New documentary on the very often unspoken trauma experienced by men who have suffered from both mental abuse and physical violence
BY VICTOR MELAMED
Speaking Out” directed by John Solis made its World Premiere at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) at the beginning of this month.
The moving LGBTQ+ documentary, produced by BrightBulb Studio and Cabaldana Alchemy and presented by Impulse Group in association with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), sheds a necessary light on the very often unspoken trauma experienced by men who have suffered from both mental abuse and physical violence.
“Speaking Out” delves into the sensitive traumatic topics within the LGBTQ+ community.
The documentary seeks to heighten awareness about issues that are prevalent among gay and cisgender men alike, highlighting their commonality despite the frequent silence and shame surrounding them because of the stigmas tied to traditional notions of masculinity. Through heartfelt interviews and compelling narratives, “Speaking Out” is creating education and destigmatizing discussions surrounding trauma and abuse suffered by men in general.
Director John Solis: “I created ‘Speaking Out’ from a vision of vulnerability and love with the ultimate hope that it can heal people from the inside out.”
The feature film tells the stories of the trauma and abuse endured by three openly proud gay men, Jose, Charlie and Rigg, who underwent an emotional journey towards healing and becoming resilient, overcoming their past, to finally be able to speak out. The film confronts painful subjects that reflect stark realities. Throughout the documentary, mental health experts provide insights into the emotional and mental challenges faced by the men. They steer the conversation towards optimism, offering resources, education and instilling hope in the audience by demonstrating that trauma can be overcome through seeking help and speaking out.
In a press release director John Solis said, “I created ‘Speaking Out’ from a vision of vulnerability and love with the ultimate hope that it can heal people from the inside out.
For more info visit www.speakingoutthemovie.com.
