The 33 Films Selected as Part of the 2022 Showcase Will Be Presented to an In-Person Audience Alongside the 68 Finalist Films from the 2020 and 2021 Editions of the Program
See the complete program here.
Celebrating 33 years at the epicenter of American hospitality and communication at the Cannes Film Festival, The American Pavilion, www.ampav.com, announced today the return of its Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, now in its 25th anniversary edition, on the Croisette.
The 2022 program features 33 films including 24 female-identifying directors and co-directors at the helm of 17 projects, 10 films focused on LGBTQ+ topics, and filmmakers of diverse backgrounds from the U.S. and around the globe, highlighting new voices in six categories – Emerging Filmmaker Documentaries, Emerging Filmmaker Short Films, Emerging Filmmaker LGBTQ+ Films, Student Documentaries, Student Short Films, and High School Films.
Since 1989, The American Pavilion has offered unparalleled experiences in Cannes to film students and emerging filmmakers from around the world. AmPav’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, now in its 25th edition, provides an opportunity for young filmmakers to have their works seen by Cannes Festival and Film Market attendees. In addition to the 2022 showcase projects, finalist films from 2020 and 2021 will also be screened at The American Pavilion this year. All screenings with filmmakers in attendance will be followed by a live Q&A.
The films in the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase focus on themes as diverse as the meaning of community, gender identity, the Covid-19 epidemic, self-perceptions and representation, the holocaust, the development and evolution cultural identity, family dynamics, the quest for love, and more. Beloved screen icons featured in the 2022 showcase series films include: Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, The Shape of Water), Phil Lord (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street), Lee Unkrich, (Coco, Toy Story 3); Ian Buchanan (The Bold and the Beautiful); Lauren Ridloff (The Eternals, Sound of Metal); Danielle Savre (Station 19, Heroes); Vico Ortiz (Our Flag is Death); Melanie Nicholls-King (Billions, Little Fires Everywhere); Greer Grammar (Awkward); Jeremy Sisto (Wrong Turn); Billy Wirth (Shutter the Doors); Kausar Mohammed (4400), Victoria Atkin (Assassins Creed); with many more appearing in the 2020 and 2021 finalist projects.
“The 2022 cohort of student filmmakers and young talents brings us a richly diverse program including 24 female-identifying directors presenting 17 films, and 10 films focused on LGBTQ+ topics as well as many projects exploring the meaning of cultural identity,” said Julie Sisk, Founder and Director of The American Pavilion. “We are also thrilled to back in-person this year bringing the 2022 finalist filmmakers together with the talents from 2020 and 2021 to provide them the opportunity to screen during the 75th landmark edition of the Cannes Film Festival.”
Emerging showcase winners will be chosen by a jury that includes agents, managers, producers, and industry members and will be announced at The American Pavilion during this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Prize packages are sponsored by: Final Draft, Write Brothers Movie Magic Screenwriter, International Documentary Association, Screening Services Group, Simple Dcp, Michael Wiese Productions Books, and Ese Film Workshops Online.
The full list of 2022 Finalist projects is available below. For a comprehensive list of all films screening this year as part of the 2020 and 2021 selections, please visit www.ampav.com. Finalist projects from 2020 are accessible here and 2021 finalist films can be found here.
2022 Emerging Filmmakers Showcase
Emerging Filmmaker Documentaries
Stoneheart: An Undying Gift
2021, 6:20 min., USA, Documentary
Director: Nicholas Markart
Producer: Stephen Hilfiker, Nicholas Markart
Cast: Stephen Hilfiker
Steve Hilfiker, a heart transplant survivor and father of four, describes his experience facing death, and how his perspective on life has forever changed following the fateful operation.
Emerging Filmmaker Short Films
7 Lbs 8 Oz
2021, 7:08 min., USA, Animation/Comedy/Drama
Writer/Director: Yoo Lee
Producer: Xin Li, Evelyn Angelica Martinez
Cast: Frank Thon, Michelle Sohn, Robin Daniels
When a young mother moves into 8th street, Jersey City, NJ, she learns about the value of community and how her own perception determines her own experiences.
Charlie And The Hunt
2022, 14:31 min., USA, Family/Drama/Coming-of-Age
Writer/Director: Jenn Shaw, Dannielle Dormer, Anita M Cal, Yj Meira, Tema L Staig, Allison Vanore
Cast: Lauren Ridloff, Nifeoluwa Ramroop, Robert Artz
A young girl goes on a whimsical adventure and faces her fears while setting out to recover a sentimental family treasure.
The Errand
2022, 11:23 min., USA, Drama
Director: Amanda Renee Knox
Writer: Mira Olsson
Producer: Lara Aslanian, Amanda Renee Knox
Cast: Naya Johnson, Ezekiel Bridges, Toni Robison-May, Sean Gallagher
When a young girl hitchhiking is picked up by a stranger, who ends up taking whom for a ride?
My Gift
2021, 13:25 min., Australia, Drama
Writer/Director: Michael Raso
Producer: Michael Raso, Jd Cohen
Cast: Luke Hoogendyk, Ridhi Prasad, Joshua Fisk, Catherine Ross, Jyotsna Sharma, Susan Ling Young
A young boy is admitted to a hospital for lifesaving treatment. He befriends a young Indian girl who hopes a cure is found to save him before it's too late.
If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin
2021, 4:46 min., USA, Animation
Writer/Director: Kyra Peters
In If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin a teenage boy craves a life where his skin no longer affects his daily experiences or how others perceive him. Using 2D animation, the film follows him through the streets of the Bronx, trying to unite his community’s voice through music to rally against the divisive hate against color.
Noisy
2020, 10:04 min., USA, Drama
Writer/Director: Cedric Hill
Producer: Cedric Hill, Pandora Scooter, Daniel Philips
Executive Producer: Dany Bouchedid
Dp: Valentina Caniglia
Cast: Max Lamadrid, Gabi Faye
Sam gets on the subway to get home. He catches the eye of April. The two of them discover they have way more in common than where they’re heading. Sometimes you need a noisy place to have a quiet conversation.
Shutter The Doors
2021, 13:23 min., USA, Drama
Writer/Director: Sheri Sussman
Producer: Antonio Cortese, Adam Rex
Cast: Ian Buchanan, Billy Wirth
Shutter the Doors, starring Ian Buchanan and Billy Wirth, is a short film that captures a moment in time of a man struggling to deal with an unexpected loss in his life.
Emerging Filmmaker LGBTQ+ Films
Cans Can’T Stand
2022, 18:42 min., USA, Documentary/Social Justice/LGBTQ+, Yale University
Director: Matt Nadel, Megan Plotka
Producer: Matt Nadel, Wendi Cooper
Cast: Wendi Cooper, Milan Nicole Sherry, CANScan’tSTAND Activists
Since 1982, police have weaponized Louisiana's Crime Against Nature by Solicitation (Cans) law to terrorize queer/trans Louisianians. Cans Can't Stand follows a group of Black trans women in New Orleans who are fighting to repeal that law—and advance trans liberation statewide.
All The Young Dudes
2020, 8:39 min., USA, Drama/Historical/Music/LGBTQ+, Florida State University
Writer/Director: William Stead
Producer: Cameron Greco
Cast: Blake Lafita, Richie Gambardella
Georgia, USA, 1973. Glam rocker Billy rebels against his conservative high school, inspiring admiration from an unlikely ally with a desire to walk on the wild side…
Carino
2021, 3:46 min., USA, Animation/LGBTQ+, School of Visual Arts
Writer/Director: Carlos Taborda, Roshel Amuruz, Ashley Williams
In the streets of Cartagena, a young boy embarks on an adventure to find a flower for his crush and win his affection.
