Films about challenges to the status quo — from the perspectives of both the disrupted and disrupter.
With conversations between Cinema St. Louis artistic director Chris Clark and "The Act" director Thomas Hescott; "Driving Louise" director Isaac Knopf, producer Angela Guo, and star Bonny Breuer; "Good Night" director Eric Shahinian; "My Brother Is a Mermaid" director Alfie Dale; "Old Hen" star Richard Eagan and director Todd Gordon; and "That Girl, Peugeot" director Rebecca Colely.
The Act
In 1965 — the eve of decriminalization for acts of male homosexuality in the U.K. — Matthews, a young gay man at odds with the world, discovers love, sex, and a new family in the backstreets and underground bars of Soho.
Ayaneh
In Switzerland, young Afghan refugee Ayaneh meets Anna at a public swimming pool and instantly feels attracted to her, but as the relationship develops, she is confronted with growing resistance from her religious family.
Driving Louise
When 19-year-old Ezra drives widowed 70-year-old neighbor Louise to visit her husband’s out-of-state grave, she confronts a newfound insecurity about her sexual identity while Louise silently recalls a hidden relationship with a woman 50 years before.
Good Night
When Aram, a newly out Armenian man, brings Jason back to his place after their first date, he must decide how far he’s willing to go to make sure they both have a good night.
My Brother is a Mermaid
Set in a desolate and prejudiced coastal town, this social-realist fairytale shows how a child’s unconditional love can be a powerful, disruptive force for good in the life of a trans-feminine teen.
Old Hen
Henry, a septuagenarian cross-dresser, finds his life abruptly changed when Dolores, his longtime co-worker and closest friend, suddenly dies.
That Girl, Peugeot
Born a girl, Peugeot wants to be a boy, and when the relationship with her old-fashioned mother becomes fractured after her father’s death, she takes drastic measures to stay true to herself.