The Miseducation of Cameron Post proudly strutted its way to the Tribeca Film Festival on April 22nd after leaving its mark at the Sundance Film Festival as the Grand Jury Prize Winner.
All eyes were glued to screen as a young Cameron Post (Chloe Grace Moretz) was shipped off to God’s Promise, a teen conversion therapy camp led with an iron-fist by Dr. Lydia Marsh (Jennifer Ehle). Marsh established the camp after “successfully” curing her original pet-project and brother, Reverend Rick (John Gallagher Jr.), of his same-sex attractions.
In times when her being was called into question, Cameron remained resilient and shaped an unlikely community with her fellow outcasts.
Alongside the film’s inspirational, socio-political discourse and activism for LGBT youth, director/writer Desiree Akhavan was arguably the hottest topic on the red carpet leading up to the premiere.
“Well, I think the main takeaway should be that Desiree Akhavan is here to stay. As a director and artistic voice,” said actor Owen Campbell, who played Mark in the film. “We had a great level of trust as between artists that you don’t get with a lot of people. I felt really safe in her direction, and I also felt that we had a communal vocabulary that was established very quickly.”
Akhavan’s warm demeanor, bottomless sense of empathy, and impeccable directorial skills were showcased throughout the entirety of the touching film. “She just has such a deep well of humanity and I think that she’s painted the whole film with her own humanity,” said Gallagher.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post is an unapologetically raw, coming-of-age film that dives into an unexplored and seldom discussed the reality of modern America. Most notably, Akhavan adds a remarkable depth and sensitivity to characters one would otherwise deem villainous.
“I think Desiree has taken a remarkable sympathetic eye to characters that could’ve been definitely demonized, definitely turned into stereotypes,” said a glowing Quinn Shepard. Her character, Coley, is Cameron’s love-interest and once secret girlfriend before she and Cameron are discovered having sex in the back of a car on prom night.
“I think it really shows, you know, in my opinion, a movie that has just stereotypical villains is not nearly as interesting than when you can understand where someone might be coming from,” said Shepard.
“I’d hope with any film that people can see the better and worse sides of themselves, and the better and worse sides of the people around them reflected,” added Campbell. “And through that, we can just continually get a sharper sense of empathy for all people, you know.”
Gay conversion therapy is a seemingly taboo subject and prevalent issue. Conversion camps, similar to God’s Promise, are banned in only 11 states. This means that a whopping, 39 states are eligible to perform conversion therapy on minors, but very few even know of this ongoing reality.
“If a modestly budgeted, independent feature film can help raise some awareness, then we’ve done a good thing,” said Gallagher.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post leaves the audience with a sense of hopefulness for the future of both Cameron and the members of the LGBT youth community that struggle with acceptance from their surroundings.
“Keep searching and keep knowing that your community is still out there and that you will find your people,” said actor Dalton Jarrod, who plays Cameron’s prom date and boyfriend, Jamie. “You will find people that accept you and love you with the biggest hug and smile. And that’s definitely something that needs to be said more.”
The Miseducation of Cameron Post Tribeca Film Festival premiere pre-reception was held at The Seville at Scarpetta at The James Hotel on Madison Avenue as part of the annual Supper Suite series produced by A-List Communications. The event was presented by Altec Lansing audio who debuted their latest electronic products and featured cocktails by Ciroc, Deleon, Blue Moon, Day Owl Rose, and Essentia Water. Cast members in attendance included Chloe Grace Moretz, Quinn Shephard, Sasha Lane, and director Desiree Akhavan. Chloe’s brother Trevor Duke Moretz also supported along with Tribeca Film Festival juror and Get Out star Lakeith Stanfield, plus Foodgod and Kardashians co-star Jonathan Cheban and actor Samuel Swanson.
– New York, NY – 04/22/2018 – The Miseducation of Cameron post-Tribeca film premiere pre-reception at The Sevellie presented by Altec Lansing and Blue Moon.
-PICTURED: Atmosphere
-PHOTO by: Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com
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Editorial – Rights Managed Image – Please contact www.startraksphoto.com for licensing fee Startraks Photo
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– New York, NY – 04/22/2018 – The Miseducation of Cameron post Tribeca film premiere pre reception at The Sevellie presented by Altec Lansing and Blue Moon.
-PICTURED: Sasha Lane
-PHOTO by: Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com
-MS450810
Editorial – Rights Managed Image – Please contact www.startraksphoto.com for licensing fee Startraks Photo
Startraks Photo
New York, NY
For licensing please call 212-414-9464 or email sales@startraksphoto.com
Image may not be published in any way that is or might be deemed defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification or question you may have
Startraks Photo reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image, and where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or statutory damages.
– New York, NY – 04/22/2018 – The Miseducation of Cameron post-Tribeca film premiere pre-reception at The Sevellie presented by Altec Lansing and Blue Moon.
-PICTURED: Chloe Grace Moretz
-PHOTO by: Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com
-MS450871
Editorial – Rights Managed Image – Please contact www.startraksphoto.com for licensing fee Startraks Photo
Startraks Photo
New York, NY
For licensing please call 212-414-9464 or email sales@startraksphoto.com
Image may not be published in any way that is or might be deemed defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification or question you may have
Startraks Photo reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image, and where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or statutory damages.
Photo credit, startraksphoto.com / Michael Simon