Cupids
2021, 10 min., USA, Comedy/LGBTQ+
Director: Zoey Martinson
Writer: Zoey Martinson, Julie Sharbutt
Producer: Korey Jackson and Devin E. Haqq
Cast: Melanie Nicholls-King, Toryn Isabella Coote, Julius Sampson, Scarlett London Diviney
In this playful comedy, three kids worry that their beloved school bus driver will be lonely this summer without them. They set out to find her a partner and imagine the perfect matches.
Don't Let Go
2021, 9:33 min., USA, Drama/LGBTQ+, University of Southern California
Writer/Director: Mel Orpen
Producer: Mehmet Gungoren
Cast: Tessa Hope Slovis, Joyce Lee, Lauren Lynn King, Susan Harmon
When Sam and Reggie get engaged, their future seems bright—until a terrible car accident leaves Reggie in a coma. Sam must confront Reggie's homophobic mother to fight for a place at her hospital bedside before it's too late.
Dotting The “I”
2022, 11:14 min., USA, Romance/Drama/Comedy/LGBTQ+
Writer/Director: Doug Tompos
Producer: Doug Tompos, Risa Bramon Garcia, Steve Braun
Cast: Jeff Lorch, Miguel Perez
In the shadows of an empty office, the poetry of an unlikely kiss helps two men discover a love lost and a love never found.
Imperfectly Complete
2021, 14:46 min., USA (Subtitles), Drama/Romance/LGBTQ+, University of Southern California
Writer/Director: Bruce Chiu
Producer: Victor Tsao, Chrissy Aung
Cast: Chrissy Aung, Zaw Myo Htet
Lucy has been taking care of Owen, a blind guitarist she has admired for years. When Owen is about to get his vision back, Lucy faces the struggle of whether to reveal her true identity to Owen.
Noah’S Song
2021, 2:57 min., USA, Animation/Romance/LGBTQ+, Vassar College
Producer/Writer/Director: Damián Bonito Zapien
Noah's Song is an animation film about a transgender man coming out to his partner.
Second Team
2020, 10:27 min., USA, Comedy/LGBTQ+
Director: Ria Pavia
Writer: Anni Weisband
Producer: Mayon Denton, Julia Armine, Robert E. Arnold, Anni Weisband
Cast: Francia Raisa, Danielle Savre, Gigi Zumbado, Greer Grammar, Phill Lewis, Chester
Lockhart, Sally Brooks, Akil Jackson, Alexander True Snyder, Catfish Jean, Melissa Greenspan
A scorned stand-in actor for a hit TV show distorts the script to publicly undress her costar.
The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night
2021, 11 min., USA, Comedy/LGBTQ+
Director: Fawzia Mirza
Writer: Kausar Mohammed
Producer: Amalia Mesa-Gustin, Kausar Mohamed
Cast: Kausar Mohammed, Vico Ortiz, Meera Rohit Kumbhani, Pia Shah, D’Lo Srijaerajah
All cards are on the table when a queer Pakistani Muslim woman brings her Puerto Rican partner home for the first time on the family's annual game night.
Student Documentaries
Bad Hombrewood
2021, 23:45 min., USA, Documentary, University of Southern California
Director: Guillermo Casarin
Producer: Marian Cook, Santos Herrera
Cast: Phil Lord, Lee Unkrich, Guillermo del Toro, Melissa Fumero, Ben Lopez, Dr. Laura Isabel Serna, Leslie Arcos, Osiris Pichardo, Jenniffer González Martinez, Anabel Iñigo, Santos Herrera, Guillermo Casarín
For decades, the film industry has confined minorities to stereotypical characters. Now, filmmakers fight to change the Latinx role in Hollywood.
Spokespeople
2020, 23:30 min., USA, Documentary, University of Southern California
Director: Ryan Mekenian
Producer: Daniel Sheahan, Stephen Tonti
Cast: Jeremy Sisto (Narration)
For Los Angeles natives living in the early 1900’s, bicycles and streetcars shared the road as our primary modes of transportation. But the arrival of the freeway effectively wiped them out. Today, a collective of cycling communities fight for protected bike lanes and road safety; determined to bring a new era of mobility justice to the city.
Student Short Films
Message Sent
2021, 4:13 min., USA, Animation/Comedy, Cal State University Northridge
Producer/Writer/Director: Ryan C. Lopez
Cast: Ryan C. Lopez, Danielle Della Porta
When Steven struggles to make his feelings for Liza clear, his cell phone comes to life and encourages him to make the most important decision of his young adult life, to trust himself, and take a leap of faith.
Mother In The Mist
2021, 20:51 min., China, Drama, University of Southern California
Writer/Director: Kay Niuyue Zhang
Producer: Robin Zhongyu Wang, Kay Niuyue Zhang
Co-Producer: Eris Zhao, Jiayun Li; Cinematographer: Jiang Du
Cast: Shen Shiyu, Wang Xiwen
Following Wuhan’s Coronavirus lockdown, a rural single mother embarks on a dangerous journey in search of her preemie newborn baby stranded in Wuhan City Hospital. Against a harsh, grim winter night, she trudges through trials and tribulations, fighting a way around checkpoints. Joining her path is a mysterious eight-year-old girl, who shares the same determination to reunite with her mother in the city. When She finally almost gets to Wuhan, we realize things are not as it seems...
Over My Dead Body
2020, 25 min., USA (subtitles), Drama/Comedy/Family, New York Film Academy
Producer/Writer/Director: Meital Cohen Navarro
Cast: Mary Apick, Nakta Pahlevan, Bahram Vatanparast, Afshin Katanchi, Mahsa Shamsa
When a young Jewish Persian-American woman tells her parents that her fiancé is Muslim, they make her choose between him and them.
The War Within
2021, 25 min., USA (subtitles), Drama, Santa Monica College
Writer/Director: Marta D'Ocon
Producer: Marina Coutinho, Catharine Dada,
Cast: Sabrina Hartmann, Alan Corvaia, Laura Urgelles, Damián Delgado
Somewhere in Latin America, a young woman joins a guerrilla army when her entire family is massacred by government troops. She initially thrives, finding strength and independence as a deadly sniper. But her newfound sense of purpose and self-respect come with a high price.
Wuhan Driver
2021, 14:14 min., USA, Drama, New York University
Writer/Director: Tiger Ji
Producer: Alena Svyatova, Jonathan Sanger
Cast: Wayne Chang
At the beginning of the pandemic, a Chinese driver in New York struggles to make ends meet as he picks up passengers on a long and dreary night.
High School Films
A Prayer For My Mother: The Eva Brettler Story
2022, 9:58 min., USA, Animation/Documentary, The Righteous Conversations Project
Director: Ruben Barrett, Raisa Effress, Sophia Evans, Lauren Fuchs, Katie Hadsock-Longarzo, Ian Kim, Eve Levy, Timothy Lim, Asher Meron, Marlon Ochoa, Bella Rahi, Hank Schoen, Olivia Uzielli
Producer: C. Lily Ericsson, Carter Beardmore, Sophie Kim
Exec Producer: Cheri Gaulke, Samara Hutman
Cast: Eva Brettler
The extraordinary saga of Holocaust survivor Eva Brettler told through personal testimony and animation. Young Eva survives two concentration camps and the destruction of her family to emerge, with a tender heart and faith intact, crediting the goodness of caretakers she encountered along the way.
