ALWAYS AMBER
A unique and fascinating look at genderqueer Amber, thrillingly told through the lens of their own Snapchat, Instagram Stories and DM's
Description
An invitation into the social-media-driven world of its titular character, ALWAYS AMBER will stand as a unique artifact of this era of living one’s life online. Hannah Reinikainen Bergeman and Lia Hietala’s feature directorial debut explores teenage trans/non-binary identity with tact, compassion, and clarity, allowing Amber full agency in chronicling their story. Framed by professionally shot scenes at a doctor’s office and Amber’s own Snapchats, Instagram Stories, and DMs, the directors capture queer and trans teenage angst and complicated relationships in their most authentic, bold, and transgressive moments. Throughout this singular cinematic experience, Amber remains an awe-inspiring and unapologetically themself narrator, co-cinematographer, and star — demonstrating what can happen when filmmakers treat documentary “subjects” as participants in their own depictions.
Part of The 32nd Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Presented in partnership with Scandinavia House and Ackerman Institute's Gender & Family Project
Director
Hannah Reinikainen, Lia Hietala