By Kelsey Brown / Photo courtesy of Sundance

February 6, 2024 – Link to article

The streets of quaint and chilly Park City, Utah were warmed by creatives gathering from around the world to celebrate the 40th edition of the Sundance Film Festival. The festival is renowned worldwide for its initiative to support and highlight independent artists, cultivating the emergence of some of the most influential and innovative films. For some, the festival is charged with opportunities to connect with industry members and to sell their films. Among the silver screens and snowy streets, Philadelphia’s creativity was present.

Desire Lines–by filmmaker Jules Rosskam, who was raised in the suburbs outside Philadelphia–made its world premiere at Sundance where it received the Next Special Jury Award. Following an Iranian American Trans man who time travels through queer archives to unearth his deepest desires, the film’s curious concept is paired with stunning cinematography. The feature is an innovative blend of narrative, archives, and documentary, that creatively explores transmasculine identities and sexuality. 

While sifting through archival evidence, reimagined bath houses are brought back to life. Rosskam’s background as a Trans academic and scholar roots this film in historically significant moments for the queer community, like the AIDS crisis, creating a nuanced reflection of individual desire and societal expectations. Rosskam is no stranger to creating unique projects that explore gender and sexuality, with other features like against a trans narrative and short films like Something to Cry About delving into similar concepts. 

Desire Lines is adorned with refreshingly honest interviews that offer intimate reflections on personal experiences. The film is visually captivating as Rosskam offers a safe space for Trans men to share with one another, and with the viewers, resulting in a shame-free exploration of sex, identity, and desire. The film is a hybrid account of what it means to be with community.

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