Devil Bean
2021, 10:36 min., Australia, Comedy, St. Matthews Catholic School
Director: Jessica Nipperess
Writer: Sam Paine
Cast: Sam Paine, Stella Morgan, Reneé French, Charlie French
After gifting a coffee machine to their father on Christmas, this picture-perfect family is thrown into the jaws of a horror-come-anti-drug flick as their dad’s addiction tears the family apart.
Greta
2021, 7:49 min., USA, Drama/Coming of Age, Glendale High School
Writer/Director: Sofie Verweyen
Cast: Lilah Hayes, Erinn Hayes, Victoria Atkin, Jack Hayes, Maggie Hayes, Eva Langsdorff
A personal, subjective journey into the mind of Greta Thunberg, before realizing her calling as a climate activist. While struggling with mental health issues and bullying because of Asperger's Syndrome, she also grapples with a sense of impending doom due to the climate crisis. These same struggles and fears drive her to push for change and become the person she is today.
Pho
2021, 11:51 min., USA, Drama, Orange County School of the Arts
Writer/Director: Ethan Chu
Producer: Ava Encinas
Cast: Khoi Le, Julie Tong, Antone Axten
After building a seemingly successful life, a man must come to terms with the melancholic truth that he has detached from his Vietnamese culture and subsequently his grandmother, both of which he once held a close relationship with. His grief pushes him through a journey of reflection which reveals to him the perfect recipe to restore the once lost connection.
Hotline
2021, 13:21 min., USA, Drama, Pacifica Christian High School
Writer/Director: Andreas Mickelopoulos, Garrett Seabold
Cast: Isai Palomares, Charlotte Shays, Robert Pitts, Nicolas Kolesnikow
Three high school boys' night of prank calls quickly develops into a matter of life and death when an unsuspecting classmate answers the phone.
Sydney 2078
2021, 9:36 min., Australia, Sci-Fi/Drama, Balgowlah Boys Campus
Producer/Writer/Director: Brady O'Sullivan
Cast: Gordon Carroll
A teenage boy from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with a fascination for science fiction movies and novels has a vision during the night, leading him on an inter-dimensional endeavour into the future.
Think Like A Filmmaker
2021, 6:20 min, USA, Documentary, Saint Ann’s School
Producer/Director: Eli Berliner
Cast: Alan Berliner
Eli Berliner turns the camera on his father, Alan, a personal documentary filmmaker, whose new body of work approaches sculpture through the eyes of a filmmaker.
About The American Pavilion
The American Pavilion, celebrating its 33rd year as the epicenter of American hospitality and communication at the Cannes International Film Festival, brings together both professional and emerging filmmakers along with industry executives from across the globe. A much sought-after destination for information, orientation, and recreation, it accommodates the needs of its members, guests and sponsors in a dynamic business environment. With its impressive array of amenities and services, AmPav provides an opportunity to relax in very comfortable surroundings.
The American Pavilion boasts the In Conversation and Industry in Focus both which take place in the Roger Ebert Conference Center, which offer insightful and provocative panel discussions and in-conversations with filmmakers, talent and top leaders; a restaurant and bar that provide fast service with a smile throughout the day and is open to all festival badge holders after 6:00pm most evenings; a coffee bar; free WiFi and charging stations; a media terrace with a panoramic view of the Riviera; the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase; the Culinary Program featuring chefs from across the US and Canada; The American Pavilion Worldwide Student Program; and public and private rental for parties and receptions. The American Pavilion is part of Penske Media Corporation.
For more information, visit www.ampav.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanpavilion
Twitter: @AmPav
Instagram: @The_American_Pavilion...
See the complete program here.
Celebrating 33 years at the epicenter of American hospitality and communication at the Cannes Film Festival, The American Pavilion, www.ampav.com, announced today the return of its Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, now in its 25th anniversary edition, on the Croisette.
The 2022 program features 33 films including 24 female-identifying directors and co-directors at the helm of 17 projects, 10 films focused on LGBTQ+ topics, and filmmakers of diverse backgrounds from the U.S. and around the globe, highlighting new voices in six categories – Emerging Filmmaker Documentaries, Emerging Filmmaker Short Films, Emerging Filmmaker LGBTQ+ Films, Student Documentaries, Student Short Films, and High School Films.
Since 1989, The American Pavilion has offered unparalleled experiences in Cannes to film students and emerging filmmakers from around the world. AmPav’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase, now in its 25th edition, provides an opportunity for young filmmakers to have their works seen by Cannes Festival and Film Market attendees. In addition to the 2022 showcase projects, finalist films from 2020 and 2021 will also be screened at The American Pavilion this year. All screenings with filmmakers in attendance will be followed by a live Q&A.
The films in the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase focus on themes as diverse as the meaning of community, gender identity, the Covid-19 epidemic, self-perceptions and representation, the holocaust, the development and evolution cultural identity, family dynamics, the quest for love, and more. Beloved screen icons featured in the 2022 showcase series films include: Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, The Shape of Water), Phil Lord (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street), Lee Unkrich, (Coco, Toy Story 3); Ian Buchanan (The Bold and the Beautiful); Lauren Ridloff (The Eternals, Sound of Metal); Danielle Savre (Station 19, Heroes); Vico Ortiz (Our Flag is Death); Melanie Nicholls-King (Billions, Little Fires Everywhere); Greer Grammar (Awkward); Jeremy Sisto (Wrong Turn); Billy Wirth (Shutter the Doors); Kausar Mohammed (4400), Victoria Atkin (Assassins Creed); with many more appearing in the 2020 and 2021 finalist projects.
“The 2022 cohort of student filmmakers and young talents brings us a richly diverse program including 24 female-identifying directors presenting 17 films, and 10 films focused on LGBTQ+ topics as well as many projects exploring the meaning of cultural identity,” said Julie Sisk, Founder and Director of The American Pavilion. “We are also thrilled to back in-person this year bringing the 2022 finalist filmmakers together with the talents from 2020 and 2021 to provide them the opportunity to screen during the 75th landmark edition of the Cannes Film Festival.”
Emerging showcase winners will be chosen by a jury that includes agents, managers, producers, and industry members and will be announced at The American Pavilion during this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Prize packages are sponsored by: Final Draft, Write Brothers Movie Magic Screenwriter, International Documentary Association, Screening Services Group, Simple Dcp, Michael Wiese Productions Books, and Ese Film Workshops Online.
The full list of 2022 Finalist projects is available below. For a comprehensive list of all films screening this year as part of the 2020 and 2021 selections, please visit www.ampav.com. Finalist projects from 2020 are accessible here and 2021 finalist films can be found here.
2022 Emerging Filmmakers Showcase
Emerging Filmmaker Documentaries
Stoneheart: An Undying Gift
2021, 6:20 min., USA, Documentary
Director: Nicholas Markart
Producer: Stephen Hilfiker, Nicholas Markart
Cast: Stephen Hilfiker
Steve Hilfiker, a heart transplant survivor and father of four, describes his experience facing death, and how his perspective on life has forever changed following the fateful operation.
Emerging Filmmaker Short Films
7 Lbs 8 Oz
2021, 7:08 min., USA, Animation/Comedy/Drama
Writer/Director: Yoo Lee
Producer: Xin Li, Evelyn Angelica Martinez
Cast: Frank Thon, Michelle Sohn, Robin Daniels
When a young mother moves into 8th street, Jersey City, NJ, she learns about the value of community and how her own perception determines her own experiences.
Charlie And The Hunt
2022, 14:31 min., USA, Family/Drama/Coming-of-Age
Writer/Director: Jenn Shaw, Dannielle Dormer, Anita M Cal, Yj Meira, Tema L Staig, Allison Vanore
Cast: Lauren Ridloff, Nifeoluwa Ramroop, Robert Artz
A young girl goes on a whimsical adventure and faces her fears while setting out to recover a sentimental family treasure.
