Short Film: 'First They Came'

(from the award-winning short film 'First They Came')

Check out this moving short film that interweaves images of mass shootings with Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and the Martin Niemöller poem, “First They Came.”

The film earned 16-year-old filmmaker Odessa Shlain Goldberg the top honor in this year’s OUR PRIDE Video Fest competition.

The competition asks student filmmakers in schools and colleges to create and share digital stories about significant LGBTQ+ people, places and events that have shaped our world and are impacting the future.

Goldberg was inspired by Niemöller’s poem which addresses complicity and passivity during the Holocaust. It reads:

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Goldberg’s film updated the text to meditate on the victims of deadly mass shootings in recent U.S. history, including the massacre at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which left 49 dead and 50+ wounded.

“The film illustrates how passivity in the face of injustice is complicity during World War II, but instead reframes and rewrites the 1946 poem to focus on the prolific, devastating shootings in schools and public institutions,” said Odessa, a Tamalpais High School student in Mill Valley, California.

“One of the horrific shootings commemorated is the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016 targeting the LGBTQ+ community," added the young filmmaker. "The final call to action of the video reminds the viewer to take action against gun violence by voting.”

Watch the 3 minute film below.

Acclaimed Short Film 'Trophy Boy' Heading To Television

Emrhys Cooper in 'Trophy Boy' (photo: Robin Isherwood)

Trophy Boy, the critically-acclaimed short film about the fall of an egotistical gay Instagram ‘influencer’ after being dumped by his sugar daddy, has been picked up for series development.

Emrhys Cooper (Mamma Mia, Vanity) directed and starred in the short film which has been acquired by production, financing and distribution company Dynamic Television.

Gerald McCullouch, of the Bear City movie trilogy and the award-winning web series, Hustling, is also featured in the film.

Anthony Johnston, Emrhys Cooper, Gerald McCullouch in 'Trophy Boy'

In the short, Cooper plays 'James,' who after living as a social media 'celebrity' finds out the hard way what real life is like.

The official synopsis:

Trophy Boy is your classic “riches-to-rags” story. It depicts the downward spiral of James - a spoiled, influencer and narcissist, who, based on his social media accounts, appears to have it all.

But, just before his 30th birthday, his much older boyfriend, on whom he was financially dependent, breaks up with him. James now must face reality with no work experience and no idea where to start.

With his sex-addicted best buddy by his side, James takes a crash course in living and sets out to prove that he doesn’t need anyone to take care of him.

He ultimately ends up alienating himself further from reality and comes face-to-face with the bitter fact that if he doesn’t learn to live as an adult in the real world, he’ll never be more than a washed-up, unwanted accessory.

Emhrys Cooper in 'Trophy Boy' (photo: Andrey Kopylov)

Speaking to Towleroad last year, Emhrys explained his inspiration for making the film: “Social media has created a generation of self-obsessed narcissists obsessed with self-obsessed narcissists. My goal for Trophy Boy is to say look up from your phone, breathe, observe, and think about what really matters; honesty, integrity and deep sense of responsibility."

Critics have raved about the film:

“With impeccable dialogue delivery, amazing body language and performance, he (Cooper) consumes the screen every time he faces the camera…The climax is a pure masterpiece in terms of both, acting and story. The dark, haunting depth attained in performance and narration makes ‘Trophy Boy’ worth a watch!"” – Indie Shorts Mag, September 14, 2018

Cooper and Trophy Boy co-star Donal Brophy will executive produce the new series along with Dynamic Television’s Holly Hines.

Dynamic’s list of series include SYFY's Trapped, Van Helsing, Wynona Earp and Z Nation, East Los High for Hulu, and Madiba on BET.

You can watch the entire 12 minute short film, Trophy Boy, below.

Out Short Film: "Straight A"

Zach Cramblit & Todd Lien in 'Straight A'

Check out this sweet short film, Straight A, from actor/writer Todd Lien.

Lien wrote, produced and starred in the short as his thesis film for the New York Film Academy’s MFA program.

The handsome actor says the movie is based on the true story of his own coming out to his father.

