‘I Saw the TV Glow’ Director Jane Schoenbrun Says ‘Queer People Just Need to Be Living’ Under Trump Admin, Justice Smith Proclaims ‘We’re F—ed’

variety.com:

Matt Minton mminton@variety.com When asked about how the Trump administration’s attacks on queer rights may affect their films going forward, “I Saw the TV Glow” director Jane Schoenbrun recognized the major political implications of the current moment, but says there are higher priorities than “trying to react.” “Hopefully [my directing] won’t change much,” Schoenbrun told Variety‘s Marc Malkin at the Independent Spirit Awards red carpet Sunday in Santa Monica, Calif. “Hopefully as an artist, you’re reading the vibe around you and you’re filtering that into what you make.

But also, whether you’re an artist or not, queer people just need to be living and loving and being themselves. That’s probably the more important thing than trying to react.” Schoenbrun, who identifies as nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, was in attendance for their film “I Saw the TV Glow.” The A24 release led this year’s Indie Spirit nominations, tying with Sean Baker’s “Anora” at six apiece.

The nods included Justice Smith in the lead acting category and Schoenbrun in best director and screenplay. The film follows a teenager Owen (Smith) who forms a special connection with another student (Jack Haven) after becoming obsessed with a teen television show.

While Smith “knew the film was special” during filming, he wasn’t sure “if people would get it,” particularly as an allegory for transgender identity.