The Errand
2022, 11:23 min., USA, Drama
Director: Amanda Renee Knox
Writer: Mira Olsson
Producer: Lara Aslanian, Amanda Renee Knox
Cast: Naya Johnson, Ezekiel Bridges, Toni Robison-May, Sean Gallagher
When a young girl hitchhiking is picked up by a stranger, who ends up taking whom for a ride?
My Gift
2021, 13:25 min., Australia, Drama
Writer/Director: Michael Raso
Producer: Michael Raso, Jd Cohen
Cast: Luke Hoogendyk, Ridhi Prasad, Joshua Fisk, Catherine Ross, Jyotsna Sharma, Susan Ling Young
A young boy is admitted to a hospital for lifesaving treatment. He befriends a young Indian girl who hopes a cure is found to save him before it's too late.
If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin
2021, 4:46 min., USA, Animation
Writer/Director: Kyra Peters
In If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin a teenage boy craves a life where his skin no longer affects his daily experiences or how others perceive him. Using 2D animation, the film follows him through the streets of the Bronx, trying to unite his community’s voice through music to rally against the divisive hate against color.
Noisy
2020, 10:04 min., USA, Drama
Writer/Director: Cedric Hill
Producer: Cedric Hill, Pandora Scooter, Daniel Philips
Executive Producer: Dany Bouchedid
Dp: Valentina Caniglia
Cast: Max Lamadrid, Gabi Faye
Sam gets on the subway to get home. He catches the eye of April. The two of them discover they have way more in common than where they’re heading. Sometimes you need a noisy place to have a quiet conversation.
Shutter The Doors
2021, 13:23 min., USA, Drama
Writer/Director: Sheri Sussman
Producer: Antonio Cortese, Adam Rex
Cast: Ian Buchanan, Billy Wirth
Shutter the Doors, starring Ian Buchanan and Billy Wirth, is a short film that captures a moment in time of a man struggling to deal with an unexpected loss in his life.
Emerging Filmmaker LGBTQ+ Films
Cans Can’T Stand
2022, 18:42 min., USA, Documentary/Social Justice/LGBTQ+, Yale University
Director: Matt Nadel, Megan Plotka
Producer: Matt Nadel, Wendi Cooper
Cast: Wendi Cooper, Milan Nicole Sherry, CANScan’tSTAND Activists
Since 1982, police have weaponized Louisiana's Crime Against Nature by Solicitation (Cans) law to terrorize queer/trans Louisianians. Cans Can't Stand follows a group of Black trans women in New Orleans who are fighting to repeal that law—and advance trans liberation statewide.
All The Young Dudes
2020, 8:39 min., USA, Drama/Historical/Music/LGBTQ+, Florida State University
Writer/Director: William Stead
Producer: Cameron Greco
Cast: Blake Lafita, Richie Gambardella
Georgia, USA, 1973. Glam rocker Billy rebels against his conservative high school, inspiring admiration from an unlikely ally with a desire to walk on the wild side…
Carino
2021, 3:46 min., USA, Animation/LGBTQ+, School of Visual Arts
Writer/Director: Carlos Taborda, Roshel Amuruz, Ashley Williams
In the streets of Cartagena, a young boy embarks on an adventure to find a flower for his crush and win his affection.
Cupids
2021, 10 min., USA, Comedy/LGBTQ+
Director: Zoey Martinson
Writer: Zoey Martinson, Julie Sharbutt
Producer: Korey Jackson and Devin E. Haqq
Cast: Melanie Nicholls-King, Toryn Isabella Coote, Julius Sampson, Scarlett London Diviney
In this playful comedy, three kids worry that their beloved school bus driver will be lonely this summer without them. They set out to find her a partner and imagine the perfect matches.
Don't Let Go
2021, 9:33 min., USA, Drama/LGBTQ+, University of Southern California
Writer/Director: Mel Orpen
Producer: Mehmet Gungoren
Cast: Tessa Hope Slovis, Joyce Lee, Lauren Lynn King, Susan Harmon
When Sam and Reggie get engaged, their future seems bright—until a terrible car accident leaves Reggie in a coma. Sam must confront Reggie's homophobic mother to fight for a place at her hospital bedside before it's too late.
Dotting The “I”
2022, 11:14 min., USA, Romance/Drama/Comedy/LGBTQ+
Writer/Director: Doug Tompos
Producer: Doug Tompos, Risa Bramon Garcia, Steve Braun
Cast: Jeff Lorch, Miguel Perez
In the shadows of an empty office, the poetry of an unlikely kiss helps two men discover a love lost and a love never found.
Imperfectly Complete
2021, 14:46 min., USA (Subtitles), Drama/Romance/LGBTQ+, University of Southern California
Writer/Director: Bruce Chiu
Producer: Victor Tsao, Chrissy Aung
Cast: Chrissy Aung, Zaw Myo Htet
Lucy has been taking care of Owen, a blind guitarist she has admired for years. When Owen is about to get his vision back, Lucy faces the struggle of whether to reveal her true identity to Owen.
Noah’S Song
2021, 2:57 min., USA, Animation/Romance/LGBTQ+, Vassar College
Producer/Writer/Director: Damián Bonito Zapien
Noah's Song is an animation film about a transgender man coming out to his partner.
Second Team
2020, 10:27 min., USA, Comedy/LGBTQ+
Director: Ria Pavia
Writer: Anni Weisband
Producer: Mayon Denton, Julia Armine, Robert E. Arnold, Anni Weisband
Cast: Francia Raisa, Danielle Savre, Gigi Zumbado, Greer Grammar, Phill Lewis, Chester
Lockhart, Sally Brooks, Akil Jackson, Alexander True Snyder, Catfish Jean, Melissa Greenspan
A scorned stand-in actor for a hit TV show distorts the script to publicly undress her costar.
The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night
2021, 11 min., USA, Comedy/LGBTQ+
Director: Fawzia Mirza
Writer: Kausar Mohammed
Producer: Amalia Mesa-Gustin, Kausar Mohamed
Cast: Kausar Mohammed, Vico Ortiz, Meera Rohit Kumbhani, Pia Shah, D’Lo Srijaerajah
All cards are on the table when a queer Pakistani Muslim woman brings her Puerto Rican partner home for the first time on the family's annual game night.
Student Documentaries
Bad Hombrewood
2021, 23:45 min., USA, Documentary, University of Southern California
Director: Guillermo Casarin
Producer: Marian Cook, Santos Herrera
Cast: Phil Lord, Lee Unkrich, Guillermo del Toro, Melissa Fumero, Ben Lopez, Dr. Laura Isabel Serna, Leslie Arcos, Osiris Pichardo, Jenniffer González Martinez, Anabel Iñigo, Santos Herrera, Guillermo Casarín
For decades, the film industry has confined minorities to stereotypical characters. Now, filmmakers fight to change the Latinx role in Hollywood.
Spokespeople
2020, 23:30 min., USA, Documentary, University of Southern California
Director: Ryan Mekenian
Producer: Daniel Sheahan, Stephen Tonti
Cast: Jeremy Sisto (Narration)
For Los Angeles natives living in the early 1900’s, bicycles and streetcars shared the road as our primary modes of transportation. But the arrival of the freeway effectively wiped them out. Today, a collective of cycling communities fight for protected bike lanes and road safety; determined to bring a new era of mobility justice to the city.
