Screening times:
POSTPONED
Thursday, February 13, 6:30 PM - Q&A with Taylor Olson after the screening!
NEW DATE:
Wednesday, February 19, 6:30 PM - Q&A with Taylor Olson after the screening!
Taylor Olson | Canada | 2024 | 87m
with Taylor Olson, Koumbie
Taylor Olson (he/they) is a queer former athlete-turned filmmaker living with invisible disabilities. His feature film directorial debut Bone Cage (2020) received acclaim, awards and accolades from around the world. His sophomore feature Look At Me premiered at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, and has won multiple awards on its festival circuit. Taylor will attend this screening for a post-film Q&A!
A poignant fictional autobiography written by Taylor Olson, who also stars as the film's protagonist. The story offers an intimate exploration of self-identity, body image, and the relentless pursuit of acceptance within the unforgiving world of acting. Taylor, a dedicated but struggling actor, has faced insecurities about his weight and appearance since childhood. A comment from his aunt about his chubbiness at the age of five leaves a lasting impact, seeding a deep-rooted obsession with his body image. As an adult, he confronts constant rejection in auditions, often being told he doesn't fit the "pretty boy" mold sought by casting directors. This continuous cycle of dismissal amplifies his self-doubt and fuels an unhealthy fixation on transforming his appearance.
Look at Me is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of self-image and the pressures of societal expectations, particularly within the entertainment industry. As a fictional autobiography, it draws from personal experiences to illuminate universal themes of identity, mental health, and the courage required to confront one's inner struggles. The film offers a powerful commentary on the journey toward self-love and the liberation that comes from embracing one's true self.
"Stylishly shot, lensed in black and white at various aspect ratios... engagingly put together. Sometimes it feels like a music video; sometimes it feels like a film straight out of Andy Warhol’s Factory." - Kurt Gardner, Art Beat LA
"A deeply personal, fictional autobiographical film that is bitingly funny, moving." - Kristy Strouse, Film Inquiry
Best LGBTQ+ Lead Actor - Bare Bones International Film & Music Festival
Best Performance in a Feature Film - Canadian Film Fest
Grand Jury Prize for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor; Audience Award - Film Invasion LA
Best Narrative Feature - Tallahassee Film Festival
Best Actor - Montelupo Fiorentino International Independent Film Festival
African American Film Award - Cobb International Film Festival
Tickets $8.75 ($8 cash at the door if available)
