Private Project

Ordinary

"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are." - Anaïs Nin

In a personal, experimental essay, Ordinary asks the question, "Have your eyes really seen (me?)."

A patchwork quilt of intersecting identities, Ordinary, weaves together multiple storylines to explore the purpose of identifiers and their meaning. Atlas questions whether identifiers truly identify anyone.

  • Atlas O Phoenix
    Director
    Little Men, Do I Qualify for Love?, Cord
  • Atlas O Phoenix
    Writer
    Little Men, Do I Qualify for Love?, Cord
  • Atlas O Phoenix
    Producer
    Little Men, Do I Qualify for Love?, Cord
  • Atlas O Phoenix
    Key Cast
    Do I Qualify for Love?
  • Simon M Sperl
    Key Collaborators
  • Atlas O Phoenix
    Videography
    Do I Qualify for Love?, Little Men, Cord
  • Jennifer Beam
    Additional Videography
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 43 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 12, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    360 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • 16th FOR RAINBOW - Festival of Cinema and Culture of Sexual and Gender Diversity!

    Brazil
    December 14, 2022
    South American Premiere
    Official Selection
  • The BUSH FILMS
    Brooklyn
    United States
    January 16, 2023
    NY Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Tag! Queer Shorts
    Portland, Or
    United States
    Official Selection
Distribution Information
  • Ascension of the Phoenix, LLC
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Atlas O Phoenix

“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” - Cesar A Cruz

Atlas O Phoenix, using they/them/theirs pronouns, is a highly acclaimed director, writer, producer, and editor known for creating impactful and dynamic films that explore both the shadowy and uplifting aspects of humanity, whether through fictional narratives or documentaries.

Furthermore, they have also showcased their talents as an actor and performer in esteemed productions such as Dykes Do Drag (2017-2020) and The Naked I series (2018/2020).

Currently, Atlas is involved in the production of a compelling feature-length documentary film and accompanying web series titled Beautiful Boi. This project chronicles their personal journey of transition and delves into the profound impact it has had on their mental well-being over the course of nearly four decades. Stemming from a deeply meaningful connection with their first love and the subsequent heart-wrenching loss of that beautiful friendship, this narrative aims to inspire and uplift audiences. Despite the challenges faced, Atlas has found strength and fulfillment in the pursuit of love for the past three years, and their resilience shines through in this upcoming project.

Atlas is the visionary behind Trans-LATE!, a wellness event that deliberately centers on the well-being of transgender, intersex, agender, and nonbinary individuals, as well as their allies. Combining elements of cabaret and dance, Atlas has successfully created a unique space for their communities to experience joy, revel in spontaneity, and anticipate the unexpected. This event is generously supported by the Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition, RARE Productions, Twin Cities Gay Scene, and Transcendence Cabaret. Notably, the cabaret showcases the talents of members from Transcendence Cabaret, Newbie Draggons, and highlights over 50% BIPOC performers, a rarity in the local Twin Cities scene.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

My films and artistic vision aim to provoke discomfort while portraying various perspectives and truths in an authentic manner.

I strive to push viewers out of their comfort zone and encourage them to explore new facets of their identity. Through my work, I provide a platform for the audience to reevaluate their worldviews, attitudes, and self-perceptions. If my art evokes discomfort, it signifies its effectiveness. The power of vulnerability is boundless, as it leads to profound learning experiences. I consider myself both a teacher and a perpetual student.

At this stage of my filmmaking journey, having embarked on my transition at the age of 50, I aspire to create films that delve into the depths of the human soul while highlighting its journey towards enlightenment.

Filmmakers from the 2STLGBQINPA+ community inspire me immensely, as their narratives depict the triumph over immense societal hurdles based on sexual orientation and gender expression. They also challenge the prevailing biases related to skin color.

Remaining vigilant in rejecting tired tropes, cliches, and tokenism is essential to shift the narrative often exploited by larger institutions. The 2STLGBQINPA+ cinema has emerged as a potent and uplifting force for positive change in the world. In the face of countless challenges, our vulnerability helps us unearth the superheroes residing within us. My films center around the quest to discover the individual within oneself.

In a recent article from the Star Tribune, author Sheila Regan explores Phoenix's journey. Phoenix made a conscious decision to temporarily detach from identifying with specific racial, biracial, sexual, and gender identities. They expressed a desire to be acknowledged simply as a human being. Phoenix's piece in the "Off-Kilter Cabaret" called "Ordinary" delves into all aspects of their skin, including but not limited to color. By addressing racism, fatphobia, and bigotry, Phoenix examines their own personal intersections of race and gender identity. Their ultimate message revolves around appreciating one another as fellow human beings, regardless of the hue, shape, condition, or tone of our skin.