Filmmaker Statement

Boyfriend is a labour of love, shot over a two days in Wellington, New Zealand. I directed, produced and wrote it with my friend and collaborator (also fantastic lead actor) Josh McKenzie and the wonderful Marcia Sasano. As a queer latinx filmmaker, I'm always attracted to lGBTQIA+ stories and wanted to create a work that would resonate with people of all ages. The relationship of our two leads (played by Josh McKenzie and Brazilian legend José de Abreu) is mesmerising and electric. Bob hires a male escort. Levi deals with his own demons, but at the same time he knows how to play his part to perfection - being known as the 'perfect boyfriend'. I wanted everyone watching to question the nature of their own relationships and also to reflect on how far we go to get what we want - be it our dreams or material possessions. At its core, Boyfriend is a romance about two people who are still dealing with their past and trying to move on.