Subject of Desire
From the Archives
•
Documentary, Short Films, 29-Jul-2026
A twenty-something seasonal worker on Fire Island navigates the tempestuous waters of pleasure and connection. “Subject of Desire,” directed by Benett Holgerson, is a documentary character study oozing with confidence with a naturally vivid aesthetic and bold subject. Flexing vocal-range and small-talk prowess, Moses trots the boardwalk. He leads us through a spectrum of anecdotes, reflecting on blackness, sexual encounters, his relationship with art, and Fire Island as a place. Holgerson captures a moody atmosphere through score and cinematography, framing the charismatic personality of Moses and creating an immediate impression. -JM. Director: Benett Holgerson. Starring: Moses Leonardo. Writers: Moses Leonardo, Benett Holgerson. Editor: Benett Holgerson. DP: Benett Holgerson. Music: Oskar Blake. Colorist: Pat Fitzgerald. Sound design: Alex Symcox. Sound recordist: Benett Holgerson. Title design: Jamie Steele Griffiths.
Up Next in From the Archives
-
They Flew Like Blackbirds
In the old American South, a misplaced black teen with a white adoptive family becomes curious about her roots after hearing birds for the first time. Shannon M. Sutherland directs “They Flew Like Blackbirds,” a magical-realist drama set in the deep south in the early 20th century. Found as a bab...
-
Sharon 66
After an acquaintance gets signed to a major label, two townies try to cook up their own path to success. “Sharon 66,” directed by Jordan Tetewsky and Joshua Pikovsky, is a quietly funny, weirdo slice-of-life portrait of life in a small town for two mid 20’s underachievers. Benjy wanders around S...
-
Hasim October
An Indian-American teenager is caught between a crush and an anthrax prank in the weeks following 9/11. “Hasim October,” by director Swetha Regunathan, is a portrait of youthful frustration at a chaotic moment in American history. On the day before her 15th birthday, Brinda and her friend are wa...
