It's time for a romantic new wave in queer and POC cinema where the only concern is, "I wonder if they'll end up together?" Love lived out loud without shame, death, or an unnecessary hurdle they must overcome. Honestly, I'm just a rom-com obsesse who wants to see someone like me in that narrative.

Hi there,

I’m Taurean Hill, writer and director of Man, Oh Man. As a lover of classic romantic comedies, such as but not limited to, When Harry Met Sally, Moonstruck, Some Like it Hot, Notting Hill, Brining Up Baby, Sleepless in Seattle, I find myself misty-eyed at the end of each film. And not just because of the compelling story but the lack of representation of queer and POC narratives in this genre. My goal is to aid in changing that. To show that our hearts long and break just like everyone else.

Romantic comedies are the movies that made me. Growing up, I constantly found myself in a characters, well, character but not physically seeing myself portrayed. For my first short film, The Boy in the Blue Dress, I wrote, directed, and cast myself in the lead role. It felt good creating a space for me which, for a brief moment, felt like enough.

This past summer I put out a casting call through a very vulnerable post on Instagram looking for queer POC actors — Can I just say, even this has me riddled with anxiety. Hats off to people that consistantly post personal op-eds! — That said, the response from the post was overwhelmingly heartwarming and well worth it. I could not have dreamed of a better cast; I’m very excited for you to meet this talented bunch. I don't want to say much but I will say this. Hollywood, there are so many talented people in this town that are hungry and deserving of the chance. Don't look them over.

You may be wondering, "Where is my money going," and that is a great question! All contributed funds will be allocated between compensation for cast and crew, location, editing, color grade, sound, food, covid testing. As the saying goes, your contributions will help fund this short film from soup to nuts. To make this easier to digest visually I've provided a chart. 

You know, I wrote Man, Oh Man prior the happenings of 2020. When it was safe to break bread with the ones you called home and your drunken conversations would turn into 2:00am dance parties. The only concern then was, "Who's going to clean up the dishes?" Friendship, in times of uncertantity, can sometimes be the only thing that holds you together and, truthfully, that is what this story is about. I speak for myself and for the rest of the cast and crew of Man, Oh Man when I say, thank you. Truly, this short film cannot exist without your help. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

 

Best,

Taurean Hill