Frankie, a non-binary trans person, crashes their ex-partner’s men-only 12 step meeting / Short Film

[@jameskautz8207]

Hello all, I'm James Kautz. I wrote and directed FRANKIE. It's been a genuine honor bringing this little film to life. I'm so happy to finally be sharing it, publicly. The story, for me, explores the crossroads of gender, masculinity and recovery - an intersection both Morgan - star and producer of FRANKIE - and I continue to return to in our work together. On behalf of the entire FRANKIE team, we truly hope the film resonates. And if you have any questions about the film, please feel free to ask!

[@michaeltye2359]

Its a terrible film that spits on men, you can't even write dialogue that isn't cliche, it would have made your offensive ideas maybe a little bit entertaining

[@vincentjohnflorio]

If the dialogue feels expected it might be because real people talk expectedly most of the time. It's extremely hard to be thoughtful instead of reactive especially in vulnerable or emotional situations. Nothing stood out to me personally as cliche except that people make jokes sometimes about people noting when they feel misnamed or misgendered but that's obviously not what's going on in context here.

[@michaeltye2359]

@@vincentjohnflorio you skipped over how it spits on men and glorifies taking away someone's anon group, you're as bad as them, traitor.

[@janelletedesco]

This is an incredible film! It hurt to watch. I wanted to scream at the men to shut up and listen to them. I wanted to know more. From a technical point of view as well, Frankie is filmed and crafted so beautifully. The use of time and the ticking was a powerful choice. The subject, the script and the acting are phenomenal! So important. So frightening, empowering and thought provoking. I still want to know more! Not just about Frankie but about Trans and non-binary in general. This film has made me want to ask more questions. Thank you and congratulations for making it!

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so, so much for watching, Janelle.

[@dla7165073]

What a fantastic film; so honest and immediate, the dramatic tension heightens so naturally. Congrats to you all on such wonderful work!

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so much for watching, Daniel, and for the kind words.

[@JesseTendler]

I have had such an amazing experience working on this project and seeing its journey. Thank you @redseedfilms for including me as both an actor and a producer. Hearing audience feedback has been the most rewarding part for me. I can't wait to hear from everyone who has the opportunity to see it now that it is out in the world!

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

You have been nothing short of an incredible friend and gift on this project, Jesse. We appreciate you so, so much.

[@matthewvitticore2836]

Watched this film and cried as if I was watching Titanic. I absolutely love it. The entire team of filmmakers, cast, crew should be proud forever.

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so much, Matt! ❤

[@joelalexander7293]

Really appreciated the handling of tension throughout these beautifully shot scenes!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, Joel for watching the film and the kind words!

[@danieldavidson-dm6er]

Striking, moving, and wonderfully acted!

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you for watching!!

[@shannongibbs1058]

Frankie is one of my favorite explorations of trans masculinity in media. In just a few minutes, it really goes there and faces the tough questions about the healing we all must do to accept our neighbors. Thank you, James and Morgan!!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you so much, Shannon!

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

Thank you, friend!! ❤️🙏🏻🥰

[@HeatherHale]

SO POWERFUL. SUCH a GREAT job, all of you! So much about gender - yes - but also simply about BEING HEARD. And SEEN. And the intricate and involved complications of trying to stay together when things seem to be falling apart just because you're trying to be yourself. SO filled with TENSION. Knowing suspense. HOPE. So sweet. So cathartic. So simple. Just beautiful. Beautifully written, produced, directed, acted. SO GREAT! WELL DONE! ALL OF YOU! The entire cast and crew! I'd love Morgan to consider auditioning for a part in my MFA Thesis. A crimedy with a terrific, fun, non-binary lead. ;-)

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so much for watching, Heather - and break legs with your thesis film!!!!

[@danjessup]

Great tension build plus teasing moments of tenderness - and it looks & sounds so crisp. Congrats all!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thanks so much for watching our short, Dan.

[@JesseTendler]

Thanks, Dan! So glad you enjoyed it! Hope to see you on stage or screen again soon!

[@sophia-gutchinov]

Great acting, great portrayal of a recovery meeting, great writing! Very moving :)

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you for watching our film, Sophia!

[@JesseTendler]

Thanks, friend!! I appreciate you!!

[@megmiller7507]

Wow. Great performances. Very intense. I felt anxiety running through my body while I watched. Nicely done all!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you so much for watching our film, Meg.

[@JesseTendler]

Thanks for watching! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevenhayet]

I was lucky to see this film at the Lighthouse International Film Festival. It is such a powerful and beautifully done film. From the acting to the writing to the production, it is absolutely top notch. I’m so happy it had the success it did on the festival circuit and glad more people will get to see "Frankie" now that it’s online.

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, Steven!! It was an honor to screen at Lighthouse with your beautiful film, Keep the Music Going.

