SONG SILENCED

1. Please share the title of your film and a brief synopsis.

Song Silenced: Coming Out Christian Music

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Song Silenced: Coming Out in Christian Music explores the untold stories of million-selling Christian music artists who bravely came out of the closet—only to have their careers cancelled or cut short by the industry they once defined. The film also spotlights a new generation of openly queer musicians seeking to reshape faith-based music, bypassing traditional Christian radio and breaking through on platforms like iTunes and Spotify, where they are topping the Christian charts and reaching audiences hungry for authenticity. At the intersection of faith, identity, and artistry, this powerful documentary explores how queer voices are disrupting the conservative stronghold of Christian music while building a more inclusive soundtrack for the faithful—despite escalating hatred and discrimination across the globe.

 

2. What inspired this film?

As a queer identifying doc maker, I’m drawn to stories from unlikely places and hidden histories I feel deserve to be shared, documented, and archived for future LGBTQ+ generations. With Song Silenced, I was inspired by hearing the story of a Black, queer gospel artist who was exiled from the faith-based music community. That jumping off point inspired me to look for other artists who had experienced similar experiences, etc.

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3. What central themes or messages do you explore in the film?

Is there something specific you hope viewers take away?

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Homophobia, pride, identity, bravery, freedom to live one’s truth without sacrificing their faith.

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4. What sets your film apart?

Besides being a story that has not been heavily explored, my style is very traditional, sit down interviews, and a wealth of archival footage. I value greatly letting voices be heard, and focusing on facial features, hands, breath, tears, etc. I find power in a quiver of a lip, a single tear, a crack in a voice, and moments of silence and reflection.

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5. Can you tell us a bit about your background as a filmmaker?

I grew up the child of a mother who was a video sales rep. and a father who was a pornographer and soul singer. So, I was given access to every type of cinema and music, all of which has formulated my process. I’ve now spent 31 years in the industry, starting at 19 as lead programmer for a film society, then director/founder of a film festival in the late 90’s, then worked in distribution, intl. sales, film PR, and started production in 2017 on my first feature, OUT IN THE RING, about LGBTQ+ pro wrestlers, released 2022, and going on to win 4 film festival awards, and secure North American distribution and broadcast. Song Silenced is my 5th film, 3rd feature as director.

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6. What was the most challenging part of the filmmaking process — and the most rewarding?

Being able to give voice to marginalized individuals, and exploring the connection between art, sports and queer identity.

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7. How did the casting process unfold?

I selected subjects based on voices that represented different eras, musical styles, and gender identity and representation. Diversity is vital, and more important than ever in the current political zeitgeist.

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8. Who were some of your key collaborators behind the scenes?

I have been blessed to have had an amazing producer on all 3 of my features, Emmy nominated producer Cheryl Staurulakis. She was my ride or die on my first 3 features. My editor on this film, James Carson, is and obsessive, intense mad genius, he cut the film together in 30 days, from my own paper edit/timeline. He likes to work around the clock. He’s highly intense, but fast and brilliant. Lastly, my co-executive producers Jason and Brett Butler, have long history with JDIFF. They will join me at the festival with their own directed film, THE LAST ANNIVERSARY.

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9. Does your film have any Iowa or Midwest connections?

Sadly no, but I’m excited to make new connections and memories while attending.

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10. Why was JDIFF the right festival for your film’s debut or screening?

I feel midwestern LGBTQ+ audiences in particular, tend to want to see themselves represented on screen, it’s a very special and important experience for them.

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11. What does it mean to you to be part of the JDIFF lineup?

Any chance to screen in front of passionate film audiences is pleasure and I gift. I’m always excited to visit new places and communities.

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12. How do you hope audiences will respond to your film at JDIFF? Is there a particular reaction or conversation you’re hoping to spark?

I hope the LGBTQ+ community feels a connection to those in the film, and that allies and non-community members will feel compassion and learn about the bravery and struggles of these incredible subjects.

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13. Please share where our audience can follow the film on social media

Instagram- @rblfdpr
Facebook