‘Empire Waist,’ Film Tackling Body Image Issues, Launches Confidence Curriculum Resource for Young People – Film News in Brief

Tuesday, Sept. 24

Writer-director Claire Ayoub will launch the “Empire Waist” Confidence Curriculum in tandem with the premiere of her coming-of-age dramedy “Empire Waist.” The free online program is a resource on body image and self-confidence for adolescents and adults to process questions and feelings raised by the film.

“’Empire Waist’ already makes so many people feel seen and less alone, and the ‘Empire Waist’ Confidence Curriculum is the vetted next step to keep those conversations going,” Ayoub said. “It’s truly the legacy of the film, designed to support audiences in their own journeys of self-acceptance for years to come.”

Per the official logline, “Empire Waist” follows “Lenore Miller (Mia Kaplan), an overweight, insecure teen whose talent for fashion is discovered by her confident, plus-sized classmate (Jemima Yevu), forcing her into the spotlight — and into the path of both bullies and new friends. Lenore’s father Mark (Rainn Wilson) is her biggest cheerleader, but the fears of her image-conscious mother (Missi Pyle) and Lenore’s own insecurities prevent her from wearing her own designs.”

The Confidence Curriculum will be available on the “Empire Waist” website Sept. 27, the same day “Empire Waist” premieres nationwide in the U.S. and Canada

Emmett Preciado Set to Star in LGBTQ Short ‘Affirmation’

“Good Trouble” alum Emmett Preciado will star in the short film “Affirmation.”

The film is still in pre-production. It is set to be written and directed by Christopher Vallario and produced by Tony Zosherafatain who worked on “Trans in Trumpland.”

The short centers on an intimate first date between a trans man named Xavier (Preciado) and his cisgender love interest, Sebastien. What starts as casual coffee turns into a deep romantic conversation that forms a deep emotional connection. Set in New York City the production of the film has the support of the NYC LGBT Center, a key backdrop.

Vallario described his motivation behind the script stating in its press release, “Affirmation” is a testament to the joys of trans masculine embodiment and gender euphoria, which is oftentimes rarely seen in transgender narratives. This short moves away from stereotypes and toward self-love. Through Xavier’s eyes, viewers get to experience a rare romantic connection and what it’s like to feel love as a trans man.”

Before making waves appearing in an episode of “The Good Doctor” as a pregnant transman Preciado came into public consciousness through his YouTube and TikTok channels, where he documented his gender transition.

“We need to see more stories about the joy of being trans and the experiences that affirm us,” said Preciado in the press release. “A moment that may seem ordinary to some can be a moment of complete validation for a trans masculine man like myself. I am so excited to be able to play a character who shares the same kind of gender euphoria, with the world.”

The film is slated to go into production in 2025.