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

Thank you so much, Steven. 🥺🙏🏻❤️

[@stevenhayet]

@@morganruaidhriosullivan2857 You were absolutely incredible in it, Morgan. Amazing job. 👏👏👏

[@thetelevisionary6087]

Thank you, James, for sharing this riveting short film. Frankie‘s character and story are compelling. I’ll be sharing this film with our Catholic LGBT+ ministry. I’m looking forward to more of your work. 👏🏻

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you so sincerely for watching our film and thank you for sharing it with other folks who it might resonate with. ❤

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

As a former Catholic, this comment warms my heart so much. Thanks for watching our short and sharing with your community. ❤️🙏🏻

[@philipgardiner2003]

Nailed it my friend! Much to love about this work, especially the courage and effort that went into making it and sharing it. Bravo to all involved. ❤️🤘🌈

[@jameskautz2053]

Thank you so much, Philip!

[@rebeccaschlossberg1293]

A really powerful short that says so much in a short period of time. Leaves you thinking about it long after. As a nonbinary person myself, it is so unbelievably powerful and moving to see a film that treats this subject with genuine empathy.

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@hankandsealy]

The acting is impeccable!

[@jameskautz2053]

Thank you so much for watching, Rob. We couldn't have been luckier with the cast we assembled. Very grateful for them.

[@samanthamiller8703]

Excellent writing, acting, and cinematography work together seamlessly in this short film, which is masterclass on how to tell an impactful story in a matter of minutes.

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so much for watching, Samantha!

[@davidgibbs5205]

Frankie is such an incredibly moving film! I congratulate the entire team on making such an important and insightful work. Here's to lots of future success!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, David!!

[@jasonwilson9821]

A powerful short film! I was lucky enough to view it at The Curzon in Soho, London,. The tension was palpable. What a talented group of artists.

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you so much, Jason. Raindance was a special festival for us. So grateful you got to see our Frankie there, so grateful for the support.

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

So wish we could have spent more time together in London! James and I appreciate your love and support so much. Hope you're well!

[@GregWLocke]

Whoa. Totally blown away by Frankie. The central performance is remarkable. Feels like a star vehicle for both the lead and the writer / director. Can't wait to see what they do next. Indie filmmaking at its finest. Props.

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you so much, Greg!

[@pasey13]

Wonderfully raw film. Important. Very well shot, in a quite eerie, uncomfortable, beautiful way. Performance from Morgan is so honest and heart-wrenching. ❤

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, Chris!

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

That's incredibly kind of you Chris. Thank you. So glad it resonated with you. ❤️🙏🏻

[@victoriatatum2679]

incredible film and so important. grateful for people who are brave enough to tell stories that matter so much!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, Victoria. Truly.

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

Love you so very, very much Torie. Thank you.

[@tammisteren9989]

Powerful!!!

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so much, Tammi!

[@juliahart8711]

Obsessed. Amazing thank you for sharing!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you for watching Frankie. It means so much, Julia.

[@connorwilkins8267]

Beautifully shot and acted. Well done!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, Connor.

[@douglasmcdaniel9632]

Such a powerful film, which has had an incredible festival run. The story resonates with so many in the trans community who fight for representation -- literally a seat at the table or within the circle.

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you so very much, Douglas!

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

This means so much. Thank you. ❤️❤️❤️

[@oliviasorley]

Amazing work!!!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, Olivia!

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

Thank you for watching. 🥰🙏🏻

[@lastnight255]

Such a brilliant and powerful film. Much respect!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you!

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

Thank you!!!

[@DLPSLA]

Beautiful and moving.

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so much for watching, David!

[@cashmereshimmer]

Beautiful short!!

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you!

[@totallynotyourreality2208]

“You better watch your tone” - “Time, lady” - “she’s not all right” disgusting. Transphobia. Misogyny. All in one! These lines made my blood boil. Great acting, beautiful film.

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so much for watching our film!

[@melissahurst8178]

Oh my God, this is a suspenseful and powerful film. Watch it and experience the beauty and strength and delicacy of a person daring to be themselves.

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you so much for watching our film, Melissa, and for sharing these words.

[@kellishere]

Very well done!

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so much for watching our film.

[@Garyzson]

Beautifully done!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thanks so much, Garrison.

[@fencernick]

Amazing work! Such an important piece.

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, Nicholas!

[@FilmShortage]

Such an important film at an important time. Let us know what you think and how this story has affected you!

[@driverain2]

Wow I am sitting here at the end sort of in a stunned emotional state. I don't really have the words about me to explain. I'm one of the regular guys in that circle. I can relate so clearly to the whole story. Not until close to the end did I put two and two together as to where this might be headed. Wow I am setting here at the end sort of in a stunned emotional state.

[@jameskautz8207]

thank you so much for watching. so glad that it affected you and that it resonated.

[@keithcoldon754]

fantastic work!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, Keith!

[@leviatkinson153]

Really beautiful !

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you for watching our film, Levi!

[@hellaharry5671]

So good!!!

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you!

[@kaceymayeda273]

💛💛

[@jameskautz8207]

Thank you, Kacey!!

[@morganruaidhriosullivan2857]

🙏🏻❤️🥰