she likes. She likes marine biology, the color pink, and Dolly Parton. However, Dovie must come to terms with her sexuality when she is unexpectedly charmed by her punk classmate, Jinx Li.
How do you want audiences to feel after viewing your feature?
I want audiences to feel like they connected with Jinx and Dovie on some level and have them wanting to know more about the girls and their story! I also want them to be like “Wow, that was like really cute.”
COMEDY
BRUTAL
“Wild, fast-paced, super queer romp.” – Sam McConnel, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
Jack Roth (Cheyenne Jackson), once the hottest star of cable news, stumbles upon a “newsworthy sex scandal” and ends up facing off against all sides, including the corporation he works for. Also starring Rachael Harris (Lucifer), Angelica Ross (Pose), Matthew Morrison (Glee), Johnny Sibilly (Queer as Folk), and Drew Droege (Search Party). Some of the humor may be crass, but the satire is smart and pointed, targeting hypocrisy in media and politics.
Why do you think it is important that this film reaches LGBTQ audience members?
BRUTAL features a mostly Queer and Trans cast and crew, but beyond that it has a very Queer sensibility in its tone, wild humor, and style. Also, it ultimately makes some sincere and profound points about Queer identity and community.
HOTTER UP CLOSE
“A Queer coming-of-age story about a young slacker named Chris on the verge of turning 30.” – Leland Montgomery, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
‘Hotter Up Close’ is a Queer coming-of-age story about a young slacker named Chris on the verge of turning 30. He has just been dumped by his ex-boyfriend Brad, who has decided he can do better than poor ol’ lil’ Chris. Despite not wanting to celebrate his milestone birthday, Chris and Dana are invited to a Gay pool party by Chris’s new crush Aiden. Despite being convinced that Aiden couldn’t possibly like him, Chris is persuaded to attend. Once he arrives, he must navigate his insecurities… and a couple of mean Gay boys, to determine whether or not he has a romantic future with Aiden.
Why do you think it is important that this film reaches LGBTQ audience members?
I think that this movie is important to LGBTQ audiences because it normalizes feelings of insecurity. In my experience, Gay men often feel like the only way they matter is if they’re the fittest, most successful, most attractive version of themselves. Most of my Gay friends feel profoundly anxious and insecure about their bodies, jobs, and romantic lives. But this often feels like a private struggle. We wanted to create a movie that spoke to that and reassured folks that happiness is not contingent on external factors.
SKINNY FAT
“A Gay man confronts his belly fat in a shop changing room.” – Mathew David, Director
What drove you to produce/direct this film?
Growing up I have always struggled with my body image. I have been thin and large. At any size, I find shopping for clothes really stressful. I wanted to show these body insecurities on screen. That coupled with relationships and control. Also, a big inspiration is my Mum, she always makes me feel better. So, the character Bernie is a huge reflection on her.
Why do you think it is important that this film reaches LGBTQ audience members?
I think that we have an obsession with ripped bodies, and images we see on Instagram. But the reality is, we all have parts of our bodies we don’t see on screen. This film shows a real male body on screen. The film can also be funny at times, which helps with the drama.
DRAMA
FIRSTS
“For most people, losing your virginity is a very trivial affair, messy, and more often than not, to a person you don’t know all that well. But that doesn’t mean it can’t still be special.” – Jesse Ung, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
Steven, a closeted Chinese international student, is preparing to lose his virginity to a stranger he met online. With video calls from his emphatic mother half a world away about his fabricated girlfriend and the looming presence of his deceased father, Steven is crumbling under the desperation to please his parents. Although he is very much alone, Steven is no less agonized by the idea of acting upon his desires to be with another man. When Andrew, the man in question, arrives and an unexpected connection forms, Steven must come to the bittersweet realization that to be happy you cannot pretend forever.
How do you want audiences to feel after viewing your feature?
Seen. Whether it’s in the details of having sex for the first time, having a stranger over for sex for the first time, or even acknowledging your own desires for the first time. The film is called Firsts for a reason and for even a single audience member to connect with one of those firsts is more than enough for me.
MAYBE SOMEDAY
“Two key relationships…one revolving around heartbreak, and the other unrequited love.” – Michelle Ehlen, Filmmaker
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
Jay, a Non-Binary 40-something photographer, attempts to move across the country to start her life over again in the midst of separating from her wife. Along the way, she takes a detour to stay with her high school best friend who she used to be secretly in love with and befriends a charismatic Gay man who has long given up on love. Struggling to move forward with the next chapter of her life, memories of the past resurface as Jay grapples with the inevitable cycles of love, loss, and letting go.
How do you want audiences to feel after viewing your feature?
I’d like the audience to feel both introspective and hopeful. I hope they see how sometimes we prolong our own grief, and that we need to be active participants in our healing process. Moving on can be difficult and scary but refusing to do so delays the inevitable. The one thing I wish I would have learned many years ago – to let go sooner, and more gracefully.
