GenQ

Shelter Out on DVD

Force Queer

Shelter is a heartfelt emotional love story set against the surfing backdrop in California. The characters are real and convincing as this film explores the issues of coming out, love and acceptance.  

Shelter director and writer Jonah Markowitz spoke to GenerationQ about making the film. “The idea of making Shelter came from seeing a non traditional relationship about two males on the beach on sunny California day”. I wanted to explore a non-traditional concept so the idea developed from there.

The two leads Brad Rowe and Trevor Wright were easy to cast in the film. Trevor wanted to meet and make sure the film was a special story and not some gay homoerotic film. Brad and Trevor got along so well and it was a great shoot.

 “We shot the film up and down the coast near Los Angeles”. The neighbourhood where Zach lived was shot in Satin Pedro. Most of the beach scenes were filmed in Malibu. Johan says that California reminds him a lot of Australia, the general vibe and the atmosphere.

Shelter took three weeks to shoot and it was a busy 18 days of shooting Joanh tells us. There were many early shoots as well as late into the evening. There was plenty to do each day for all involved in the film.

Shelter has played at many GLBT film festivals all over the world. In Melbourne the film won the Queer Audience Award at the MQFF. Next up for Shelter is the opening in Tokyo early next month. The reaction from the United States has been brilliant from the various screenings that have taken place.

Shelter is now on DVD in Australia from Force Queer.

Tags: gay, interview