Short Film Spotlight: Mikey’s Army

When you are facing a crisis, who goes to battle for you?

In a time when queer kids face unprecedented attacks and hostility from lawmakers, educators and even their own families, writer Eric Ulloa and director Andrew Keenan-Bolger set out to make a short film that puts the beauty – and even magic – of queerness at center stage.

Mikey’s Army stars Markie Aquirre as Mikey Alvarez, a 16-year-old who finds himself at a pivotal moment. He must decide whether or not to be open and honest about his sexuality.

Not quite ready to come out on his own, Mikey unwittingly conjures a trio of guides who appear in an explosion of glitter and glitz. Backed up by a drag queen, an international pop star and an action film heartthrob, he finally finds the courage and confidence he needs to be honest about his feelings.

Featuring a cast of Broadway-regulars like Claybourne Elder and Krystina Alabado – alongside ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ alum Shuga Cain – Mikey’s Army is a thoughtful and touching film that aims to remind us that our differences can be superpowers – and that we’re never alone on the battlefield.

Watch a short teaser trailer for Mikey’s Army below. The 10-minute film is now available on Dekkoo.

Short Film Spotlight: Sign

Sign is a deeply touching short film that tells the story of a relationship between Ben (Preston Sadleir), a man with the ability to hear, and Aaron (John McGinty), a man who is deaf.

Preston Sadleir in Sign - Now Available on Dekkoo

Directed by Andrew Keenan-Bolger, with a screenplay and score by Adam Wachter, this largely silent film, told through vignettes, music and sign language, picked up ten different major awards on it’s journey along the LGBTQIA+ film festival circuit.

John McGinty and Preston Sadleir in Sign - Now Available on Dekkoo

Inspired to portray an under-explored human experience, the filmmakers collaborated with hearing-impaired actors from the New York theater community. The film ultimately combined Keenan-Bolger’s passion for visual imagery with Wachter’s love of musical storytelling.

John McGinty and Preston Sadleir in Sign - Now Available on Dekkoo

Sign was shot in a four-day marathon session, in multiple locations across New York City, on a set staffed by actors, ASL interpreters, consultants and many passionate volunteers. Now streaming on Dekkoo, this moving short offers fifteen minutes well-spent.

John McGinty and Preston Sadleir in Sign - Now Available on Dekkoo