The Homosexual Guide to F*cking It Up

Callum, a self-conscious gay man battling body image issues, unexpectedly connects with Trevor, a charming stranger he meets at a grocery store. Despite a great first date, Callum’s insecurities lead him to ghost Trevor, convinced he’s out of his league. With the help of his outspoken best friend, Nora, and Trevor’s persistence, Callum confronts his fears, realizing that his biggest obstacle to love is himself. This heartfelt, comedic short explores queer dating, self-acceptance, and the courage to embrace vulnerability.

  • Paulina Knaak
    Director
    Rose v. Wade
  • Alec Richards
    Writer
  • Alec Richards
    Producer
  • Alec Richards
    Key Cast
    "Callum"
    Rose V. Wade, The Cobblestone Corridor, Intellectual
  • Tanner Callicutt
    Key Cast
    "Trevor"
    Parade (Broadway Revival), Heavy Hitters, Camp
  • Sionne Elise
    Key Cast
    "Nora"
    Rose V. Wade, The Brink Of, The Fox Sisters
  • Erik Dawson
    Key Cast
    "Mister-ess"
    Pose
  • Jeff Malo
    Cinematographer
    Rose V. Wade,
  • Katy Frame
    Editor
    Sick Enough, Soul Sisters, Mama Night
  • Kirill Volgin
    Colorist
    Rose V. Wade, Edith, Snowman
  • Michael Donovan
    Production Designer
  • Ruben Grafe
    Assistant Director
  • John Ricardel
    Assistant Cinematographer
  • Dino Davaros
    Gaffer
  • Ethan Federico
    Grip
  • Lucien Battiste, Jr.
    Grip
  • Jonas Barranca
    Intimacy Coordinator
  • Grace Newman
    Makeup Department
  • Elliot Stevens
    Production Assistant
  • Michael Springer
    Production Assistant
  • Project Type:
    Short, Television, Web / New Media, Other
  • Genres:
    Comedy, LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA, LGBT, Romance, Rom-com
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 59 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 12, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    4.7k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Paulina Knaak

Paulina Knaak is an NYC filmmaker who specializes in Sociopolitical Comedy and "Non-Conventional" Coming of Age stories. Her recent credits include "The Downtown 666" Written by Jason Pointek, Produced by Matthew Ciphaghilla, “Rose Vs. Wade” Written/Produced by Sionne Elise, "Bridal Party” by HerStoriesProductions. And “MUG SHOT” (Best Comedy at the Worldwide Women’s Film Festival 2024) produced by Messalina Morley. She has worked on over 150 short films (Produced by Reelarc, Hysterical Femme Productions, 99 Cent Productions, One Frame Productions…to name a few!) More about her can be found at her website paulinaknaak.com

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Director Statement

"The Homosexual Guide to F*cking it Up" is a love letter to any queer person navigating dating and body dysmorphia. We live in a society that constantly judges our bodies: in the tabloids, in social media, in our social circles, in our daily activities, etc. It is sooooo easy to judge ourselves and when we internalize that jugement, it becomes impossible to imagine that anyone could ever fall in love with us. At the heart of this silly film (and the future series!) is the desire to be accepted for who we are, how we look and who we want to love.