Student Short Films
Message Sent
2021, 4:13 min., USA, Animation/Comedy, Cal State University Northridge
Producer/Writer/Director: Ryan C. Lopez
Cast: Ryan C. Lopez, Danielle Della Porta
When Steven struggles to make his feelings for Liza clear, his cell phone comes to life and encourages him to make the most important decision of his young adult life, to trust himself, and take a leap of faith.
Mother In The Mist
2021, 20:51 min., China, Drama, University of Southern California
Writer/Director: Kay Niuyue Zhang
Producer: Robin Zhongyu Wang, Kay Niuyue Zhang
Co-Producer: Eris Zhao, Jiayun Li; Cinematographer: Jiang Du
Cast: Shen Shiyu, Wang Xiwen
Following Wuhan’s Coronavirus lockdown, a rural single mother embarks on a dangerous journey in search of her preemie newborn baby stranded in Wuhan City Hospital. Against a harsh, grim winter night, she trudges through trials and tribulations, fighting a way around checkpoints. Joining her path is a mysterious eight-year-old girl, who shares the same determination to reunite with her mother in the city. When She finally almost gets to Wuhan, we realize things are not as it seems...
Over My Dead Body
2020, 25 min., USA (subtitles), Drama/Comedy/Family, New York Film Academy
Producer/Writer/Director: Meital Cohen Navarro
Cast: Mary Apick, Nakta Pahlevan, Bahram Vatanparast, Afshin Katanchi, Mahsa Shamsa
When a young Jewish Persian-American woman tells her parents that her fiancé is Muslim, they make her choose between him and them.
The War Within
2021, 25 min., USA (subtitles), Drama, Santa Monica College
Writer/Director: Marta D'Ocon
Producer: Marina Coutinho, Catharine Dada,
Cast: Sabrina Hartmann, Alan Corvaia, Laura Urgelles, Damián Delgado
Somewhere in Latin America, a young woman joins a guerrilla army when her entire family is massacred by government troops. She initially thrives, finding strength and independence as a deadly sniper. But her newfound sense of purpose and self-respect come with a high price.
Wuhan Driver
2021, 14:14 min., USA, Drama, New York University
Writer/Director: Tiger Ji
Producer: Alena Svyatova, Jonathan Sanger
Cast: Wayne Chang
At the beginning of the pandemic, a Chinese driver in New York struggles to make ends meet as he picks up passengers on a long and dreary night.
High School Films
A Prayer For My Mother: The Eva Brettler Story
2022, 9:58 min., USA, Animation/Documentary, The Righteous Conversations Project
Director: Ruben Barrett, Raisa Effress, Sophia Evans, Lauren Fuchs, Katie Hadsock-Longarzo, Ian Kim, Eve Levy, Timothy Lim, Asher Meron, Marlon Ochoa, Bella Rahi, Hank Schoen, Olivia Uzielli
Producer: C. Lily Ericsson, Carter Beardmore, Sophie Kim
Exec Producer: Cheri Gaulke, Samara Hutman
Cast: Eva Brettler
The extraordinary saga of Holocaust survivor Eva Brettler told through personal testimony and animation. Young Eva survives two concentration camps and the destruction of her family to emerge, with a tender heart and faith intact, crediting the goodness of caretakers she encountered along the way.
Devil Bean
2021, 10:36 min., Australia, Comedy, St. Matthews Catholic School
Director: Jessica Nipperess
Writer: Sam Paine
Cast: Sam Paine, Stella Morgan, Reneé French, Charlie French
After gifting a coffee machine to their father on Christmas, this picture-perfect family is thrown into the jaws of a horror-come-anti-drug flick as their dad’s addiction tears the family apart.
Greta
2021, 7:49 min., USA, Drama/Coming of Age, Glendale High School
Writer/Director: Sofie Verweyen
Cast: Lilah Hayes, Erinn Hayes, Victoria Atkin, Jack Hayes, Maggie Hayes, Eva Langsdorff
A personal, subjective journey into the mind of Greta Thunberg, before realizing her calling as a climate activist. While struggling with mental health issues and bullying because of Asperger's Syndrome, she also grapples with a sense of impending doom due to the climate crisis. These same struggles and fears drive her to push for change and become the person she is today.
Pho
2021, 11:51 min., USA, Drama, Orange County School of the Arts
Writer/Director: Ethan Chu
Producer: Ava Encinas
Cast: Khoi Le, Julie Tong, Antone Axten
After building a seemingly successful life, a man must come to terms with the melancholic truth that he has detached from his Vietnamese culture and subsequently his grandmother, both of which he once held a close relationship with. His grief pushes him through a journey of reflection which reveals to him the perfect recipe to restore the once lost connection.
Hotline
2021, 13:21 min., USA, Drama, Pacifica Christian High School
Writer/Director: Andreas Mickelopoulos, Garrett Seabold
Cast: Isai Palomares, Charlotte Shays, Robert Pitts, Nicolas Kolesnikow
Three high school boys' night of prank calls quickly develops into a matter of life and death when an unsuspecting classmate answers the phone.
Sydney 2078
2021, 9:36 min., Australia, Sci-Fi/Drama, Balgowlah Boys Campus
Producer/Writer/Director: Brady O'Sullivan
Cast: Gordon Carroll
A teenage boy from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with a fascination for science fiction movies and novels has a vision during the night, leading him on an inter-dimensional endeavour into the future.
Think Like A Filmmaker
2021, 6:20 min, USA, Documentary, Saint Ann’s School
Producer/Director: Eli Berliner
Cast: Alan Berliner
Eli Berliner turns the camera on his father, Alan, a personal documentary filmmaker, whose new body of work approaches sculpture through the eyes of a filmmaker.
About The American Pavilion
The American Pavilion, celebrating its 33rd year as the epicenter of American hospitality and communication at the Cannes International Film Festival, brings together both professional and emerging filmmakers along with industry executives from across the globe. A much sought-after destination for information, orientation, and recreation, it accommodates the needs of its members, guests and sponsors in a dynamic business environment. With its impressive array of amenities and services, AmPav provides an opportunity to relax in very comfortable surroundings.
The American Pavilion boasts the In Conversation and Industry in Focus both which take place in the Roger Ebert Conference Center, which offer insightful and provocative panel discussions and in-conversations with filmmakers, talent and top leaders; a restaurant and bar that provide fast service with a smile throughout the day and is open to all festival badge holders after 6:00pm most evenings; a coffee bar; free WiFi and charging stations; a media terrace with a panoramic view of the Riviera; the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase; the Culinary Program featuring chefs from across the US and Canada; The American Pavilion Worldwide Student Program; and public and private rental for parties and receptions. The American Pavilion is part of Penske Media Corporation.
For more information, visit www.ampav.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanpavilion
Twitter: @AmPav
Instagram: @The_American_Pavilion...
- 5/18/2022
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
Sneak Peek "Extinction", the post-apocalyptic science fiction TV series directed by Ryan Little ("Hounds of Love") and written by Orson Scott Card, Aaron Johnston, now streaming on Netflix:
"...400 years after the human race has been exterminated by hostile interplanetary aliens, 'Ezra', 'Abram' and 'Feena' are revived by an alien faction for the purposes of restarting the human civilization.
"The group cultivates their relationship with the alien restorers while dealing with conflicts from those genocidal aliens which destroyed humanity..."
Cast includes Chad Michael Collins, Victoria Atkin, Jaclyn Hales, Yorke Fryer, Jack Depew, Matthew Bellows, Jake Stormoen, Kirby Heyborne and Anna Vocino.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Extinction"...
"...400 years after the human race has been exterminated by hostile interplanetary aliens, 'Ezra', 'Abram' and 'Feena' are revived by an alien faction for the purposes of restarting the human civilization.
