Private Project

Through the Door

Estranged from their family for nearly 2 years, Sage returns home one Christmas Eve to reveal a troubling secret to their mother.

  • Graydon Eskowich
    Director
  • Amelia Mitchell
    Writer
  • Maggie Robertson
    Key Cast
    "Sage"
  • Chelsea Wegman
    Key Cast
    "Kristen"
  • Joel Sopp
    Key Cast
    "Matthew"
  • Chase Gray
    Key Cast
    "Tyler"
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, LGBTQ+
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of Regina
Director Biography - Graydon Eskowich

Graydon Eskowich, a 22-year-old queer filmmaker residing in Regina, Saskatchewan, has been struck by the 'power' of cinema ever since the ceiling panels of his local small-town movie theatre almost crashed down on him during a thunderous screening of 'Interstellar' when he was 14. Ever since, he has used film— both the viewing, and the making of— to transport himself to places far and wide and envision stories unique to the Canadian prairies that have yet to be put to screen.

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Director Statement

Through the Door was created as part of the University of Regina class of 2024's senior film production coursework. We are lucky to live in a world where, in many places, LGBTQ2S+ rights and freedoms are at an all-time high. However, in places like the Canadian rural prairies where the film takes place, there is still often a stigmatization and refusal to accept queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming individuals, with a deep-seated history in the religious conservativism of the region. Through the Door highlights one such example of an individual navigating the familial struggle of acceptance with their closest loved ones, who are bound by tradition, ignorance, and religious stigma. My hope is that this film serves as a reminder that there are still many places around the globe where understanding of LGBTQ+ individuals has a long way to go, while also highlighting the progress that has been (and continues to be) made, with many religious institutions globally and locally opening their doors-- and their hearts-- to LGBTQ2S+ peoples. This film was made with unconditional love as its central tenet, and I can only hope that people come away from watching it with a bit more love for others than before.