Page 53 - Poze Magazine Volume 77

Rui is a dedicated filmmaker

and director currently

pursuing a Master's degree in

Film Production at the CCA

The portrayal of family dynamics reflects the belief that familial bonds
extend beyond blood ties, embracing the idea that family family is formed
through shared experiences and unconditional love. Additionally, the
exploration of surrogacy within the LGBTQ+ community is approached with
sensitivity and nuance, acknowledging the ethical dilemmas and emotional
complexities involved. Overall, the values imbued in making "Heirloom" are
rooted in authenticity, empathy, and inclusivity, aiming to provoke thought
and discussion while celebrating the diversity of human experiences.

4. What challenges did you face during 5. What do you hope audiences will
the making of HEIRLOOM? take away from the film?
I hope that audiences will be touched
During the making of "Heirloom," one by the warmth of the story and gain a
of the biggest challenges we faced was different perspective on how LGBTQ+
how to portray the parents' awareness families can navigate relationships and
of their son's homosexuality in a way challenges. Through "Heirloom," I aim
that felt authentic and respectful. We to offer a glimpse into the complexities
went through numerous iterations of of LGBTQ+ family dynamics and
the script, constantly mindful of demonstrate that love and acceptance
avoiding stereotypes and know no bounds. Additionally, I hope
misrepresentations of the LGBTQ+ the film provides a source of spiritual
community. As a lesbian myself, not a support for the LGBTQ+ community and
gay man, I was particularly conscious encourages greater understanding,
of this issue. To address this challenge, support, and acceptance from parents
we sought advice and feedback from towards their LGBTQ+ children.
various sources, including LGBTQ+
professors, our actors, crew members, 6. In some ways, the ending can be
and members of our school's LGBTQ+ seen as open-ended, as the family
community. By considering diverse doesn't reach a conclusion regarding
perspectives and experiences, we were the surrogacy topic. Why did you
able to develop a version of the script choose to do this?
that felt genuine and inclusive.
Additionally, we incorporated self- Firstly, my story unfolds during a
deprecating humor into the script to dinner table conversation, and I believe
acknowledge and challenge that the topic of surrogacy is too
stereotypes, adding a layer of complex to be resolved in one sitting. It
complexity and nuance to the requires prolonged discussion and
characters and their interactions. This negotiation, and reaching a conclusion
approach helped to ensure that the over dinner would undermine the
portrayal of the parents' awareness of purpose of normalizing such
their son's homosexuality felt nuanced discussions in the film.
and reflective of real-life experiences
Poze Mgazine
within the LGBTQ+ community.
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