I Am Michael
I am Michael isinspired by actual events of the late 1990s, Michael Glatze (boldly portrayed by James Franco) underwent an overnight transformation from LGBT activist and gay magazine editor to Christian pastor and church leader with a caring and supportive woman at his side. His former boyfriend struggles to deal with the new situation and, despite being in a new relationship, continues to carry the torch for Michael. Debut director Justin Kelly carefully, though not without controversy, looks for the sources and seeks to describe the effects of change in the well-known activist. Kelly does not judge, does not pigeonhole, and maintains relative objectivism while asking questions about identity and the foundations of relationships. The script is based on an article published in "The New York Times" entitled My Ex-Gay Friend. Screened at Sundance and in Berlin, IndieWire critics called Kelly's film fascinating and provocative.
awards
FilmOut San Diego – Best Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay, Best Actor (James Franco), Best Supporting Actor (Zachary Quinto), Best Supporting Actress (Emma Roberts)
Justin Kelly
Debut director and Los Angeles native Justin Kelly worked as production assistant, director and editor of his own short films as well as music videos by bands such as The Gossip and Tiny Hearts, until he found himself on the set of Harvey Milk as Gus Van Sant's assistant. Unafraid of challenges, he is influenced by films such as Boogie Nights, Wild at Heart and Ida, and is currently working on an adaptation of the controversial memoirs of JT LeRoy.
Selected filmography
2006 Debris (short)
2007 Front (short)
2009 Girl! (short)
2015 Kim jest Michael / I Am Michael
