Intermediacy: The Life of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld

DIRECTOR and/or FILMMAKERS STATEMENT

Queerness is timeless, and so are the efforts to silence and erase it. INTERMEDIACY brings this struggle into sharp focus - celebrating the boldness of a central queer voice from the past and amplifying the voices shaping the present and future. The path to freedom starts with the courage to dream it. This film is not just a look back at a moment in time, it is a challenge to rethink systems built on shame, fear, and patriarchy. It is an invitation to build a world where queer people thrive openly, and all people can live more authentically.

This project has significantly challenged me to grow in meaningful ways as I shift from producing short-form content to a feature-length documentary. Navigating the complexities of a multi-layered story has demanded deeper mastery of narrative structure, pacing, and rigorous research. Managing production logistics on a tight budget in a foreign country, while learning a new language, has sharpened my adaptability and resourcefulness.

Working on a passion project such as this one, with so many collaborators, has brought a deeper sense of purpose to my work. I feel accountable, not only to this history, but also to everyone who has poured their time, energy, and talent into making this project successful. This journey continues to show me how collaboration thrives when built on care, respect, and shared purpose. I carry a responsibility to ensure INTERMEDIACY is authentic, accurate, and impactful.

My success as an artist means more than completing this film. I seek to create a community that takes action towards a more inclusive future. I am excited to continue to bring this film to life and simultaneously push the boundaries of my career as a filmmaker.

ARTISTIC APPROACH

INTERMEDIACY unfolds across eight distinct chapters, employing a format that flows between three core elements - historical narrative, drag performance, and vignette profile pieces.

The first core element of the film is a collection of carefully crafted expert interviews that provide a cohesive historical narrative. Interview locations are thoughtfully chosen, with some evoking scenes reminiscent of Hirschfeld's life and era. For example, we visit a 1920's doctor's office in one setup and a room symbolizing the Institute for Sexual Science's medical legacy in another. From the floor of the Schwules Museum to the Hirschfeld Society's archive stacks or the floor-to-ceiling library of Spinnboden Lesbian Archive, each setting plays a vital role in shaping the narrative we are telling. In our lighting design, sunlight takes precedence to shine a light onto Hirschfeld’s world more than a century ago. Subtle atmospheric elements like prop dust and haze create an evocative sense of tension and visual poetry.

The second core element of the film is drag performance, seamlessly integrated between the historical narrative segments and vignette profile pieces. The ornate, vaulted Veterinary Anatomy Theater, built in 1790, becomes a dream-like stage where Brazilian-born actor and writer Zero Pilnik (They) channels Hirschfeld's revolutionary spirit. Captured on steadicam for a smooth, ethereal effect, Pilnik’s performances serve as a powerful transitional tool, guiding us from the past into the present, as they sport golden glasses, a thick mustache, and offer a gentle yet authoritative presence.

The third core element of the film is a series of contemporary vignette profile pieces, each a unique portrait that captures the essence of its subject and their world. We transport viewers from a high-energy queer club to the hallowed halls of the Reichstag, and beyond. These glimpses into modern Berlin showcase the rich, diverse tapestry of the city's LGBTQIA community.

Visually, we will create a dynamic film using a variety of media forms: sit-down interviews, animation, archival media, and original b-roll. Across the film, we utilize a dual-camera interview setup, angular compositions, fluid long takes, slow motion, time-lapses, and collage techniques that emphasize the multi-dimensional nature of LGBTQIA+ identity. The film's visual language draws inspiration from the functional elegance of 1920’s Bauhaus, reimagined through a modern queer aesthetic lens. The color palette and design will be bold with vibrant hues, luxurious textures, and asymmetrical layouts that pulse with energy and movement.

Sonically, the film will employ music and sound design to blend period and contemporary soundscapes. We aim to bridge eras with modern LGBTQIA+ artists' reimaginations of classic pieces like "The Hirschfeld Lied" and "Das lila Lied."

By combining creative techniques, compelling personalities, and captivating locations, INTERMEDIACY is constructed to reflect the revolutionary spirit of Magnus Hirschfeld's work.

CONNECTION, ACCESS, ACCOUNTABILITY

My journey with this project began during my pursuit of gender-affirming care through insurance - a process that, at times, felt dehumanizing and hopeless. In the midst of this struggle, I discovered the work of Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld. His story gave me the strength to push through moments of vulnerability during months of legal appeals, and ultimately access the care I needed. Through this process, I realized the power of his legacy to inspire and felt it could offer others the same support it gave me. Given his monumental contributions to queer history, I was shocked to learn that no English-language feature documentary about Hirschfeld exists. Recognizing this gap, I felt an urgent responsibility to use my storytelling and production skills to preserve his legacy for future generations.

With the support of a Fulbright scholarship, I spent a transformative year in Berlin immersing myself in Hirschfeld’s world. I collaborated closely with leading scholars, university professors, and historians, who provided invaluable insights, access to archival resources, and networking opportunities. These partnerships have been instrumental in shaping INTERMEDIACY into a high production value, first-of-its-kind documentary.
As a queer and transgender/non-binary filmmaker, I bring a distinct perspective to this story. My personal connection to Hirschfeld’s work fuels my passion for illuminating his legacy. My lived experience and community informs my practice, centering queer voices authentically and respectfully. My guiding principle, à la Reba McEntire, is to live life with a backbone, a funny bone, and a wishbone. This spirit drives me to approach storytelling with honesty and authenticity, infusing joy and optimism as we continue the fight towards a more inclusive future.

Knowing the exploitative practices historically faced by queer and trans people speaking their truth, I prioritize these values in all aspects of this work. The majority of the INTERMEDIACY crew, as well as all on-camera participants, identify as LGBTQIA+, ensuring that the project embodies the ethos of “nothing about us, without us.” Representation alone, however, is not enough; it must be paired with practices that center consent and transparency to safeguard the well-being of participants and crew.

Beginning with pre-production, I clearly communicate the film’s scope to participants and provide interview questions and prompts in advance. On set, we abide by the Independent Production Safety Initiative from the Producers Guild of America for a Safe, Harassment-Free Workplace which aims to create an “environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.” Additionally, we offer ample breaks and accommodations for physical and mental comfort.

After filming, I maintain open communication, inviting feedback and addressing concerns, such as striking content participants find sensitive. Both experts and vignette participants have been reviewing their segments for accuracy and tone, and will continue to approve updated content and full cuts.

As we move forward with INTERMEDIACY, I am acutely aware of the hostile climate queer and especially trans people face. The rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric and legislation underscores the importance of releasing this film responsibly. Ensuring physical, social, and identity-focused safety for cast and crew and safeguarding audiences at screenings, is a top priority. Digital safety is also crucial for participants. Their personal information will be anonymized where needed to avoid doxxing attempts, and online content and screenings will be safeguarded against virtual harassment.

I remain committed to creating a film that uplifts and protects its participants, and inspires others to navigate their own journeys with brilliance and resilience.