In the eight minute movie, Lien plays a version of himself struggling to maintain a long-term relationship with his boyfriend Kyle (Zach Cramblit) while keeping up the image of the perfect son to his father (Nathan Chen).

In the film, it appears being an over-achiever who gets straight A’s in school and is elected president of the student body isn’t enough for the father.

Or is it?

Todd shares this note on the YouTube page:

I am grateful for the supporting father I have, but I want to be clear that I know this is not how many people's experiences are like. I just want to share some happy ending story like mine out there for more positivity and hope! The message is that sometimes we need to give our parents a little more credit for acceptance. Hope this video does that for as many people out there as possible!

Lien’s film credits include The Choice (2017), Alpha Delta Zatan (2017) and the TV miniseries Bob’s New Roommates (2017).

But wait - there's more!

He’s also a part of the Asian Magic Mike troupe! Whoo-hoo!

The hottie is not only talented but way photogenic, as his 20K Instagram followers have discovered.

View this post on Instagram

“Even when the sun is bright af, you open your eyes and kill your cornea for a good picture” - Scott Eriksson (my manager) I want to see the world and I want the world to see me! Photo credit: @yan8o #asianactor #workingasianactor #asianmodel #asianguysaresexy #hollywoodsign #touristpicture #hollywood

A post shared by Todd Lien (@toddlien_official) on Jun 21, 2018 at 3:24pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

"New Sexy Headshot = big Asian eyes, no smile, cool moody shadow" photo credit: @josephgdaniels #modeling #asianmodel #asianactor #photoshoot #sexyheadshot #headshot

A post shared by Todd Lien (@toddlien_official) on Aug 9, 2017 at 1:09pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

Bye Thanksgiving! 👋 FINALLY, hello Christmas 🎄 Guilty pleasure: I usually start a bit early to listen to Christmas music... like December 26th every year. Same freaking photographer: @aurora_ouyang #christmas #lovechristmas #christmasmusic #photoshoot #samefreakingmall #santahat #asianmodel #asianactor #hollywood #guiltypleasure #noshame

A post shared by Todd Lien (@toddlien_official) on Nov 25, 2018 at 3:36pm PST

(h/t Towleroad)

Podcast: NFL Player Celebrates Same-Sex Marriage, Gay Widower Denied Benefits, Short Film 'The Real Thing'

In this week's podcast:

• A former Dallas Cowboys linebacker becomes first NFLer to celebrate same-sex marriage

• Michelle Obama snuck out of the White House to celebrate marriage equality

• Hate crime suspect in Brooklyn faces 15 years in prison after violent gay-bashing

• A gay widower is being denied benefits by the Social Security Administration

• Acclaimed short film ‘The Real Thing’ really is the real thing

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report

If you enjoy The Randy Report podcast, please share it on your social media :)

Short Film: 'The Real Thing'

What a lovely, thoughtful short film.

The Real Thing, written and directed by Brandon Kelley, captures important moments - big and small - in a quick 7 minute journey.

With very little dialogue Kelley guides his lead actors, Sophie Giannamore and Michael Torpey, up to and through one of the most crucial, life-altering moments a transgender child will have.

From the official description:

When a soldier returns home, things have often changed. For Staff Sergeant Michael Waltze, the ultimate change is in his child. While on his tour of duty, his daughter has transitioned and started living her truth. Today he is coming home to surprise her.
Parental love is unconditional. It transcends a person's memory of their child. The Real Thing is an infinitely stronger bond.

The short was honored as 'Outstanding Narrative Short Film' at Outfest 2017, 'Programmers Choice Award' for Narrative Short at the Virginia Film Festival, Best Director and Best Drama Jury Award at the New England Film Festival, Grand Jury Prize and People's Choice Award at the James River Short Film fest and many others.

Kelley released the film earlier this week in observance of Transgender Awareness Week (Nov 12-19).

Kudos to Kelley, his cast and crew for a capturing such a poignant, 'real' chapter in so many lives.

I really encourage you to sit back for just 7 minutes and watch The Real Thing below.

Short Film: 'Trophy Boy'

Emrhys Cooper in 'Trophy Boy'

Emrhys Cooper directs and stars in the short film, Trophy Boy, set for release later this month.

