Sav Rodgers, USA 2023

The classic cult film from the '90s CHASING AMY, written and directed by Kevin Smith starring Ben Affleck, Joey Lauren Adams and Jason Lee, was one of the first romantic comedy films to showcase LGBTQ+ people. Rodgers believes this film was "his life raft" and set out to make a documentary to explore his reasoning. At the same time, he honors Smith's film in CHASING CHASING AMY.

Rodgers, a documentary filmmaker from Kansas City wanted to make movies after seeing his favorite film, CHASING AMY, for the first time at age twelve. Rodgers finds solace in his journey of self-discovery connecting to the strong reputation CHASING AMY has had within the LGBTQ+ people. His delightful way of storytelling draws the audience into his life-changing narrative. In addition, the usage of archival footage and interviews with Smith and some of his original cast from the 1997 CHASING AMY, Rodgers shares a joyful connection--acknowledging their influence on a younger generation dealing with their identity.

Rodgers presented a TED Talk that proved to be a wonderful confirmation of his talent to bring storytelling to life. The experience was the beginning of a filmmaking journey and gave way to him writing scripts about queer people and their amazing stories. Rodger's sensitivity and understanding with the LGBTQ+ community has provided him opportunity to receive several accolades.

Rodgers was chosen to participate in the TED Residency program in 2018—an in-house incubator for breakthrough ideas. Twenty-one residents spent 14 weeks in TED’s New York headquarters working and thinking together. Another development is that Rodgers is the proud Founder and Executive Director of the Transgender Film Center, a nonprofit aiming to help trans creators bring finished films to audiences around the world.

Rodgers says, "The journey of making CHASING CHASING AMY has been eye-opening in so many ways. When I was younger, I felt like I had to defend my connection with CHASING AMY to other LGBTQ+ people despite its deeply personal significance." Continuing, "This movie that saved my life also holds a controversial history in queer film canon."  Adding, "I hope CHASING CHASING AMY and its making shows that things can be complicated, as can people, and the relationship we have with the movies we grow up with can be that too." (KP)