CARTER
“Sensitive, empathetic young individuals at the forefront” – Aaron Guest, Filmmaker
What drove you to produce/direct this film?
‘Carter’ started as an adventure into the idolization of American masculinity and how this affects families in 2022. I wanted to explore how this obsession still affects the psyche of kids who feel they don’t fit, especially between siblings with opposite roles in their family. And in a time when many are attempting to silence people living outside the box (now including the “Don’t Say Gay” bills), we wanted to use the short film to influence a world where society celebrates all our unique voices. By creating and promoting stories like ‘Carter’ with sensitive, empathetic young individuals at the forefront – we hope to encourage audiences to give space to all people.
Why do you think it is important that this film reaches LGBTQ audience members?
It is my hope this film connects and relates to the real-life experiences of LGBTQ people and their families today. There is a lot we can learn from each other when we stop and pay attention to the moments in between the lines. I pray that in the quiet moments of ‘Carter’, the audience will see how they relate to these characters’ deep longing for authenticity and freedom.
MATHEW’S HOUSE
“Gray aftermath of a violent incident between them” – Andrew Gillingham, Filmmaker
What drove you to produce/direct this film?
I wanted to explore autonomy, self-betrayal, and power dynamics in a Gay relationship. I wanted to represent a very real and palpable feeling of what it’s actually like to be in a relationship and all of the unspoken subtleties that come with it.
How do you want audiences to feel after viewing your feature?
I want them to feel empathetic to both characters and if they connect to either of them, I want them to feel empathetic and compassionate toward themselves.
INDENTIBYE
“Choosing between sense and sensibility regarding one’s innermost feelings” – Sajjad Shahhatami, Filmmaker
What drove you to produce/direct this film?
The importance of equal rights for all genders and free decision making for them.
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
The protagonist of the story faces a dilemma of choosing between sense and sensibility regarding one’s innermost feelings. He has been judged from the very beginning by the ones closest to him. The fear of these never-ending judgments fills him with doubt, and he has to work against the clock to achieve his goal as he knows that one’s true identity is what matters most to them.
TOGETHER/APART
“A Gay couple … who is dealing with the aftermath of a homophobic attack that plagued their first meeting” – David Amberg, Filmmaker
What drove you to produce/direct this film?
In 2017, a friend and I were attacked a few blocks outside of a Gay bar in Silverlake. We were kissing, and two strangers pulled me to the ground by my hoodie and started hitting us. Thankfully, there were some people in the area who saw what was happening and scared them off. All in all, nobody was really hurt, but it was an incident that left a huge mark on me psychologically. I didn’t stop going to Gay bars, but I was very resistant to PDA or doing anything that would signal my Queerness to other people in public. It was a scar that negatively affected my first relationship, and it was a thing I had to process and deal with for a lot of my early 20’s.
When I was at film school a few years later, I floated the idea of adapting the incident as an animated short, but I was a little hesitant, since it would mean having to revisit some painful memories day in and day out. I almost gave up on it, but my professors and close friends encouraged me to carry through and finish the project. The end result was Together/Apart, and it was my graduation film at USC. I’m ultimately glad I saw it to completion, as making it was an incredible source of healing and reflection.
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
‘Together/Apart’ is a short film about a Gay couple, Michael and Alex, who are dealing with the aftermath of a homophobic attack that plagued their first meeting. Two years after the incident, Alex has since moved on, but Michael still bears both physical and emotional scars of the event. As the two plan their future together, Michael’s anxieties start to manifest as extremely bizarre hallucinations… that start to become reality.
SCI-FI
COMING OUT WITH THE HELP OF A TIME MACHINE
“Love, empathy and time machine is where it is!” – Naman Gupta, Director/Writer
What drove you to produce/direct this film?
‘Coming Out with The Help of a Time Machine’ started with a YouTube video. A video of a same-sex couple describing their experience of coming out to their Indian parents. It was honest, funny, and emotional. My writing partner, Janki, had shared the video with me with a note saying we should do a coming out story.
However, I did not want to do just another coming out story. So, we sat on it, while we worked on other fun projects. Then one day, as I was scribbling a time loop scene set in a diner, it hit me. Having a passion for sci-fi and blending fiction with contemporary social issues, why not tell the coming out story in a new and fresh way… the sci-fi way. Something bold, exciting, and genre-bending. Thus, the idea of ‘Coming Out with The Help of a Time Machine’ was born.
Can you give us a brief synopsis of your film?
When coming out to his traditional and God-fearing parents, Sid uses his time machine to reset the day trying to make sure everything goes perfect.
FilmOut San Diego is presented September 8th through September 11th in Balboa Park. For more information and to purchase tickets to the festival, visit https://filmoutsandiego.com/
