An aged ex-Club Kid prepares to re-enter queer nightlife after years of leading a nomadic crust-punk lifestyle in the squats of New York City. “Supernova,” directed by Jacob Kessler, is a docu-fiction portrait of Astro, as she moves through a series of spontaneous interactions. Of utmost concern is a lost brooch, which she seeks to recover in a confrontation with a fellow squatter in her building. Later, she spends some time in Union Square with whoever is around — her uninhibited stream of thoughts veer into the racist and homophobic. Underneath the bluster live contradictions, vulnerabilities, and the weight of passing time. It’s a different era from decades ago when Astro appeared on a day-time talk show to shock middle America with her “less flesh, more metal” appearance, and anarchistic behavior. Kessler’s film flashes ahead to the current moment and captures the “creatures of the New York night” in their natural settings with attentiveness and complexity. -KA. Director: Jacob Kessler. Cast: Astro Erle, Michael Alig, Ernie Glam, Papa Cherry. Director of Photography: Liam Dillon. Editor: Steven Marcario, Jacob Kessler. Producer: Lorenzo Rugiero, Jacob Kessler. Music: Brendan Lenihan. Sound Design: Alex Frontera.
During a routine smog check, an eastern European mechanic discusses racism in a very uncomfortable way with a black man. A dry comedy set in L.A., “Smog,” directed by Derek Milton, tackles an awkward exchange about skin color and the term African American in wry, understated fashion. The chatty m...
A new roommate moves into Xena's apartment, changing the dynamic with their current partner. Arielle Bordow directs and co-stars in “Craigslist Roommate,” a free-spirited 16mm snapshot of fluid relationships and shared living. When the wandering Addie moves to Madison, Wisconsin, she responds to ...
Two stoner BFFs engage in an unusual routine to accrue the capital needed to sustain their lifestyle. “Salesmanship,” directed by and starring Brooke Bundy and Helen Rogers, is a stylized snapshot of being broke and aimless. Minimally plotted but energetic, it’s built with flashy musical sequence...
