Shrimp: Trans-Positive Short Film Premieres Online
What makes us who we are? This was the question posed to British Iranian trans actor, playwright and activist Yasser Zadeh, as part of Open Sky’s short series, MicroPlays: Identity. His response is a poignant and timely tale of trans hope in the shape of a short film, launching online with a free-to-view premiere this December.
Shrimptells the story of a young, trans man returning to his hometown to break news of his transition to his ill father. Along the way, we see him settle his nerves in a seaside pub, turn to sea creatures for courage and get swept up in a disco romance with a striking twist. What unfolds is a life-affirming, touching and trans-positive piece that serves as an antidote to the plethora of trans stories rooted in trauma.
The characters are brought to life by a stellar cast, led by Yasser Zadeh (I Hate Suzie,Sky Atlantic; I May Destroy You,BBC) playing Ret, Mary Malone (Dr. Who,BBC; Missing You,Netflix) playing Freya, and Charlie Josephine (Promenade,independent film; Under Salt Marsh, Sky TV) taking on the role of Zak. The film is supported by award-winning production company Open Sky, who distribute their work for free online, and do not run ads before, during or after their work is viewed to protect the audience experience.
This film marks a new chapter in the Open Sky story, launching a new scheme called ART not ADS, in which they have commissioned three independent artists to create affordable, limited edition, art collectibles inspired by the films including stickers, posters and tote bags. All proceeds of the scheme will be split down the middle, with 50% going to the artists and 50% funding further ad-free film projects. Products are being produced by Printhaus, a not-for-profit company based in Cardiff that is known as a production hub.
Creative Director of Open Sky and director of Shrimp, Lisle Turner comments, There’s nothing worse than watching a beautiful, moving film likeShrimp and then being slapped by a tacky ad for a product you don’t want. It ruins the experience. So rather than something people don’t want, we’re trying to give them something that they do want. Something that keeps them in the same emotional zone: ART not ADS.
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