NFMLA Presents InFocus: LGBTQ+ Cinema Program
A crisis in a nuclear family, the struggle of an Imam, and a haven for trans women were some of the themes featured in the films as NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) presented its annual InFocus: LGBTQ+ Cinema program.
The event started with a special performance celebrating trans voices by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, followed by InFocus: LGBTQ+ Cinema Shorts Program I – In Search of Welcome, a collection of narratives addressing the fragility of seeking acceptance and understanding. The films encapsulated tough discussions, community growth, genuine embraces, absurd attempts at allyship, assimilation, courage, and some tense family dinners.
In the afternoon, the program moved to InFocus: LGBTQ+ Cinema Shorts Program II – Transcending Limits, showcasing films that depict trans and nonbinary experiences and the exploration of gender identity. This multi-generational collection highlighted, celebrated, and poetically expressed individual journeys, the importance of being truly seen, and the essential role of community.
The evening wrapped up with InFocus: LGBTQ+ Cinema Shorts Program III – Love, Lust & Belonging, a selection that focuses on queer joy, self-expression, authenticity, chaos, excitement, passions, and the experience of falling in love.
Throughout the year, NFMLA presents films from filmmakers of all backgrounds in both its general and InFocus programming. All filmmakers are invited and encouraged to submit their works for consideration in upcoming NFMLA Festivals, irrespective of the InFocus programming schedule, which enhances representation by highlighting different communities of filmmakers as part of the NFMLA Monthly Film Festival. This initiative is partly funded by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Below are details regarding the films and filmmakers, along with filmmaker interviews provided by NFMLA.
“SKIN,” directed by Leo Brehens
About Leo: Leo Behrens, an award-winning Norwegian director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles, wrote, directed, and served as cinematographer for his short film "SKIN," which won the 2023 Student Academy Award and has been showcased at over 50 festivals globally, achieving nine awards and 20 nominations. He is represented by Zero Gravity Management and is a member of the Norwegian Society of Cinematographers (FNF). As a 2023 AFI graduate, he was selected for The ASC Vision Mentorship Program and obtained the 2024 ASC/ARRI/AbelCine grant to shoot his feature debut "Shadow Watchers," which had its first look at CineGear LA 2024.
About “SKIN”: The film features a woman who wakes up to find her facial skin peeling off and is terrified of what is beneath. Seeking clarity, she gazes into a mirror, where a parallel world emerges, representing a part of herself she has long neglected, trapped in ice and snow. In this icy realm, a man awakens. As her fear of what lies beneath her skin escalates, this world starts to thaw and gain life. Through the mirror, the ice man guides her, aiding her transformation, shedding her old skin, and revealing her true identity.
Watch the NFMLA interview with director Leo Brehens:
“Nuclear,” directed by Sebastian Ibarra del Castillo
About Sebastian: A writer and director from Mexico City, Sebastian is attracted to narratives that delve into moral complexities and challenge entrenched beliefs. A recent graduate of USC School of Cinematic Arts, he thrives in life's grey areas, finding beauty in irony and nuance while embracing emotional vulnerability and exploring characters faced with moral dilemmas. His works use various sub-genres like melodrama, horror, and absurdist comedy to investigate human behavior and question the status quo.
About “Nuclear”: On October 22, 1962, nuclear tensions between the USSR and the USA reach a peak. However, for teenager Dave Sims, this is the least of his worries. After his family learns he is gay, Dave hastily packs to escape from his abusive, homophobic military father, Robert, before he gets home. Unbeknownst to Dave, Robert is hurrying home from the military base to warn him of an impending disaster. Robert's journey becomes a race against time to persuade Dave to stay with his family before it's too late.
Watch the NFMLA interview with director Sebastian Ibarra del Castillo:
“Born to Be Bad,” directed by Gabrielle Desroches
About Gabrielle: Gabrielle Desroches (they/she) is an award-winning nonbinary cinematographer, assistant camera operator, photographer, and camera operator based in the Los Angeles area. Known for their queer storytelling, they craft vibrant, colorful, and romantic visuals that linger in audience memory. While Gabrielle has directed several projects, they mainly work as a director of photography, having trained under industry veterans at the New York Film Academy. Gabrielle utilizes dynamic shots, lens flares, and color vibrancy to breathe life into scripts.
About “Born
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NFMLA Presents InFocus: LGBTQ+ Cinema Program
The challenges faced by a nuclear family, the quandary of an Imam, and a haven for trans women were some of the themes explored in the films showcased during the NewFilmmakers Los Angeles (NFMLA) event.