Experiencing Interruptions?

This is Jan

Set in the conservative world of the 1950s, Jan checks into a hotel seeking to escape the outside world. Once alone, they are free to shed the identity society has imposed upon them. Jan embraces the chance to explore who they truly believe they are. As they relish this new identity, a surge of confidence emerges, but they soon realize that not everything is as it seems. Faced with a choice between internal pressures and embracing their authentic self, Jan takes a bold step forward.

  • Robert Larriviere
    Director
  • Robert Larriviere
    Writer
  • Hunter Burke
    Writer
  • Nick Lavin
    Writer
  • Robert Larriviere
    Producer
  • Ryan Glorioso
    Producer
  • Brooklyn Campagne
    Producer
  • Gregory McNamara
    Producer
  • Alexandra Dimopoulos
    Producer
  • Catherine Gittings
    Producer
  • Chryssy Tintner
    Producer
  • Lyle Brocato
    Key Cast
    "The Big Short"
    Bad Moms
  • James Dumont
    Key Cast
    "The Righteous Gemstones"
    Dallas Buyers Club
  • Laura Flannery
    Key Cast
    "Mayfair Witches"
    Mayfair Witches
  • Robert Larriviere
    Key Cast
    "Jeff Who Lives at Home"
    Where the Crawdads Sing
  • Leslie Castay
    Key Cast
  • Rob Senska
    Cinematographer
  • Jillian Kreiner
    Costume Designer
    Robert
  • Jonathan House
    Production Designer
  • Ryan Glorioso
    Casting Director
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, LGBTQIA
  • Runtime:
    21 minutes 36 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    42,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Panavision New Filmmakers Grant

    Recipient
  • Sedona International Film Festival
    Sedona, AZ
    United States
    February 27, 2025
    Selected
  • Cinema on the Bayou
    Lafayette, LA
    United States
    January 25, 2025
    Special Jury Award
  • LGBTQ+ Toronto & Los Angeles Film Festival
    Toronto, Ontario
    Canada
    January 30, 2024
    WINNER: LGBT Screenplay (Short, TV, Feature)
  • New York International Screenplay Awards
    Brooklyn, NY
    United States
    May 9, 2024
    WINNER: Short Screenplay
  • New York Screenwriting Awards
    Brooklyn, NY
    United States
    December 20, 2023
    WINNER: Short Screenplay/ LGBTQIA
  • Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest
    Santa Barbara, CA
    United States
    December 29, 2023
    Best Short Script
  • Finish Line Script Competition

    September 12, 2024
    Quarter Finalist Short Screenplay
Director Biography - Robert Larriviere

Robert Larrivière makes his directorial debut with a project that’s close to his heart, inspired by a close friend’s transition. With years of experience in film and television as an actor, Robert not only wrote this powerful story but brought it to life on screen. His deep understanding of acting became key as he worked closely with the lead actor, ensuring authenticity and depth in bringing the character of Jan to life. Supported by longtime collaborators, Robert’s move from actor to director marks an exciting new chapter in his artistic journey.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Growing up in a small town, I thought the queer movement began with Stonewall. I didn't know that people like me lived authentic lives long before then. Unaware of the long-lost millennia of queer history and with no historical reference, I assumed that queer life just recently evolved.

Jan came into my life after a dear friend transitioned. My muse led me to the trove of information that gives life to her imagined story and the histories I didn't know. Through Jan, I was introduced to the Cooper Donut Riots and inspired by the story of Casa Susanna, a secluded house in the Catskills that offered respite to crossdressers from around the world.

Stories like this might have vanished if not for the discovery of a box of photos, revealing people who found solace in being themselves among others just like them. I can’t imagine what it took for them to find each other; the clandestine networking, the long journey to a place that felt like home.

Now that I know of them, I feel obliged to share their stories through this medium that I love so much. With Jan as the vessel, I hope viewers will be moved by her story and inspired to help all of their stories live on...