Join us for a conversation with filmmaker Sav Rodgers, whose documentary film Chasing Chasing Amy had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023. We will discuss Sav’s filmmaking journey, including the story behind Chasing Chasing Amy, its focus on LGBTQ+ film culture and identity, both of which he highlights in the film. We will also discuss Sav’s experience as a filmmaker and a nonprofit leader, as he is the Founder and Executive Director of the Transgender Film Center, in addition to advice he has for emerging creatives.
Sav Rodgers
Director/Filmmaker
About Sav Rodgers:
Originally from Kansas, Sav Rodgers is a filmmaker and screenwriter whose feature directorial debut CHASING CHASING AMY (Tribeca ‘23) explores the complicated legacy of Chasing Amy and its profound impression on his life. The TED Talk he gave in 2018 kickstarted this filmmaking journey, and spurred the writing of scripts that center on highly specific, surprising stories about queer people. His screenplays have been recognized by GLAAD, Outfest, ScreenCraft, among others. Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Media List in 2024, Sav is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Transgender Film Center.
About Chasing Chasing Amy:
In Sav Rodgers’ debut feature film, he explores the unexamined legacy of Kevin Smith’s cult classic, Chasing Amy. His documentary is both a tribute to the movie that saved his life as a queer kid, coming of age in Kansas, and an exploration of its mixed reviews from the LGBTQ+ community. Through candid interviews with Smith and star Joey Lauren Adams, Sav discovers their journey of making their movie was far more difficult and emotional than anyone could have possibly known. CHASING CHASING AMY is a trans coming of age love story, set against the backdrop of an indie film that solidified some careers and damaged others.
CHASING CHASING AMY includes interviews with the cast and crew of Chasing Amy, alongside thought leaders from the LGBTQ+ community, several revolutionary filmmakers, and friends of the filmmakers. These commentaries and dialogues with Director Sav Rodgers explore the power of media representation and the importance of cinema that shapes our lives.
Sa’iyda Shabazz
Writer/Producer
About the moderator:
Sa’iyda Shabazz is a writer and editor who lives in Los Angeles with her son, partner and too many pets. A pop culture enthusiast, she writes about the intersections of queerness, parenting, race, gender and socioeconomic status. A current writer for Autostraddle, she is a former writer and editor at Scary Mommy, her work has also been published by The New York Times and The Washington Post. She is also a producer for the independent in progress documentary, Feeling Seen.
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
This panel will take place virtually over ZOOM. Ticket purchasers will receive a ZOOM link to this panel 2 hours before the published start time. If you don’t already have the ZOOM app, please make sure to download on your device before the panel start time.
If you purchase an All-Access Pass for our June Festival events prior to the date of this panel, you will also receive admission to this virtual panel, included as part of your pass.
If you are a current Annual Member of NFMLA, please email info@nfmla.org to receive a complimentary ticket to this panel. If you are not an Annual Member of NFMLA and would like to join, you can become a member here.
