Two friends make a pact to explore who they are beyond the “masks” of neurotypical and gender binary expectations.
UNMASKING is a narrative short film that unfolds over brunch between two friends. Bird (Audrey Dundee Hannah), an autistic woman, and Bes (B.J. Minor), a queer man exploring a non-binary identity, discuss their struggles with fitting into prescribed roles as they navigate a series of micro-aggressions from their judgey but curious server. When Bird experiences sensory overload and has a meltdown, Bes helps her recover and the two friends find themselves in a hidden sanctuary under the table. Together, they make a pact to embrace their true selves and unmask from the demands of neurotypical and gender binary expectations. Unmasking is a modern buddy comedy with a dash of magical realism and a whole lot of heart.
Aubree Bernier-Clarke (they/them) makes films exploring themes of gender, queerness, and social justice. Their documentary “A Normal Girl” (2019) about intersex activist Pidgeon Pagonis premiered at BFI Flare - London, won the United Nations’ Film Festival Grand Jury Prize, and Best Director for Documentary Short at Long Beach Queer Film Festival. In 2022, Aubree was awarded a Documentary Development Fellowship by ITVS and NEH to develop “Intersex Justice.” Their web series “The Library” (2020-2022), which explores the nuances of LGBTQIA+ life and culture, streams on Revry.tv. As a Fellow in AFI's DWW+ directing workshop, Aubree developed their narrative short “The Night Is Ours,” starring Bex Taylor-Klaus, which screened at Outfest, Frameline and the New Orleans Film Festival, among others. This year, their narrative short “Unmasking,” about two friends confronting the ways they mask as autistic and non-binary, premiered at the American Pavilion at Cannes. As a Cinematographer, Aubree lensed “Framing Agnes” (dir. Chase Joynt) which premiered at Sundance 2022, winning both NEXT Innovator and NEXT Audience awards. Prior, they created behind-the-scenes featurettes for “Booksmart”, “Transparent,” and other films and series. Aubree has served as an Advisor for Sundance Collab in the Directing Visual Storytelling class.
World Premiere - American Pavillion at Cannes - 2024, MIX Copenhagen - 2024
Actor - B.J. Minor
Actor - Audrey Dundee Hannah
Actor - Becky Poole
