In Honey Lauren's intersex drama, Mistake, a single choice made at birth alters an entire life.

      Honey Lauren’s *Mistake*, which concludes the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival this week, begins with a birth and the parents' dilemma: Their newborn possesses both male and female characteristics, prompting the decision about whether to raise their child as a boy or a girl.

      The baby is born in the 1940s, a time when information and dialogue surrounding intersex births were even more limited than today. The story is mainly set in the early ’70s, when the child has grown up into Lawrence, or Larry. Portrayed by Dominic Bogart, an ex-college football player recognized for *American Primeval*, Larry exhibits heightened testosterone levels and a tendency towards violence until he ultimately reaches a breaking point that necessitates change.

      Lauren, who also appears in the film as Larry’s aunt, Peg, named the character after herself. As a child, she identified as a boy named Larry for a year. While her parents supported her, the broader society often did not, leading Lauren to eventually revert to living as female. It was not until later that she learned more about her own life, which offered her greater insights into her feelings and influenced her writing of *Mistake*.

      We spoke with Lauren about her experience in writing and directing *Mistake*, her casting choices, and a notably emotional scene set in a tobacco field.

      **Honey Lauren on Making *Mistake***

      **MovieMaker:** In the press notes for *Mistake*, you mention spending a year as a child living as a boy named Lawrence before you grew weary of fighting for acceptance. You also reference that under an expanded definition, you would fall under “what is intersex.” Can you elaborate on how these experiences influenced your work on the film? Also, for clarification, do you identify as intersex?

      **Honey Lauren:** Although decades have passed since I was Lawrence, that identity and that period of my life remain vividly alive within me, almost as if it were yesterday. I know Lawrence will always be part of me and inspired my need to write *Mistake*. My preoccupation with the boys’ white T-shirt and Larry's attire was nearly obsessive. Additionally, Dominic’s appearance in his 1970s short sleeves impacted how we shot and cast the film. I was born with differences—one I knew about by the age of three, and another I discovered much later during my childbearing years. It wasn’t until three months before principal photography, while conducting final research, that I realized my differences fell within the expanded definition of intersex. Intersex encompasses a spectrum, and I possess intersex traits. I consider myself intersex.

      This revelation brought me a profound sense of comfort, illuminating the understanding of my life. I can’t pinpoint exactly how this influenced my direction of *Mistake*, but I believe it instilled a certain level of confidence in my work on an unconscious level.

      **MovieMaker:** You're currently experiencing a successful festival run. How have audiences responded to the film, especially older viewers from conservative states?

      **Honey Lauren:** I endeavored to present *Mistake* from a compassionate perspective towards all characters: Mother, Father, Sheriff, Lily, Larry, Aunt Peg, and so on. I believe that a compassionate portrayal can alter how viewers feel, which in turn can shift their perceptions. I’m delighted to report that I was correct about this. I’ve witnessed it firsthand. I actively seek to reach the widest audience possible.

      I'm grateful that *Mistake* has made a significant and powerful impact on everyone who has viewed it—literally everyone. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, regardless of their geographical location or the pronouns they use. I’m pleased to share that *Mistake* has been invited to festivals across the nation and in Europe. It’s difficult for me to discuss its success without sounding boastful. I simply hope audiences will decide for themselves about the film’s quality and value. This film truly speaks for itself, so I prefer to encourage people to watch it.

      **MovieMaker:** Casting choices are often heavily examined. I thought Dominic Bogart was excellent as Lawrence and have no issues with his casting. Did you ever doubt whether a cis man was the right choice for the role?

      **Honey Lauren:** Being born intersex involves a congenital difference. If I were casting a role where a character had a congenital heart condition, I wouldn’t feel the need to find an actor with a similar condition. In this film, I cast many queer actors to portray cisgender characters. Should they only be cast in queer roles? Absolutely not.

      However, I acknowledge that in today’s cancel culture, where emotions drive demands regarding who can portray what, it can be risky to withstand such societal pressures. So, to summarize, I took that risk. I didn’t second-guess my intention of casting the best actor for each role.

      **MovieMaker:** I think *Ponyboi* by River Gallo is the