For us
Jacob soto
“For Us, 2023 documents the experiences, desires, fears, anger, insecurities, and joy that queer people have, living in a world designed to suppress them.”
— Jacob soto
For Us - 5 minute clip
Cast and crew
Crew:
Jacob Soto - Director, Cinematographer, Producer, Editor
Jason Tumalan- Producer
Hailey Wilkins- editor
Alicia Ankarstrom - Production Assistant
Cast:
Grinchie - https://www.instagram.com/grinch.fngrz/
Daze - https://www.instagram.com/dazecares/
Van - https://www.instagram.com/faded.docs/
Izzy - https://www.instagram.com/undertheoven/
Sephere
ABOUT
Artist statement
A sub-subculture is how I would describe the existence of my friends and I as queer people. Mainstream queer culture is depicted through the lens of cis white gay men. Even in spaces designed for us, they take control of the narrative. However, the community is more than that it is intersectional. Each of us has a unique story that has formed the person we are today.
For Us, 2023 documents the experiences, desires, fears, anger, insecurities, and joy that queer people have, living in a world designed to suppress them. Through a series of intimate interviews, day-in-the- life footage, personal photos, and artwork this documentary explores the intersecting issues and identities of young queer POC artists and activists born and raised in Chicago.
The film takes inspiration from New Queer Cinema filmmakers such as Gregg Araki, Cheryl Dunye, Jennie Livingston, and Marlon Riggs. Their work showcased the stories of underrepresented queer people at a time when it wasn't as socially acceptable, pushing the envelope forward for queer visibility. My work is centered on the stories of underrepresented people as I believe our stories have yet to be told in the landscape of American cinema.
“Jacob’s work is wonderful and inspiring. It’s all about inclusion for me and treating every individual like the special human being that they are. It’s what we all want. It’s what we all need. It’s what we all deserve.”
- Karla Fuller Associate Professor of Cinema and Television Arts
Meet the artist:
JAcob soto
Jacob (he/him) was raised in South Florida to working-class immigrant parents. He had an active imagination as a child, and telling stories came naturally. Once he got his hands on iMovie and a webcam that changed everything. During his pre-teen years, he taught himself how to edit, and when he was 17 he made his first official short film about a psychopathic killer drag queen.
Jacob’s connection to the LGBTQ+ community is vital to his art. It’s a community that has given him a new home, family, and outlook in a world that to this day is still not understanding. He believes that cinema is a powerful tool that can be used to bring more empathy, kindness, and love into all our lives.
Contact Jacob:
@notjacobsoto on instagram
Jacobsoto1022@gmail.com