The film also features Gerald McCullouch of the Bear City movie trilogy and the award-winning web series, Hustling.

In the film, Cooper plays 'James,' who after living as a social media 'celebrity' finds out the hard way what real life is like.

The official synopsis:

TROPHY BOY is your classic “riches-to-rags” story. It depicts the downward spiral of James - a spoiled, influencer and narcissist, who, based on his social media accounts, appears to have it all.

But, just before his 30th birthday, his much older boyfriend, on whom he was financially dependent, breaks up with him. James now must face reality with no work experience and no idea where to start.

With his sex-addicted best buddy by his side, James takes a crash course in living and sets out to prove that he doesn’t need anyone to take care of him.

He ultimately ends up alienating himself further from reality and comes face-to-face with the bitter fact that if he doesn’t learn to live as an adult in the real world, he’ll never be more than a washed-up, unwanted accessory.

Critics have raved about the classic riches-to-rags story about a young social media “influencer” and self-proclaimed ‘trophy boy’ who gets dumped by his wealthy, older boyfriend/benefactor.

“With impeccable dialogue delivery, amazing body language and performance, he (Cooper) consumes the screen every time he faces the camera…The climax is a pure masterpiece in terms of both, acting and story. The dark, haunting depth attained in performance and narration makes ‘Trophy Boy’ worth a watch!"”  – Indie Shorts Mag, September 14, 2018

Anthony Johnston, Emrhys Cooper, Gerald McCullouch

After making the rounds on the film festival circuit (Cannes Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, California Independent Film Festival), the 13-minute short is scheduled to have screenings and a premiere event in New York City this month.

The short will be available on Vimeo on October 22. Watch the teaser below.

Queer Short Film: "Bad Boy On Probation"

Artie O'Daly (L) and Tony Harth (R)

‘Bad Boy On Probation’ is the third installment of the comedy web series that has almost a million views on YouTube.

"Mack (Tony Harth) gets his "Daddy Scott" (Artie O’Daly) to pretend to be his real dad when a probation officer (Alina Bock) comes for a check in. But Scott gets more than he bargained for."

I've previously shared the earlier "Bad Boy" videos here.

Take a break and check it out below.

Queer Short Film: "Bad Boy Comes Out"

When your cute handyman isn't who he appears to be...

Cute five-minute brain break starring & produced by Tony Harth & Artie O'Daly

Synopsis: Tired of hiding who he really is, Mack (Tony Harth) wants to come out to Scott (Artie O’Daly). But neither get what they were expecting.

Award-Winning Queer Short Film "SIGN"

Make sure you take a few minutes to enjoy this super-sweet short film depicting the romance of two young guys in NYC - one hearing, one deaf.

Directed by Broadway's Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Newsies) and composer Adam Wachter, their award-winning new film Sign which spent a year being honored on the film festival circuit.

Along the way, the short picked up awards like Best Short at the Sidewalk Film Festival, the Youth Jury Award at the Iris Prize Festival, and Best Men’s Short at OUT on Film Atlanta.

From Andrew and Adam:

Using only silent vignettes, a musical score and American Sign Language, SIGN tells the story of the relationship between Ben, a hearing man, and Aaron, who is deaf.

We were inspired to portray an under-explored human experience with the help and collaboration of our talented Deaf friends in the New York theatre community, combining Andrew’s passion for visual imagery with Adam’s love of musical storytelling.

The film was shot in a four-day marathon session in multiple locations across New York City, on a set staffed by actors, ASL interpreters, Deaf consultants and many passionate hearing and Deaf volunteers.

Sensitive and artful, the short film (starring John McGinty and Preston Sadleir) plays out effortlessly with no dialogue needed.

Bravo to the creators. This made me smile.

I missed the initial release of the film, so kudos to TheOUTFront for bringing the short to my attention :)

Watch below.

Short Film: "Call Your Father"

The new short film Call Your Father is quite the deep dive into the world of intergenerational dating.

