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As part of LGBT Month, Fringe! Film Fest presented a one off screening at Genesis Cinema about “a diverse troupe of LGBTQ youth who turns their personal struggles into theatre for social change”, in a first feature film from Director Ellen Brodsky.
The Year We Thought About Love is a delicately produced documentary about a compelling group of 16 young people, who belong to True Colors: Out Youth Theatre. The oldest queer youth theatre in America. It shows the group at home with their parents, in rehearsals and on stage in front of large audiences. At times candidly answering questions put to them by the theatregoers during question time.
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The film focuses on 6 people in the group, ranging from the ages of 15-21. As the film progresses and the scenes – which are re-enactments of experiences they’ve been through – takes shape, you get to know the cast and their stories.
Two of the cast who stuck out for me was Alyssa, 17, whose outward appearance would tell you that they’re male but views themself as female and prefers the use of female pronouns. She speaks on the tentative relationship she has with her mother who – from what was shared – doesn’t agree or understand the choices she’s making and is forced to either stay in the family home and remain male until she turns 18, or leave to start her transition.
Then there’s Trae, 15, who’s funny, tenacious and confident in her skin. She goes to a predominantly black LGBTQ friendly school, which she notes early on is more friendlier to out young females than it is to out young males. She’s honest about her feelings and due to events that happen during the making of the film, you get to see a more vulnerable side to her. By the end, her character development brings about a sweet and positive ending.
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Overall The Year We Thought About Love is a positive representation of our young LGBTQ community. As a young adult it will leave you feeling that you aren’t alone in facing the pulls and influences of family, relationships, religion and culture that you may have to deal with on a daily basis. As an older viewer, after watching a year in their shoes, you may be left feeling reflective and even somewhat protective, as I did of the main cast. As a learning tool it raises awareness, answers questions and provokes discussion, which are all good things.
Director: Ellen Brodsky
Runtime: 68 min
Photo credits: Film stills from ‘The Year We Thought About Love’
Website: http://www.theyearwethoughtaboutlove.com
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/115107944
(http://www.theyearwethoughtaboutlove.com/press-kit/, n.d.)
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