Anyone who knows me well knows that I live for the arts. I love music, film and the theater. It’s what keeps me going. Thankfully, there is plenty to do where we live up in the Saratoga Springs area. Let’s face the facts, I’m just not in my City ….You know, New York City. So, when Shirl told me that she reconnected with her high school friend, Fran, on “Facebook” and Fran wanted us to meet up with her and her family at the Tribeca Film Festival, I was in. Fran had a special interest in the short films this year because her 16-year-old son Ryan composed and performed the music for the short film, Loop Planes. Hmm, 16 years old, Loop Planes, short film….. I thought to myself, I guess it’s a night out.
We drove down, hit Ikea in NJ, dumped our mega purchases off at my mom’s house in Staten Island and headed into the City. Loop Planes was part of the Shorts Category titled Identity Theft, which was playing at the Village East. FYI, there are no theaters in Tribeca. Of course, I scored a parking space about 6 cars from the theater which by the way really is a special talent to not be overlooked. A few text messages back and forth and we were in front of the Village East where Shirl was reconnecting with Fran and Vin, (two high school friends she hasn’t seen in more than 25 years) and their three sons Vince, Ryan and Frank. I was so happy for Shirl. Shirl had a little time to catch up before we headed into the theaters.
As I mentioned earlier, Loop Planes was part of the Shorts category Identity Theft. All the shorts in this category had to do with diversity in some way, shape or form. Since diversity education is a passion for me, this was very exciting. I just wish that my co-workers on the diversity committee at work could have been there with me. They would have loved it. I’ll spare you the details on all the shorts and focus on Loop Planes, Fran and Ryan. That is the reason we were there.
Cast & Credits
Primary Cast: Chloe Levine, Madeline Taylor, James Colby, Catherine Curtin, Jimmy Palumbo
Director: Robin Wilby
Screenwriter: Robin Wilby, Austen Rachlis
Producer: Christine Vachon, Julie Buck
Editor: Filippo Conz, Danielle Morgan
Director of Photography: Ming Kai Leung
Production Designer: Lisa Myers
Composer: Ryan Cassata
Synopsis
This is the story of Sam, a female-to-male transgender 13-year-old, who lives and works with his tough-looking, yet, sensitive, carnie dad at a small, family-owned amusement park. The film takes place on the day Sam's estranged mother, who's like a trashy Kathy Lee Gifford, is coming to take him away to live with her.
This is also the day that Sam meets Katie, the amusement park owner's 14-year-old, rebellious, pink-haired niece. The instant Sam and Katie meet, they totally hate each other. Sam is very proud of the legacy of the amusement park. Katie thinks the park is crappy and for little kids. But, over the course of the day, their animosity turns into romance.
And, just as Sam and Katie are about to share their first kiss on the little kiddy rollercoaster, Sam's mother shows up, calling him, "Samantha," outing him to Katie, and totally humiliating him. Katie freaks out and runs away. Sam, rejected and devastated, has to leave with his mother, who continues to treat him like a girl, and continues to call him "Samantha." But, that night, in a small act of defiance, Sam dyes his hair green with kool-aid and stands up to his mom, saying, "My name is Sam."
How lucky were we to be sitting there as the guest of Ryan Cassata and his mom Fran.
After the film, Shirl and I went out to eat with Fran and Ryan. Fran and Shirl finally had time to “catch up.” Shirl was so happy. I think I’m OK to talk about Ryan and Fran since they have been on Larry King and The Tyra Banks Show. Ryan is an amazing singer-songwriter from Long Island. He plays several instruments and has been performing since he was 14 years old. Ryan has been sharing his story about being transgender via You Tube and the Internet. He has become an outspoken advocate for the Transgender Community and has been a role model and source of hope and support for transgender teens from all over the United States. He is brilliant, talented, open and honest. His mom Fran is an amazing woman. I admire her and the love that she has for Ryan, Vince and Frank. I can’t begin to imagine what their journey must be like. I know that when I came out I was told to, “Go get fixed.” I still don’t know what that means and I don’t feel broken. My relationship with my family has never been the same. I broke “their rules” and when you break the rules, you pay the price. To see how supportive and proud Fran is of Ryan and her two other sons was very touching. It is because of Fran’s support that Ryan has succeeded and is making a difference in people’s lives. I now have two new Facebook friends and we already made it real. To read more about Ryan, his music and his journey, check out his website.
and on youtube
For facts and myths about transgender people
