The Real Thing

DramaLGBTQ

Nov 11

Written By Mike Ambs

A film by B Kelley

When a soldier returns home, things have often changed. For Staff Sergeant Michael Waltze, the ultimate change is in his child. While on his tour of duty, his daughter has transitioned and started living her truth. Today he is coming home to surprise her.

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For a young trans teen, life is full of obstacles and challenges. The people are curious and don't understand what she's been through. Her parents' attitudes are still adjusting, and sometimes home doesn't feel like home. For Allie, a rough day at school ends with a surprise. Her father is home from the army, and he's standing in her room.

Parental love is unconditional. It transcends a person's memory of their child. The Real Thing is an infinitely stronger bond.

Written & Directed by
B Kelley

Produced by
Jon Gestal

Cinematography by
Greta Zozula

Edited by
Taylor Levy

Executive Produced by
Christie Gestal, Bill & Lori Kelly, Jamie Law, Barbara & Michael Racanelli

Starring
Michael Torpey, Sophie Giannamore

Director's Note

We made this film in 2017 with the help of an amazing cast and crew. We were honored to work with Sophia Grace Giannamore and Michael Torpey in order to bring Allie and Michael to life.

Our crew of 35 shot the film in 3 days and, to date, the film has screened in 25 festivals and won 5 awards. The film was shot on 4-Perf 35mm Celluloid Kodak Stock with the help of the Kodak Filmmatching Initiative and the Independent Filmmakers Project Fiscal Sponsorship.

Featured

B Kelley is a writer/director whose focus lies in pulling performances from actors. From a young age, Kelley has felt a strong passion for the performing arts; studying different acting techniques while performing for a variety of companies. Kelley is an ardent supporter of universal human rights and believes that these rights are innate, and not subject to discrimination.