"The group cultivates their relationship with the alien restorers while dealing with conflicts from those genocidal aliens which destroyed humanity..."
Cast includes Chad Michael Collins, Victoria Atkin, Jaclyn Hales, Yorke Fryer, Jack Depew, Matthew Bellows, Jake Stormoen, Kirby Heyborne and Anna Vocino.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Extinction"...
- 11/23/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Sneak Peek "Extinction", the post-apocalyptic science fiction TV series directed by Ryan Little ("Hounds of Love") and written by Orson Scott Card, Aaron Johnston, streaming on Netflix July 27, 2018:
"...400 years after the human race has been exterminated by hostile interplanetary aliens, 'Ezra', 'Abram' and 'Feena' are revived by an alien faction for the purposes of restarting the human civilization.
"The group cultivates their relationship with the alien restorers while dealing with conflicts from those genocidal aliens which destroyed humanity..."
Cast includes Chad Michael Collins, Victoria Atkin, Jaclyn Hales, Yorke Fryer, Jack Depew, Matthew Bellows, Jake Stormoen, Kirby Heyborne and Anna Vocino.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Extinction"...
"...400 years after the human race has been exterminated by hostile interplanetary aliens, 'Ezra', 'Abram' and 'Feena' are revived by an alien faction for the purposes of restarting the human civilization.
"The group cultivates their relationship with the alien restorers while dealing with conflicts from those genocidal aliens which destroyed humanity..."
Cast includes Chad Michael Collins, Victoria Atkin, Jaclyn Hales, Yorke Fryer, Jack Depew, Matthew Bellows, Jake Stormoen, Kirby Heyborne and Anna Vocino.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Extinction"...
- 7/13/2018
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
"There is a demon stuck in your skin." Or is it just a tattoo? Freestyle Digital Media has released an official trailer for an indie psychological thriller titled A Good Dream, the feature directorial debut of filmmaker Mahum Jamal, which premiered at a few smaller film festivals last year. The film is a very trippy, fanciful, creative thriller about a girl in her 20s trying to find herself living in New York City. When she suddenly finds herself haunted by a presence, she has trouble distinguishing fiction from reality and falls deeper into a world of her perceptions. Melany Bennett stars as Uma, with a cast including Karim Saleh, Victoria Atkin, and Kayvon Zand. This looks very cool, but I'm not sure how good it will really be - not much buzz around it in any way. Worth a look, especially for the clever animated touches added throughout. See below.
- 4/23/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Network: BYUtv. Episodes: 10 (hour). Seasons: One. TV show dates: October 1, 2017 — November 19, 2017. Series status: Cancelled. Performers include: Chad Michael Collins, Victoria Atkin, Jaclyn Hales, Yorke Fryer, Jack Depew, Matthew Bellows, and Jake Stormoen. TV show description: A post-apocalyptic science fiction drama from creators Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston, the Extinct TV show unfolds 400 years after the extinction of humanity. Now that aliens have regenerated the human race, mankind is on quest to find direction and make sense of it all, amidst ETs and advanced alien technology. The action centers on Ezra (Collins), Feena (Atkin), and Abram (Fryer), who have been reborn centuries into the future. Despite vastly different backgrounds, they must learn...
- 1/6/2018
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Extinct has gone the way of the woolly mammoth. BYUtv has cancelled its Extinct TV show after one season of ten episodes. In a refreshing turn of events, the non-profit network issued a statement acknowledging the Extinct cancellation, and didn't try to reframe it as as a "limited event series" which was always intended to be a single season program. A post-apocalyptic science fiction drama from creators Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston, Extinct stars Chad Michael Collins, Victoria Atkin, Jaclyn Hales, Yorke Fryer, Jack Depew, Matthew Bellows, and Jake Stormoen. The BYUtv series kicks off with aliens regenerating the human race, 400 years after its extinction. Now that they're back, those who have returned embark upon quest to understand what is going on and why they are here. Read More…...
- 1/6/2018
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Ender's Game author Orson Scott Card has created a new sci-fi TV series called Extinct and we have the first trailer to share with you for it today. This actually looks like it could be solid series and It definitely has an intriguing story that grabbed my attention.
The 10-episode action-packed series takes place 400 years after the extinction of the human race and follows a small group of humans who are revived by an alien civilization. The aliens claim they want to restore the human species, but the reborn humans uncover new dangers, hidden agendas and powerful secrets that challenge that claim and threaten to annihilate the human race all over again.Extinct carries the colony of revived humans through struggles with the aliens who extinguished humankind centuries before — while trying to understand and get along with the mysterious aliens who revived them. Nothing is as it seems to be,...
The 10-episode action-packed series takes place 400 years after the extinction of the human race and follows a small group of humans who are revived by an alien civilization. The aliens claim they want to restore the human species, but the reborn humans uncover new dangers, hidden agendas and powerful secrets that challenge that claim and threaten to annihilate the human race all over again.Extinct carries the colony of revived humans through struggles with the aliens who extinguished humankind centuries before — while trying to understand and get along with the mysterious aliens who revived them. Nothing is as it seems to be,...
- 4/12/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Brigham Young University's BYUtv network has ordered the scripted Extinct TV show drama, with an eye toward a 2017 premiere. A futuristic sci-fi series created by Orson Scott Card and Aaron Johnston, who wrote the pilot, Extinct is a co-production of Taleswapper and Go Films. Adam Abel is producing, with Ryan Little directing.Chad Michael Collins stars as the male lead, Ezra in the series that takes place after the extinction of the human race. The Extinct TV series cast also includes: Victoria Atkin, Jaclyn Hales, Yorke Fryer, Jack Depew, Matthew Bellows, and Jake Stormoen. Extinct marks BYUtv's second scripted program. Get the details from this BYUtv press release. Read More…...
- 9/14/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Chad Michael Collins is courageously fighting a higher power in order to revive the human race in the upcoming sci-fi series, ‘Extinct.’ Shockya is exclusively revealing that the actor will topline the cast of the independent sci-fi television pilot for the cable and satellite channel, BYUtv. ‘Extinct’ was created, written and will be executive produced by Hugo and Neptune Award-winning science fiction writer Orson Scott Card and partner Aaron Johnston for their production shingle Taleswapper, with Adam Abel and Ryan Little producing through their production shingle Go Films. Little will also direct the pilot episode. Victoria Atkin, Yorke Fryer, Jaclyn Hales, Nic Luken and Matthew Bellows round out the regular [ Read More ]
The post Chad Michael Collins Starring in Lead Role of BYUtv’s Sci-Fi Pilot Extinct (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Chad Michael Collins Starring in Lead Role of BYUtv’s Sci-Fi Pilot Extinct (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 8/9/2016
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Victoria Atkin, who played Jason Costello in Hollyoaks, has signed up for a guest role in Holby City. From 2010 until December 2011, the actress was involved in a groundbreaking gender identity storyline with her character, previously named Jasmine. Her official website has confirmed that Atkin will make a one-episode stint as ex-army soldier Lainey Craig who suffers with foreign accent syndrome, a speech impediment usually the result of a brain injury. Digital Spy exclusively revealed last September that Atkin would be bowing out of her role on Hollyoaks. (more)...
- 6/14/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Transsexual characters promote positive discussion, regardless of who plays them. But trans actors need more opportunities
"He's playing a transsexual," said Ben Stephenson, controller of drama commissioning, as the BBC announced that Sean Bean would star as Simon, an English teacher with an "alter ego" named Tracie in legal drama Accused. "[It's] a brilliant story," Stephenson told the Broadcasting Press Guild, "untold, I think, on mainstream television." Bean's appearance is the latest to raise an issue constantly debated within certain circles: should trans roles on screen be played by trans people?
