Families New and Old Support a Transgender Teen’s Journey in ‘Real Boy’
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Logline: “Real Boy” is the coming-of-age story of a transgender musician seeking the meaning of family, both given and chosen.
Elevator Pitch:
“Real Boy” follows the coming-of-age story of Bennett Wallace over three years as he grapples with issues of identity, sobriety, and connection to the people he loves. And the person he loves most is his mom Suzy, who struggles to accept his decision to transition. As Suzy works to overcome her misgivings, Bennett finds support in those who understand him best: his mentor Joe Stevens, a celebrated transgender musician fighting his own demons; and his best friend Dylan, another trans teen on a similar path to young manhood.
Production Team:
Director/Producer/DP: Shaleece Haas
Editor: Andrew Gersh
Executive Producer: Charlotte Lagarde
Associate Producers: Sam Berliner & Kyle Ranson-Walsh
About the Film:
At its heart, “Real Boy” is a story about family—the one we’re given and the one we choose. As a filmmaking team comprised primarily of queer and trans people, each of us has navigated issues of gender and sexuality with the people who raised us. And we’ve found reflection in the relationships built with other queer and trans mentors and peers: our chosen family. In “Real Boy,” we seek to tell a nuanced story about growing up, finding connection, and how the search for identity isn’t just personal, but involves those closest to us.
Current Status: We are in the late stages of post-production and raising funds for completion and distribution.
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