Private Project

Ezra

A chronically ill dancer finds tranquility in nature while on a camping trip with their boyfriend.

  • Joshua Hernandez
    Director
  • Joshua Hernandez
    Writer
  • Joshua Hernandez
    Producer
  • Isadora Leiva (she/her)
    Producer
  • Robert Bevis
    Cinematographer
  • Jacqueline Xerri
    Editor
  • Tomás Matos
    Key Cast
    "Ezra "
  • Manny Dunn
    Key Cast
    "Luca "
  • Michiko Sasaki
    Key Cast
    "Dr. Chang"
  • Alia Gizzi
    Key Cast
    "Choreographer "
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    LGBTQ+, Drama
  • Runtime:
    8 minutes 16 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 1, 2022
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • OutFest Fusion QTBIPOC Film Festival
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    World
  • NewFest: The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival
    New York City, New York
    United States
    New York
  • Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival
    Toronto, Canada
    Canada
    Canadian
Director Biography - Joshua Hernandez

Joshua Hernandez (he/they) is a Puerto Rican writer, director, producer, and actor. Joshua's films have screened at LGBTQ+ film festivals worldwide including OutFest Fusion, NewFest, and Inside Out Toronto. They are a recipient of the 2023 Miami Dade County Artist Grant and the 2021 New York Foundation for the Arts City Artist Corps Grant. They are a proud member of SAG-AFTRA.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

When I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was twenty years old, I struggled with the disease for around two years. I was earning my bachelor's degree in theatre at the time and would have days where I felt very ill, but would still perform and go on stage in front of an audience who had no idea of the disease I was battling internally. I was also discovering my sexual identity but felt like I couldn't come out because of the insecurities that came with my illness. That summer I was diagnosed, I traveled to California to work in the Sierra Nevada as an outdoor trip leader and discovered how healing nature can be.

EZRA portrays a performer battling with ulcerative colitis whose fiery passion for dance outweighs their pain from this illness. While the love they have for their boyfriend and the outdoors is passionate, this film showcases what the body can and can’t do and the unconditional love for its entirety.