Critiquing stereotypical portrayals in Whipping Girl, Julia Serano stated that "in a world where transsexual and intersex works of art … are not considered mainstream enough to be nominated for Emmys and Pulitzers, the facade presented in [HBO drama] Normal … profoundly shapes audience opinions about transsexual and intersex people". The problem, argued Serano, was that Normal appropriated gender-variant experiences without including transgender perspectives,...
"He's playing a transsexual," said Ben Stephenson, controller of drama commissioning, as the BBC announced that Sean Bean would star as Simon, an English teacher with an "alter ego" named Tracie in legal drama Accused. "[It's] a brilliant story," Stephenson told the Broadcasting Press Guild, "untold, I think, on mainstream television." Bean's appearance is the latest to raise an issue constantly debated within certain circles: should trans roles on screen be played by trans people?
Critiquing stereotypical portrayals in Whipping Girl, Julia Serano stated that "in a world where transsexual and intersex works of art … are not considered mainstream enough to be nominated for Emmys and Pulitzers, the facade presented in [HBO drama] Normal … profoundly shapes audience opinions about transsexual and intersex people". The problem, argued Serano, was that Normal appropriated gender-variant experiences without including transgender perspectives,...
- 1/14/2012
- by Juliet Jacques
- The Guardian - Film News
Langford's Picks And Pans
Maryada
I haven’t seen this show lately, so it was nice to catch this latest episode of the ongoing drama revolving around ex-boyfriends Guarav and Karan. I'm so glad to see this story continue, especially given that this is a place and a world not used to gay storytelling, at least depicted positively. I would love to know how Indian audiences are reacting to the story. If any readers might know I'd like to hear from you by either dropping me a line or commenting at the end of this column.
Back to the story, I know this is a totally cultural thing and the style of this soap, but I couldn’t help but chuckle when Karan’s mother cried about wishing she'd died before seeing her son brought home drunk. It might have been the highlight of the episode, besides watching Guarav looking so angsty and gorgeous.
Maryada
I haven’t seen this show lately, so it was nice to catch this latest episode of the ongoing drama revolving around ex-boyfriends Guarav and Karan. I'm so glad to see this story continue, especially given that this is a place and a world not used to gay storytelling, at least depicted positively. I would love to know how Indian audiences are reacting to the story. If any readers might know I'd like to hear from you by either dropping me a line or commenting at the end of this column.
Back to the story, I know this is a totally cultural thing and the style of this soap, but I couldn’t help but chuckle when Karan’s mother cried about wishing she'd died before seeing her son brought home drunk. It might have been the highlight of the episode, besides watching Guarav looking so angsty and gorgeous.
- 11/9/2011
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Hollyoaks' Jason Costello and Bart McQueen take centre stage in a one-off E4 special next week. A Little Film About Love by Jason Costello airs on E4 on Thursday, November 10 at 7pm - focusing on the teen pair as they face a race against time to get to London. Next week's regular Hollyoaks episodes see Gaz (Joel Goonan) prepare to dump Sinead (Stephanie Davis), but he soon changes his mind when they're presented with a job opportunity - selling gig merchandise on a European tour. When Gaz and Sinead head off for the first concert in London, they're excited as the European dates will follow immediately afterwards. However, Jason (Victoria Atkin) (more)...
- 11/1/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Langfords Picks And Pans
Forbidden Love
I think it’s time to put Christian and Olli to rest. Let them get a divorce and be apart, at least for awhile. The characters have come to the point where they need to move in separate orbits, meet new people, perhaps have a new romance or two. Perhaps at some point down the line they can rekindle their relationship. They have been fighting about the same thing for months and the back and forth has gotten boring. Perhaps looking at why their marriage fell apart in less than a year might be a good idea.
If the show tries to force them back together anytime in the near future, it would not only be unbelievable, but would seem like the writers just threw them back together for lack of anything else to do with the couple. So much of this story has been about lazy,...
Forbidden Love
I think it’s time to put Christian and Olli to rest. Let them get a divorce and be apart, at least for awhile. The characters have come to the point where they need to move in separate orbits, meet new people, perhaps have a new romance or two. Perhaps at some point down the line they can rekindle their relationship. They have been fighting about the same thing for months and the back and forth has gotten boring. Perhaps looking at why their marriage fell apart in less than a year might be a good idea.
If the show tries to force them back together anytime in the near future, it would not only be unbelievable, but would seem like the writers just threw them back together for lack of anything else to do with the couple. So much of this story has been about lazy,...
- 10/5/2011
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Jason Costello's ongoing rebellion has unexpected consequences in tonight's episode of Hollyoaks as he brings Warren Fox into his bad behaviour. When Jason (Victoria Atkin) causes a stir by stealing Ash's moped in the village and gets himself arrested, he makes it clear to his family that he'll continue acting out until he's allowed to start on the hormone blockers. Riley (Rob Norbury) is extremely unimpressed by his brother's antics and tries to give him a few home truths, branding him (more)...
- 10/5/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Here's some Hollyoaks gossip that's sure to set tongues wagging over future storylines: Digital Spy can exclusively reveal that Victoria Atkin, who plays transgender teen Jason Costello, will be departing the show. Atkin, 24, revealed the news to us when we paid a recent visit to the Hollyoaks set, explaining that she feels like it's the right time for her to move on after more than a year in the role of Jason. The actress added: "Playing Jason has been a phenomenal first role out of drama school. I feel extremely blessed to have performed such a didactic and challenging role. "I would like to thank everyone for an immensely rewarding year, Jason has been an incredible part however I am now very excited to explore what other roles the industry has to offer." A Hollyoaks insider told Digital Spy: "Bosses really don't (more)...
- 9/29/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks' Jason Costello makes the heartbreaking decision to cut ties with Bart McQueen in tonight's episode of the soap. Just as it seems like the pair are getting their friendship back on track, Bart (Jonny Clarke) puts his foot in it with Jason by admitting that he hopes to win Sinead back. Feeling let down by Bart all over again, Jason (Victoria Atkin) finally confides in his family about what's been going on - telling (more)...
- 9/2/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
In the August edition of Langford on Soaps…
In Gool Theater, Aaron turns to self-harm to deal with his pain, but what happens when someone else gets caught in his destructive path? Find out on Emmerdale. Plus, Olli wants a new relationship. But he is ready to go looking for romance on Forbidden Love? And Sonny gets mixed up in a mob war on Days Of Our Lives.
In Gool Scoops And Spoilers, Roman accepts his fate on All That Matters, but Deniz isn’t quite ready to let his lover go. Meanwhile, on People of the Valley, Macs turns to Iolo when the cops come calling after his disastrous attempt to find Scott goes awry and Jason and Bart face their feelings on Hollyoaks.
And in Gool Newsbeat, we'll tell you when All My Childrenand One Life To Livedebut online. Plus, the latest on the returns of Irish drama...
In Gool Theater, Aaron turns to self-harm to deal with his pain, but what happens when someone else gets caught in his destructive path? Find out on Emmerdale. Plus, Olli wants a new relationship. But he is ready to go looking for romance on Forbidden Love? And Sonny gets mixed up in a mob war on Days Of Our Lives.
In Gool Scoops And Spoilers, Roman accepts his fate on All That Matters, but Deniz isn’t quite ready to let his lover go. Meanwhile, on People of the Valley, Macs turns to Iolo when the cops come calling after his disastrous attempt to find Scott goes awry and Jason and Bart face their feelings on Hollyoaks.
