PASSION OF X, 18min., USA
Directed by Camille Ora-Nicole Elston
Passion of X is a visual poetry anthology highlighting the joy, freedom and expanded understanding of being a trans, nonbinary, or genderqueer person of color. It is made up of five parts, each featuring an original poem created by trans, genderqueer, and/or nonbinary writers. Each part delivers the message through a different medium: animation, photography, narrative film, dance, and performance.

https://theq26.com/projects/passionofx
https://www.facebook.com/thequeer26
https://www.twitter.com/thequeer26
https://instagram.com/passionofx_film

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
When Mo McFadden and I first began to develop this film, we wanted to create something that spoke to finding joy in trans and nonbinary identities. Since then, issues around trans rights and violence against that community has become more visible, often in a negative way, or in a way where trans folks have to defend themselves. This film gave space to be introspective, to explore joy, freedom, and personal growth.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took us about a year to finish this film.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Poetic, Freeing

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle is always finding the funds to ensure that everyone gets paid.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I'm really just happy that folks, whether trans or cis, are getting the message and can find ways to relate.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
It was right around the time I was graduating from my undergraduate program at Cal Poly Pomona. Adelina Anthony hired me to work on their film, and I caught the bug, even though that day I was only working as a PA.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
It's probably pretty close between Dodgeball and Carol (of all things, lol).

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I think creating specific spaces to network with other filmmakers would be a great addition.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
So far so good!

10. What is your favorite meal?
Steak and potatoes

11. What is next for you? A new film?
Yes, we are in pre-production for our next film! It's a documentary on the intersection of three issues in fashion: environmental waste, queerness, and large bodies. We're also going to be developing a new narrative short to be released within a couple of years.