A blended group of close friends discover unforeseen things about each other over the course of a tense Halloween week in 2020.

Interview with Writer/Director/Actor Cory Nixon

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank You! Blind is equal parts entertainment and activism. It's satire told with a tongue pressed firmly into the cheek. Blind is a story that urgently needs to be told. Writing this script has been a cathartic experience, an opportunity to make sense of insurmountable micro-aggressions, difficult conversations, and daily trauma I’ve encountered as a black queer man in America. These black-lived experiences are not just uniquely mine but an enduring reality for much of my community. My hope is for this film to be a poignant think-piece for viewers at large and a healing comedy for my own black community.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Depends on who you are. I hope no matter who you are you identify with the feelings in the story and learn something. You should watch the film for a laugh but also to grow.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The majority of my work are exaggerated version of moments from my life. I take those moments and tap into a universal theme of where we as a society are. As a filmmaker I want to be a mirror for America, poking fun but also shining light on serious issues.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

After the second draft, there was a huge gap in time before I came back to it. I was almost ready to shelf it and realized this story needed to be told. After that, the characters came alive and took a life of their own. It was a cathartic experience

What type of feedback have you received so far?

It's been interesting to see the reactions people have after watching the film. I really enjoy the discourse around the film after people watch it. I've only had one interesting conversation where I had to break down the ending.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

No.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I am hoping that people who look like me or have had similar experiences can feel seen, heard, and represented. Actual, representation matters.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Buyers, distributors, film festival directors. I would love for Blind to live on a streaming platform

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would love for all viewers to come away from the film acknowledging and identifying compassion for people that don't look like them.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Remember when everyone posted those black squares in 2020? Where have all the black squares gone?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently writing my first feature film. I am very excited about this one and the themes it tackles.

Interview: October 2023

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

Blind

A blended group of close friends discover unforeseen things about each other over the course of a tense Halloween week in 2020.

Length: 19:50

Director: Cory Nixon

Producer: John Mark

Writer: Cory Nixon

About the writer, director and producer:

CORY NIXON is a black queer director known for his thought-provoking films that explore race, queerness, and class dynamics through the intersection of horror and comedy. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Cory developed a keen interest in the arts from a young age. After professional origins in fashion, music, and nightlife, he was drawn to cinema as a powerful medium for social commentary. Cory's distinctive voice comes from his urgent need to deconstruct social issues in a creative and visceral way. Cory was most recently celebrated for his short film, Blind. This dark and comedic horror piece provided a fresh perspective on the challenges of navigating evolving differences within your own tightly-knit friend group. In what Cory would describe as "American Horror," Blind has played in festivals across the country, most recently screening at the 35th Anniversary of NewFest in New York City. Cory is known for his commitment to inclusivity both in front of and behind the camera. He actively seeks out underrepresented talent and collaborators, making his sets a model of diversity and creativity. In addition to his film work, Cory is an advocate for black queer voices. As one of the producers of the celebrated podcast, Town Hall: A Black Queer Podcast, Cory enjoys fostering meaningful conversation for his own community, while educating the global community at large.

JOHN MARK began his career in entertainment as a music video, tour, and live experience choreographer for Lizzo, Bon Iver, Har Mar Superstar, Senses Fail, Duckwrth, Dessa, Target, and more. In 2018, he transitioned to producing branded content and narrative television. Currently, he is rooted at Producer Entertainment Group, where he has produced over thirty episodes of half-hour comedy for OUTtv, the world’s first LGBTQ television network. John Mark is a Minnesota native. He doesn't miss the snow.

Key cast: Cory Nixon, Bobby Burkich, Kate Hollowell, Carlease Burke, Mercedes Enriqueta, Justin Cone

Looking for: distributors, buyer, film festival directors, journalists

Instagram: @corylnixon

Website: coryleenixon.com

Other: IMDb, Vimeo

Made in association with:

Funders: Self-funded, Indiegogo

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

NoBudge/online- tbd
NewFest/New York - Oct/11-Oct/24