ACTING – A Lesbian Short Film

Watch PRETEND — An LGBTQ+ Short Film that explores the internal struggle between personal identity and the heavy weight of cultural expectations. This poignant narrative captures the universal desire to belong while navigating the complexities of one’s own truth in a world governed by rigid traditions.

// Watch my latest video – Ticket – a short film about body shaming: https://youtu.be/wIqVJlukBZg

Katie, like most of the kids, has been receiving the idea of a couple suppose to be composed of a male and a female. From childhood stories to the images she sees in media, the heteronormative standard has been constant. However, as Katie grows up, she finds out that she does not fit the social norms that have been ingrained in her. To fit into the “society” and avoid the judgment of her community, Katie hires a boy to pretend to be her boyfriend. This film examines the exhaustion of living a double life and the courage it takes to break free from a performance that no longer serves a purpose.

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A film by – Ariel Kuo
Starring – Jordan Lewis, Holly Towne, Isabella De Armas, Kinsley Spencer, Mariel Molino, Spencer McEvilly
Special thanks to – Ahmet Kasapoglu, Merve Tekin, Mehmet Cerciogl
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“BE YOU”. This simple message serves as the heartbeat of our story, reminding every viewer that authenticity is the only path to true happiness.

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Didn’t know these would become the focuses of the film:
* Timeline details: The mom is pregnant in late 1997 and gives birth to the baby in mid-1998. The baby is about 10 months in 1999, adding a layer of period-specific nostalgia to the setting.
* Casting notes: The actor of the boyfriend is about 22, I believe. He is not old at all, fitting perfectly into the youthful dynamic of the high school/early college environment portrayed.
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Supplement for:
Emerson – Accepted
Occidental – Accepted
USC – Rejected after an interview
NYU – Rejected

Thank you for watching and supporting independent queer cinema. Please feel free to share your own stories of self-discovery in the comments below. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more content that challenges the status quo.

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PRETEND – An LGBTQ+ Short Film