Written, directed and starring Jordan Firstman, the dark comedy follows the baneful first date between a 50-year-old "daddy" (played with great nuance by Craig Chester) and a 24-year-old impetuous "poet" (played by Firstman).

Poet "Josh" demonstrates just about every bad behavior you could imagine in a millennial including texting while daddy "Greg" tries to have a conversation as well as accusing "Greg" of being sad, all while sticking "Greg" with the bill wherever they go.

It would seem the only thing "Josh" is good at is sex. Well, at least there's that.

Kudos to Firstman for bringing a quixotic sense of charm to "Josh" if only through briefly glimpsed vulnerability. And I think most viewers will relate to Chester's thoughtful, sensitive performance although I can admit I'd have been outta there much sooner than his "Greg."

Watch the award-winning 18-minute short below.

Short Film: "The Weigh In"

NewNowNext points up this quickie short film, The Weigh In, by the Perez brothers.

Dramatic music, hyper masculine imagery, muscles and skin - what more do you want in a one minute flick?

Hart and Devon Perez's work spans a range of platforms from commercials to short films, appearing on ESPN and MTV to around the world at international film festivals.

Find more from the talented duo here on Vimeo.

The Weigh In from Perez Bros on Vimeo.

Queer Short Film: "Shower"

I have to recommend the Norwegian short film, Shower, directed by Henry K. Norvalls.

After screening at prestigious film festivals around the world, the darkly erotic short is online in full for the first time.

Official description: A man enters the shower after working out, but is soon side tracked by an unidentified noise. He decides to seek out the source and enters a situation that leave him completely exposed.

Trust me, the film doesn't end up where you think.

More and more, I'm drawn to short films. In part because I have a short attention span, and in part because I think young filmmakers are packing powerful messages into short films.

Watch on Vimeo here. NSFW.

Queer Short Film: "Authentic"

For a bit of #ThrowbackThursday, I bring you the short film, Authentic, which debuted in 2012.

The short film explores a bachelor's pursuit of happiness. Or, is it his avoidance of it?

The official description from the creative team of director Manuel R. Mota & producer Aytac N. Turkay:

Aaron is a bachelor living a stereotypical life with a decent earning. He works in a bank, managing people’s finances, but he has trouble to manage his own life in late 20’s. Whenever he finds a minute of privacy in his day, he hastily delves into his own fabricated reality: a world of excessive sex, pornography, and masturbation. However, this is a manifestation of his feelings of intense lack of connection (Anorexia-Avoidance) and the loneliness around him.

One day Aaron meets a new neighbor and establishes a connection. This moment lights a spark inside that grows, opening a door to achieve the emotional and physical satisfaction he was longing.
Is Aaron ready to give up his comfort zone?

"Authentic" is a portrait of a person desperately trying to find meaning in the compulsive pursuit of climax. In his quest for satisfaction he either doesn't see his real desires or ignores it deliberately?

After the film's premiere in December 2012, Authentic was well-received on the film festival circuit with Mota receiving Best Director honors at the 17th Sydney Film School Festival. The short also was won the Audience Award for favorite short.

Watch below. Warning: adult content/NSFW.

(h/t NewNowNext)

Podcast: White House Preps Trans Military Phase Out; Will & Grace Already Renewed For 2nd Season; Gay Short Film Charms Millions

In this week’s podcast:

• The White House has approved guidance for booting transgender service members out of the U.S. military

• NBC not only adds four more episodes to the Will & Grace reboot, but has already renewed the iconic sitcom for a second season

• Animated queer short film In A Heartbeat charms millions in only four minutes

• The acclaimed film Call Me By Your Name gets first official trailer

• Matt Joyce of the Oakland A's suspended for shouting anti-gay slur at fan

All that and more in this episode of The Randy Report.

Animated Queer Short: "In A Heartbeat"

This adorable animated short follows a closeted school boy named Sherwin who runs the risk of being outed by his own heart after it pops out of his chest to follow the boy of his dreams, Jonathan.

The project was funded via Kickstarter. The project is the senior thesis of two students at Ringling College of Art and Design.

The duo originally sought $3,000 in funding but received $15,000!

