The highly anticipated LGBTQ+ skateboarding narrative film Scraps had its West Coast premiere at the Dances With Films x OutFest on June 28, 2024.
The event was a resounding success, with a vibrant audience turnout celebrating this pioneering film that brings a fresh perspective to the often male-dominated world of skateboarding.
Set against the backdrop of Livingston, Montana, during the summer of 2003, Scraps delves into a time when the cultural landscape was undergoing significant shifts.
The film captures an era marked by the rise of Apple iPods, the dominance of Myspace, and the nascent stages of texting, providing a rich tapestry of early 2000s nostalgia.
At its heart, Scraps tells the story of Gus Shepard, an 18-year-old who moves to Livingston following his mother’s death to live with his estranged, woodworking father, Dan.
As Gus navigates his new life in this small town, he encounters Bridger Owens, an attractive and rebellious skateboarder.
The promise of building a handcrafted skateboard for Bridger in exchange for skating lessons quickly blossoms into a deep and complex friendship, filled with romantic tension and the struggle for self-acceptance.
Inspired by thought-provoking dramas such as Mid90s, Call Me By Your Name, and The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, as well as recent hits like Young Royals and Heartstopper, Scraps is a cinematic gem that explores themes of love, friendship, and the painful yet beautiful journey of growing up queer in a small town.
The film’s narrative is punctuated by the idyllic and rugged landscapes of Montana, which serve as a poignant contrast to the inner turmoil and tender moments shared by the characters.
Max Stevens, the local skate crew leader, and Tara Shae, a cool and perceptive skater girl, add further layers to the story.
Max’s jealousy and hidden feelings for Bridger, along with Tara’s kinship with Gus, create a dynamic ensemble of characters, each grappling with their own struggles and desires.
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Writer and producer Ryan Nordin, who based the film on true events and personal experiences, brings authenticity and depth to the narrative.
“Growing up queer in Minnesota made me feel, at times, like an outsider,” Nordin shared. “I didn’t always know how to fit in, but I knew how to pretend. This pretending would carry on for years until at age nineteen, I found a community that supported me and allowed me to be my true self.”
Nordin’s journey to creating Scraps was fueled by frustration over the lack of queer cinema, leading him to seek out obscure foreign films and indie projects that resonated with his experiences.
With Scraps, he aims to fill that gap, offering a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
As the film progresses, the relationship between Gus and Bridger faces numerous challenges, including societal pressures and the fear of their secret being exposed.
Their entrepreneurial venture of selling homemade skateboards becomes a metaphor for their struggle to carve out a space for themselves in a world that often feels unwelcoming.
Scraps is more than just a skate film; it’s a poignant exploration of identity, love, and the courage to be oneself.
The premiere at OutFest marks a significant milestone for queer cinema, heralding a new era of storytelling that embraces the complexities of LGBTQ+ youth.
For those who have been waiting for the next Call Me By Your Name, Moonlight, or God’s Own Country, Scraps promises to deliver a heartfelt and evocative experience.
As Nordin aptly puts it, this film is for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, yet dared to dream and find their true self amidst the chaos and beauty of life.
To read more about the project, go here.
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