"Words: An Exploration of Identity

Synopsis: "Words" is an exploration of how people navigate identity in the open and evolving landscape of New York City. Using some of NYC's most fluid scenes as a backdrop, “Words” investigates the dissonance between self-constructed identity and identities that are projected onto us by society, and how they are contextualized in a range of environments, from the art world to the NYPD. Featuring exclusive interviews from a variety of artists, activists, icons, and innovators, “Words” promises to be a poignant and powerful tribute to the language we use to shape the many facets of our identities: as men, women, artists, New Yorkers, ... human.

  • AJ Mattioli
    Director
    "Lady Peacock"
  • Bob the Drag Queen
    Key Cast
    Rupauls Drag Race Season 8 Winner
  • Shakina Nayfack
    Key Cast
    Difficult People
  • Adam Sank
    Key Cast
    Last Comic Standing
  • Cory Wade
    Key Cast
    Americas Next Top Model
  • Rain Dove
    Key Cast
    Gender Queer Model
  • Carmen Carrera
    Key Cast
    Rupauls Drag Race Season, Transgender Advocate
  • Miss Fame
    Key Cast
    Rupauls Drag Race Season 7
  • Adam Sank
    Key Cast
    Last Comic Standing
  • Cory Green
    Director of Photography
    2x Emmy nom
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    LGBTQ, documentary, gay, lesbian, queer, transgender, bisexual, nonbinary, drag, nyc
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 23 minutes 8 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 5, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Black Magic
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Atlantic City Cinefest
    Atlantic City
    United States
    October 29, 2016
    Best Director of a Feature Documentary
  • MEDff
    Syracuse
    Italy
    January 5, 2017
    Audience Choice Best Feature Doc.
  • Barcelona Planet Film Festival

    Nominated Best Documentary
Director Biography - AJ Mattioli

As quoted by Times Square Gossip, (AJ) “could very well be considered the voice of the LGBT community in the independent film world.” The May 2011 issue of
The Advocate included Mattioli in their issue of Forty People Under 40 to Look Out For.
AJ is a multi award-winning Director with several feature films, short films, music video, and web content it is clear that this transman is determined to make his mark and entertaining people along the way. AJ has worked in the film and theatre world for over 14 years wearing many different hats and truly admires every person in this crazy business we call show. His other films include "Lady Peacock", "Gay Positive", and "The Coffee Shop".

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Director Statement

We move… so fast. NYC doesn’t stop it simply evolves. Our City is progressive by nature as it is, and has always been, home to the dreamers, the poets, the lovers, and the artists. I am Transgender Director AJ Mattioli, and I want to help you navigate that every changing landscape. With this documentary I entered worlds I have never seen and was truly humbled by other individuals stories. We each have a path and Words certainly play a large part in that travel. We here at Mattioli Productions truly hope you enjoy this documentary as much as we enjoyed the journey of making it. - AJ Mattioli