Animated LGBT Short Film “Arrival” Aims to Raise $20,000 on Kickstarter [Interview]

New York City-based artist Alex Myung has started a Kickstarter project to raise $20,000 to create Arrival, an animated short film with a focus on the theme of coming out. Equalitopia sits down with Alex to discuss the project.

Currently, the project has raised almost $4,000 from 74 different backers, averaging out to about $52 per backer. Keep in mind that Kickstarter projects are “all or nothing,” meaning that if the project doesn’t reach its funding goal by Wednesday, February 20th, no funds will be transferred to the project.

Equalitopia: Could you tell us briefly about the storyline of Arrival?

Alex: Arrival is about a young boy growing up in the countryside with his mother, who moves to the city to pursue his dreams. Along the way he falls in love with another boy, but he struggles to connect with people as he contemplates coming out to his mother.

What inspired the idea for the film? 

Alex: The story is inspired by a past relationship that I had with someone.  It’s a bit different from what actually happened to me but anyone who knows me on a personal level knows what’s real and what’s fictional. The characters each ended up being mixtures of various people but I can see myself in both of them.

With almost $4,000 pledged so far, how are you feeling about the Kickstarter campaign?

Alex: Most projects get a major bulk of their donations during the last week of the funding period so it’s tough to say! With that said, I think only a week in, having $4000 is pretty good! It’s stressful and exciting at the same time haha.

Have you done any other projects like this?

Alex: I really enjoy personal story telling, especially since I can put more actual emotion into it. My first film, Juxtaposed, was another personal story about being adopted.  In a way this movie could be an extension beyond it.

How do you feel about the portrayal of LGBT people in the film industry? 

Alex: I think there’s a lot of really amazing lgbt cinema out there, but I will certainly wait for the day that a film won’t have to be labeled as a queer film, it’ll just be a film that happens to star gay characters. I wanted to make sure that while my film is propelled by the process of coming out, it’s still mainly about a boy who knows what he wants, but is too afraid to take the steps necessary to get there.

Why should people donate to your film?

Alex: This is a really really unique project, there aren’t any other animated films (long or short) that focus on this subject.  I think my film will have the chance to touch and affect many different groups of people, regardless of their sexuality; the movie is about choice, and we’ve all had to make tough decisions. Plus, there’s tons of cool rewards you can get haha.

Thank you everyone for taking interest in my film! Please consider donating and spreading the word! I appreciate any help you can spare me.

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