Stay
is a short film that explores themes of self-discovery and identity, the complexities of relationships, and the universal need for connection and intimacy. It was directed by King Louie Palomo, starring Riley Davis and Canada’s Drag Race’s Kendall Gender. It is a proof-of-concept for the STAY feature.
YEAR
2022
DIRECTED & CO-WRITTEN BY
King Louie Palomo
STARRING
Kendall Gender
Riley Davis
SYNOPSIS
After touring North America for three months, Kaleb meets Ryan, an artist from Vancouver, with the heavy burden of a broken relationship. The two spark up a connection at the club where Kaleb will be performing as his drag persona, Ivy Diamonds, for the last time before heading back East the following day. A starstruck Ryan comes out of his shell, hoping to get to know Kaleb/Ivy better, even if just for the night.
They share an intimate moment when Ryan draws Kaleb for everything they are, feeling seen like never before. Shortly after having slept together, their moment is interrupted by a call from Kaleb’s ex-fiancé. Ryan isn’t overwhelmed by his relationship baggage and is as understanding as ever, making it even harder to brace for their uncertain future, if there even is any.
When morning comes, Kaleb knows he can’t promise Ryan they’ll see each other again, but the air around them feels freeing and full of possibilities. For Kaleb, going back home isn’t an ending; it’s the beginning he’s been searching for for three months.
OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
Vancouver International Women in Film Festival, 2023
LGBT+ Film Festival Poland, 2023
Divine Queer Film Festival, 2023
QFest St. Louis, 2023
Out & Loud: Pune International Queer Film Festival, 2023
Vancouver Short Film Festival, 2023
Queer North Film Festival, 2023 (Jury Award for Best Narrative Short)
OutSouth Queer Film Festival, 2023
Vancouver Queer Film Festival, 2023
Out on Film: Atlanta's LGBTQ Film Festival, 2023 (Runner-Up: Jury Award for Best Narrative Short)
Way Out West Film Festival, 2023
OutWest Film Fest: Reno-Tahoe’s LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, 2023
Vancouver Asian Film Festival, 2023 (Nominated: Best Canadian Short and Best 2SLGBTQ+ Short)
Chilliwack Independent Film Festival, 2023 (Nominated: Best of BC, Best Director and Best Actor)
OMOVIES International LGBTQI+ Film Festival, 2023
Short. Sweet. Film Fest, 2024
Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, 2024 (Audience Award for Best LGBTQ+ Film)
Muskoka Queer Film Festival, 2024 (Festival Favorite Award)
KASHISH Pride Film Festival, 2024
Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival, 2024
CINEMA DIVERSE: The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival, 2024
Panorama Film Festival: A Film Festival For Queer and Trans Youth, 2024
>> Email klfilmsprods@gmail.com to learn more
The Stay feature is currently in development.
STAY was born from my love for drag art and fascination with the experiences of drag artists. I often wondered about the challenges they faced and how it is like to date a drag queen. I wanted to explore these themes in STAY, showcasing a relationship that thrives despite societal stigmas and common setbacks found in queer cinema.
My goal with STAY is to capture a unique tension that is relatable to everyone. We've all had that instant connection with someone only to have it burst because it wasn't meant to be. Although the setting is specific, the story is universal. Most importantly, I wanted to portray Drag from a deeper perspective beyond just pretty makeup and wigs. STAY attempts to show that drag artists are more than just their appearance. There are countless untold stories in this world, and I hope my film will shed light on some of them.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
King Louie Palomo
WRITER
Stephanie Cardona
PRODUCER
Vivian Davidson
PRODUCER & EDITOR
Ian Macdonald
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Azael Flores
PRODUCTION DESIGNER
Tye Lesueur
COSTUME DESIGNER
Evan Clayton
Cecelia Mabee
COSTUME DESIGNER
SOUND DESIGNER
Christopher Clark
COMPOSER
Aaron Smail
COLORIST
Andres Gomez Zamora
