There is a lot of love between Temo and his boyfriend Alex. However, their rough patch has seemed to go on for some time now. In an effort to patch things up, they decide on a weekend getaway in the cabins of Big Bear. Unfortunately, the two get snowed in and now to get back down the mountain, Temo must find snow chains for their car. The two make love on their last day in Big Bear. As they head out the door, they are surrounded by a winter wonderland neither were expecting. The two bicker and it becomes clear: this argument is more indicative of the state of their relationship. Because Alex’s arm is in the cast, Temo is forced — and bullied along the way — to solve their predicament. He sets on his way to find snow chains. When he finally comes across an establishment with snow chains, he realizes his lack of car knowledge also means he doesn’t even know the size of his tires. He retreats back to Alex and the cabin. Their argument blows up because Temo doesn’t know where to look for the size of his tires. Alex begrudgingly helps him but despises how little Temo is able to fend for himself. Temo heads back to the mechanic shop, ready to finally get the snow chains. However, a bickering couple entraps him as they attempt to rob their first store for money. Amidst the tomfoolery, they shoot the store owner. Temo lies on the floor as the blood from the store owner runs along the tiles. He comes back to a frustrated Alex, tired of waiting. Alex attempts to put on the snow chains — thinking Temo can’t do it — but Temo does it all before relinquishing his car keys and going down the mountain on his own.

It’s only looking back that I recognize how the relationships I entertained were not always the best matches. While love existed, there was sometimes a want to keep — something that had already expired — going because I did not think something better existed for me. I thought the poor way I was treated was okay and it was my lack of self-respect and lack of love for myself that kept me in toxic relationships. Whether it’s romantic, familial, friendship, or otherwise, as young people, I think this may ring true for many folks. I am excited to pull from my own experiences and be specific about this particular fictional relationship while also telling a story that is relatable. Oftentimes my communities are reserved only for certain types of stories. I am excited to have a domestic story about a queer couple with an action set-piece at the center of it.

think of Temo as a man who hasn’t grown into his mind, body, and soul. I want to showcase his growing pains by making him feel small, alone, unsure. I also want to echo his loneliness and discomfort by contrasting his beautiful brown skin against the snowy white landscape. When the burglary happens, I want the audience to feel that shift in him as he grows into himself and takes autonomy over his situation — no matter how big or small that action may be. The blood on snow is a huge sign of change that I can’t wait to see on screen. Think FARGO (film) but with a brown man at the center.

Temo and Alex are two young professionals in Los Angeles — still adjusting to work life and finding a footing and stability financially. This staycation is one of their splurges of the year. Once again I look to films like FARGO and LONGLEGS as sources of inspiration that contrast these city boys against these white snowy terrains as well as the angular man-made cabins and store fronts of the area. I am excited to celebrate the beauty of my Black and brown leads against the sometimes homogenous communities of the mountains.

We are happy to have locked location, cast and crew. When we finish crowdfunding, we will dive into rehearsals and the fun, creative pre-production work between the director, director of photography, production designer, wardrobe and HMU. We have begun prepping for post-production and have developed a festival strategy.

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Director

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Loser Page

Director

Director of Photography

Loser Page

Director

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Director of Photography