Lots of "heart" in this story about love and acceptance of LGBTQ youth. I think it's pretty much a perfect gem of a moment. The pace, the expert use of music, the artful expressions...

Just, watch below - you'll be glad you did :)

Over 560,000 views in less than a day.

Podcast: Chechnya, Chelsea Manning & Out Short Film "Wonderkid"

In this week’s episode of The Randy Report :

• Gay men in Chechnya are still being rounded up, tortured and killed, and guess what the United States is doing about it?

• Transgender whistleblower Chelsea Manning is free after 7 years in prison.

• A Mississippi man is sentenced to 49 years in prison for the murder of his transgender girlfriend.

• Nevada bans so-called “ex-gay” conversion therapy.

• A new study shows facial hair plays a big part in perceived masculinity, sexual attractiveness and even the length of relationships.

• Short film "Wonderkid" tackles homophobia in competitive sports. Watch the full film for free at www.wonderkidfilm.co.uk/watch

I appreciate everyone who follows my podcast.

I'm going to ask a favor here: as podcasts are becoming more and more popular, I'd appreciate it if you would recommend The Randy Report podcast to you friends. It's intended as an easy and listener-friendly way to catch up on the week's LGBTQ headlines.

If you like, please consider sharing the link to my podcast on your social media, or just tell your friends.

In just a few months, I'm proud to say The Randy Report is one of the top LGBT podcasts on iTunes.

Listen below.

Short Film: "The Curse Of The Un-Kissable Kid"

Director Mark Marchillo spins a totally charming tale of Joshua, a 14-year-old teen who’s coping with bullying and his own sexuality.

One day, Joshua meets a psychic at a local carnival who gifts him with a magic potion guaranteed to help him make more friends.

BUT - there's always a "but," right? - after he drinks the potion, it's revealed that unless he's able to experience a true love's kiss within 24 hours, he will disappear.

Who thought up that kind of "help?"

He and bestie Caitlyn immediately set out to find the perfect love, but to no avail.

Finally, they set up a kissing booth, maybe bigger numbers will set the odds in Joshua's favor!

And along comes Caitlyn's neighbor, Harry, and that's when the real magic sets in.

Young love, kissing AND musical numbers!

Watch below.

Short Film: Ian McKellen On Growing Up Gay And Coming Out

In this compelling short film (directed by Joe Stephenson for Tate Britain’s new Queer British Art exhibit), Scott Chambers gives an emotional performance evoking the feelings of a young Ian McKellen, as the acclaimed actor narrates his account of growing up in a time when there was no possibility of being out as a young gay man.

“Gay people, homosexuals, conducted their lives as secretly as possible. There was nobody who was out. Nobody.”

“Part of the reason I proselytize, talk about being gay, is because I don’t want today’s children not to enjoy their sexuality, be aware of it, think about it, puzzle about it, discuss it, have it out in the open, because of course it’s central to what you are.”

Watch below:

Student Director Crafts Moving Spec Spot For ADIDAS

Bravo to student filmmaker Eugen Merher of Germany.

Merher's spec spot for Adidas has a visceral pull that's undeniable. The minute and a half video tells the tale of a senior in a retirement home who dreams of his days as a marathon runner.

And then one day, he finds an old pair of Adidas running shoes.

This one will tug at you.

The 26-year-old student at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg told the Huffington Post that he tried to share it with the footwear company: “We tried sending it to [Adidas’] communications department but they didn’t really react."

I'll bet you've got their attention now, Eugen :)

YouTube Filmmakers Present Trailer For 2016: The Movie

YouTube filmmakers Friend Dog Studios present their trailer for the fictional (or not?) film, 2016: The Movie. 

The clip presents the year 2016 as the "scary thriller" that was - complete with celebrity deaths and unexpected election results.

Via Entertainment Weekly:

The clip, which takes the calendar year and turns it into a scary thriller, begins on Dec. 31, 2015, with a happy couple ringing in 2016 with kisses and wishes for a prosperous new year, new home, and ever-growing relationship. But things go wrong fast: “You want know who died today?” asks a creepy voiceover, teasing the terrible events to come.

(h/t JoeMyGod)