Genre
Synopsis
Rowan has too many secrets to write down in the pages of a diary. And if he did, he wouldn’t want anyone he knows to read them. He understands who he is and what he likes, but it’s not safe for others to find out. Now the kids at school say Rowan’s too different to spend time with. He’s not the “right kind” of girl, and he’s not the “right kind” of boy. His mom ignores him. And at night, his dad hurts him in ways he’s not ready to talk about yet. Then Rowan discovers another way to share his secrets: letters. Letters he attaches to balloons and releases into the universe, hoping someone new will read them and understand. But when he befriends a classmate who knows what it’s like to be lonely and scared, even at home, Rowan realizes there might already be a person he can trust right by his side.
Director Identity
Bio
Lexie is a trans multimedia artist whose work revolves around themes of bodies, homes, cyclical violence, and queer identity. They have been working with survivors of dometic violence and sexual assault for over 15 years - generating events, writings, books, and short films - with a special focus on fellow trans and childhood sexual abuse survivors. They've organized 120+ relevant public and private events, trainings, and panels at non-profits, universities, and more. They are a Jerome Hill Artist Fellow, resigned member of the RAINN National Leadership Council, and a Lambda Literary Award Finalist for their anthology WRITTEN ON THE BODY. Lexie integrated their personal experiences into the acclaimed THE SHIP WE BUILT, the first middle grade novel centering and written by a trans boy released by a major USA publisher, and is adapting it into a stop-motion feature film. Lexie's work has been featured in Teen Vogue, New York Times, Huffington Post, Feminist Wire, Ms. Magazine, Them, Bust Magazine, Autostraddle, as well as JKP's SURVIVING TRANSPHOBIA. WHAT WILL I BECOME? is Lexie's co-directed debut feature documentary and will have its world premiere Berlinale Generation 14plus and have its US national broadcast premiere on PBS.
