Out On Film, Atlanta’s nonprofit LGBTQ+ film festival, has announced the recipients of its third annual Filmmaker Fund, a grant supporting the completion of projects by queer filmmakers.
“As one of the most decorated LGBTQ+ film festivals around today, we are proud to help this group of filmmakers finish their five films and bring even more dynamic queer stories to the community – especially as nonprofits and the arts nationwide take a hit,” Out On Film Festival Director Jim Farmer said.
Five films by six filmmakers were awarded a total of $5,500 in grants from the festival:
“Superfake” by Aphrodite Armstrong and River Gallo
“Superfake” is a gritty, sun-soaked comedy short about a trans woman who discovers her boyfriend – and the designer bag he gave her – might be fake. This film humanizes trans women through humor, with a premise everyone can relate to – the search for something real in a world obsessed with appearances.
“Call and Response” by Charlene “Charlie” Fisk
When a teenager is caught kissing a girl in the church rectory, her bond with her grandfather is fractured and the sanctuary becomes a battleground between silence and truth in this narrative short. She must decide if she can love herself enough to be seen, while her grandfather must choose whether blood is stronger than belief.
“Jukin” by Tierra Frost
Set in the rural South during the 1950s, “Jukin’” is a short film following Suzetta “Skip,” a shy tomboy growing up in a strict religious household under the watchful eye of her devout mother. When the elegant wife of her pastor, Elsie, pays their home a visit, Skip becomes captivated by her presence and begins to question feelings she has never fully understood when she gives her what she perceives to be a flirtatious wink. Driven by curiosity, Skip secretly follows Elsie and discovers a hidden juke joint run by the gun-toting, bible-holding Ms. Ruby.
“Chulo” by Joshua Hernandez
Gael, a humble soul, travels to Puerto Rico at the height of summer to spend time with their abuela and sister. Gael’s visit comes the year after their grandfather passed away and they’re greeted with open arms. They travel around the island, immerse themselves in Puerto Rican culture, and reconnect with their familial roots.
“Breathe” by Mya-Breyana Morton
“Breathe” is a short film designed to serve as a proof-of-concept pilot for a half-hour series titled ‘Prom.” The story follows Nailah Clarke, an anxious high school student who works up the courage to ask her crush to prom. Overwhelmed by nerves, she locks herself in a bathroom stall to gather her thoughts before making what feels like a life-or-death decision. For Nailah, this moment is everything.
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Two of this year’s recipients – “Chulo” and “Call and Response” – will screen at this year’s Out On Film festival in September.
In the meantime, Out On Film will host screenings of LGBTQ+ films throughout Pride month at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. The lineup includes “The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert” on June 2, “But I’m a Cheerleader” on June 9, and “Brokeback Mountain” on June 23. The full schedule can be found on Out On Film’s website.
