JUST KIDS w/ short film Becoming

Featiure JUST KIDS is a documentary that follows three teens in states that restrict gender-affirming care. Over the course of a year, these families endure impossible challenges and show unparalleled strength as they endure attacks from their government—and communities. Civil rights experts and pioneers in the trans community contextualize this moment in history: these new laws are a thinly veiled political strategy that’s been used against different communities for decades.

Short Film: Becoming Becoming tells a story of how we can emerge from a difficult time: better, stronger, and fully realized. Much like the phoenix, this story begins in darkness and ends in a fiery flight of sonorous bliss.

Created with support from the Saint Petersburg Arts Alliance, this project sought to bring together different forms of local Saint Pete based art with a focus on the performing arts. The film was shot in an abandoned bus depot that was adorned with artwork that celebrated the queer community during a time when state leaders were actively passing legislation to oppress such groups. Under the direction of Domenico Pontoriero, the production crew consisted of Caleb Baker as dancer and choreographer, Zach Moore of Coastal Creative as cinematographer, and Candice Stokes of LittleBull4You as stylist.

Host or Publisher Harvey Milk Festival DBA Fabulous Arts Foundation