Sage
written & directed by skylar piela
synopsis
nineteen-year-old Sage leaves her troubled home life behind in search of affirmation for her new identity as a transgender woman. she discovers an opportunity for acceptance after moving in with two supportive roommates and meeting Beck, a scout for one of the city's renowned modeling agencies. however, the difficult obstacles that arise from living openly as a transgender person in the 1990s threaten to derail her journey towards self-acceptance. Sage then must find the courage to overcome these challenges and stay true to herself, or succumb to societal norms.
director’s statement
as a transwoman, I have yet to see my experiences authentically represented in media. this inspired me to write "Sage," a film that explores the journey of a young transwoman searching for affirmation in a world that often rejects her identity. through Sage's story, I aim to showcase the emotional highs and lows that come with living openly as a trans person, from the joy of unconditional acceptance to the frustration of facing discrimination.
my goal with this film is to provide validation and representation for the queer community, particularly for trans individuals who are often relegated to side roles in media. I hope that “Sage” will offer viewers a glimpse into the reality of trans experiences, leaving them with a newfound understanding and compassion for those who have had similar journeys.
I am grateful for the opportunity to bring this story to life and to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive media landscape.
Bushwick Film Festival interview
teaser trailer
cast & crew
Writer & Director: Skylar Piela
Producer: Sebastian Castro Lamberty
Line Producer: Catherine Wiesehuegel
First Assistant Director: Joey Rudzinskas
Second Assistant Director: Catherine Wiesehuegel
Script Supervisor: Claire Marino
Locations Manager: Sebastian Castro Lamberty
Casting Director: Becca Gelb
Director of Photography: Dakota Callicott
1st Assistant Camera: Simon Floris
2nd Assistant Camera: Shane Hecksel
Camera Utility: Leo Steele & Adam Shimberg
Gaffer: Chris Feleppa
Key Grip: Henry Locke
Additional Grips: Joseph D'Addio & Katie Fitzgerald
Production Designer: Rachel Schulz
Art Director: Jenna Tooley
Costume Designer: Jordyn Edgerton
Hair/Make Up: Katia Popova
BTS Photographers: Mick McCoy & Davis Clem
Post Production Supervisor: Sebastian Castro Lamberty
Lead Editor: Liv Crouch
Colorist: Dakota Callicott
Graphic Designers: Riley Gagne & Frank Garcia Delgado
Location Sound: Bryan Munnings
Boom Operator: Jacob Braxton
SFX: Lana Sobel
Sage: Hunter Pifer
Anja: Peyton Randolph
Beck: Justin X. Weimerskirch
Birdie: Tamia Haskins
Mara: Katia Popova
Piper: Lana Luke
Celeste: Raia Hirsch
Rick: Bradley Harrelson
Sylvie: Skylar Piela
Model #2: Claire Marino
Bartender: Sebastian Castro Lamberty