And in Gool Newsbeat, we'll tell you when All My Childrenand One Life To Livedebut online. Plus, the latest on the returns of Irish drama...
- 8/17/2011
- by Anthony D. Langford
- The Backlot
Hollyoaks star Victoria Atkin has promised that there is a "really powerful" scene in store as her character Jason Costello's love triangle storyline with Bart and Sinead comes to a head. Viewers have recently seen Bart run away with Sinead in a forbidden love plot, but next week's episodes explore how he still has unresolved feelings for Jason. Bart (Jonny Clarke) previously dated the transgender student when Jason first arrived in the village as Jasmine. The drama begins next Monday when Jason comes to help Bart and Sinead (Stephanie Davis) in their secret location after hearing that they have run out of money and food. Atkin told Digital Spy of Sinead's unhappiness at seeing Jason: "You'll see them at each other's throats and competing for Bart's attention and love. But what's coming up is really exciting, (more)...
- 8/11/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Victoria Atkin has revealed that there are new developments ahead for Jason Costello's transgender storyline, which returns to the forefront of the soap later this year. The student arrived in the village as Jasmine last summer, but began living life as Jason at the end of 2010 after opening up to his family about how he was a boy trapped in a girl's body. Jason's recent storylines have revolved around his unresolved feelings for rebellious Bart McQueen (Jonny Clarke), who was in a relationship with Jasmine before discovering the truth about his girlfriend's gender identity struggle. However, speaking to Digital Spy about how the transgender story progresses in the coming months, Atkin explained: "Later on in the year, we've got Jason's desire to start with hormone blockers and testosterone, so we'll see that. (more)...
- 8/11/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks actress Victoria Atkin recently had a chat with Digital Spy about her character Jason Costello's involvement in Bart and Sinead's runaway storyline next week. For all the gossip on Jason's feelings for Bart and the pair being held at gunpoint, read the main Q&A with Victoria in the interviews section. Here, though, Soap Scoop chats further with Victoria about Jason's future, the transgender storyline and more... Are there any more developments ahead for the transgender aspect of Jason's storyline?
"Yes. Later on in the year, we've got Jason's desire to start with hormone blockers and testosterone, so we'll see that. I've also just got a chest binder for the character - he'll be using that rather than bandaging and we'll see that when Jason suits and boots himself up for a very special forthcoming (more)...
"Yes. Later on in the year, we've got Jason's desire to start with hormone blockers and testosterone, so we'll see that. I've also just got a chest binder for the character - he'll be using that rather than bandaging and we'll see that when Jason suits and boots himself up for a very special forthcoming (more)...
- 8/10/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Jonny Clarke has said that he is pleased with fan support for his character Bart McQueen's complicated relationship with Jason Costello. Bart had a romance with Jason (Victoria Atkin) when the troubled student arrived in the village as Jasmine last year. However, their union came to an end when Jason revealed his desire to live life as a boy. Since the break-up, Bart has fallen for feisty Sinead O'Connor (Stephanie Davis) - but his feelings for Jason are revisited in next week's episodes. Speaking to Digital Spy about viewers who want Bart and Jason to get back together, Clarke commented: "I think it's a very good thing. It's a very gritty storyline and I don't think you'd ever normally see two characters like that come together and try to make it work. "So I can understand why there's a lot (more)...
- 8/9/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Victoria Atkin has revealed that her character Jason Costello confesses his love for Bart McQueen in a forthcoming storyline. Later this month, Jason meets up with the rebellious teen after Bart makes contact with him, desperate for help as life on the run with girlfriend Sinead O'Connor (Stephanie Davis) has become too difficult. However, as Jason and Bart's (Jonny Clarke) old bond starts to return, a jealous Sinead storms off - leaving the pair to face a dangerous situation alone. "It all kicks off when they're in a farmhouse and Jason's excited at the thought of exploring the place," Atkin told All About Soap. "Unfortunately, that turns into trespassing and the owner of the farm captures them at gunpoint." She continued: "The farmer storms in and questions (more)...
- 8/3/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Victoria Atkin has teased the latest romance twists in store for her character Jason Costello, who will soon face a fresh rejection from Bart McQueen. Bart (Jonny Clarke) previously had a relationship with Jason when he first arrived in the village as Jasmine, but their union came to an end when the troubled teenager started to live life as a boy. Atkin told All About Soap that the pair's relationship will soon be revisited when Bart discovers that Jason is out on a date and starts spying on him. When Jason hears that Bart has been keeping tabs on him, he confronts the rebellious McQueen at the shack in the woods, with surprising consequences. Atkin said: "Bart denies [spying], of course, but Jason isn't having any of it and they start having an argument. That leads into a bit of a fight, but there's so much chemistry between (more...
- 5/26/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Victoria Atkin has revealed that she is girlie in real life - unlike her character on the Channel 4 soap. The actress plays Jasmine Costello, who has Gender Identity Disorder and now goes by the name of Jason. Atkin told Reveal magazine: "In real life, I was a bit of a tomboy growing up, but now I love wearing make-up. I'm the only girl in Hollyoaks who puts make-up on to go home! "At the moment, we've been (more)...
- 2/5/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Victoria Atkin has admitted that her character Jasmine Costello will be "crushed" when Bart McQueen lets her down again in an upcoming storyline. Jasmine - who has gender identity disorder - will soon reach a life-changing moment when she tells her family about her desire to be a boy, sparking a furious reaction from her dad Carl. The student is initially supported by Bart (Jonny Clarke), and he even encourages her to go public as her alter ego Jason by performing in boyband Guy Candy - but the implications of her decision soon sink in. In an interview with All About Soap, (more)...
- 12/16/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Victoria Atkin has explained why her character Jasmine Costello lets her secret slip once again in a forthcoming episode of the soap. Next week, Jasmine finally confesses all to half-sister Jem (Helen Russell-Clark), explaining that she desperately wants to be a boy. Speaking to Inside Soap, Atkin commented: "She just blurts it out. It's not planned, but it's a big release for Jasmine. "Jem's completely stunned, though - I don't reckon in her wildest dreams that she'd ever thought her sister would (more)...
- 11/11/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Victoria Atkin has hinted that there will be more drama ahead for her troubled character Jasmine Costello. Last week, viewers saw Jasmine's story reach a turning point as her boyfriend Bart McQueen (Jonny Clarke) discovered her secret in the final episode of E4 spinoff show Hollyoaks Later. Previously, Bart had been unaware that Jasmine has Gender Identity Disorder and believes she was born into the wrong body. In recent months, fans have seen the schoolgirl dress up and act like a boy named Jason as part of her desperate desire to be a member of the (more)...
- 11/1/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Hollyoaks star Victoria Atkin will attend the opening of a transgender support centre in Hull, it has been revealed. The actress, who plays Gender Identity Disorder sufferer Jasmine Costello, will unveil the GenderShift centre on Sunday. It is thought to be the UK’s first support centre solely for people facing gender identity and sexual orientation issues. Atkin told PinkNews.co.uk: (more)...
- 9/4/2010
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh has praised Channel 4's Hollyoaks for tackling the issue of gender identity disorder. The actress, who plays transsexual character Hayley Cropper, revealed that she was pleased when she first heard what the teen soap's producers had in store for new arrival Jasmine Costello. Jasmine, who is portrayed by 23-year-old Victoria Atkin, made her first appearance on screen earlier this month and viewers have since seen her secretly dressing up like a boy as part of a desperate desire to be a member of the opposite sex. Speaking to Holy Soap about the storyline, Hesmondhalgh commented: "I saw that in the paper. I think it's (more)...
- 8/25/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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