Experiencing Interruptions?

Liminality

In the summer of 2004, in Berkeley, California, queer teens Nina and Jay grapple with understanding Jay's uncharted transgender identity amidst the throes of first love.

  • Tess Bliven
    Director
  • Tess Bliven
    Writer
  • Anuj Nijhawan
    Writer
  • Anuj Nijhawan
    Producer
  • Tess Bliven
    Producer
  • Anastasia Mirabelle
    Key Cast
    "Nina"
  • Kate Parker-Lentz
    Key Cast
    "Jay"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, LGBTQ, Coming of Age, Teens, Young Adult
  • Runtime:
    13 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - San Francisco State University
  • Atlanta Film Festival
    Atlanta
    United States
    April 24, 2025
    World Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Tess Bliven

Tess is a writer, director, and producer. Her storytelling often delves into the intricate aspects of human emotion and focuses on the themes of childhood and young adulthood, rural environments, and the lives of those in unconventional or marginalized communities.

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Tess is also an entrepreneur. She is the Co-Founder of Shuffle Collective, an online platform fostering collaboration and growth among artists. In this role, she's dedicated to creating an inclusive community where artists can come together, share their skills, and collectively nurture their creative potential.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

This film is made in the spirit of allyship and explores my first romantic relationship as well as the reflections and learnings that have taken place in the almost twenty years since. Despite the passage of time, my friendship with my ex, who has since transitioned, has allowed me to deeply reflect on my understanding of gender identity.

Over the years, I've grappled with the complexities of this journey, slowly unraveling the misunderstandings and misconceptions that I, like many well-intentioned cis individuals, have harbored.

In the midst of a global conversation on gender, this film serves as a sincere attempt to illuminate the challenges and misunderstandings that persist, even among those who consider themselves the most liberal and accepting. 

By sharing this personal narrative, my hope is to spark conversations and foster a greater sense of empathy, understanding, and self reflection. Ultimately, I aspire to encourage viewers to engage in meaningful dialogue and pursue education to create a more inclusive and supportive world for Trans and Genderqueer people around the world.