Why Can't I Be Me? Around You

Renown art car artist Harrod Blank's camera-covered van breaks down near Albuquerque, NM. The only mechanic capable of fixing it is local drag racer, and machining savant, Russell “Rusty” Tidenberg. Rusty recently began to transition by getting breasts. While Rusty works, Harrod learns that Rusty's boss (father) cut his pay, his biker friends rejected him, and women won't date him now. Struck by his story, Harrod films Rusty for eight years. Other gender-non-binary art car artists that Harrod meets shed further light on gender identity in America. The film follows Rusty on this difficult journey of embracing and exhibiting both genders, while still hoping for acceptance, and love.



Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.

photo of Harrod Blank
photo of Sjoerd Dijk

Credits

Directors:

Harrod Blank, Sjoerd Dijk

Executive Producer:

Harrod Blank

Producer:

Harrod Blank

Screenwriter:

Sjoerd Dijk and Harrod Blank

Cinematographer:

Harrod Blank

Editor:

Sjoerd Dijk

Sound Designer:

Jeremiah Moore

Principal Cast:

Rusty Tidenberg, Shevaa Deva, Lucy Hosking, Plymouth Ansbergs Harman, Brandi Bosier, Doc Atomic, Dr. Samuel Roll, Dr. Marci Bowers, Harrod Blank, Glen Russell

Additional Credits:

Sound Recording: David Silberberg, Mix & Sound Design: Jeremiah Moore, Post Production Supervisor: Anthony Matt, Production Assistant: Alicia Peña, Still Photography: Jim Holbrook, Still Photography: Mike Neese, Colorist: Robbie Renfrow, Still Photography: Alica Peña, Additional Cinematography : Rusty Tidenberg, Additional Cinematography: Jim Holbrook

Contact

Distributor:

Les Blank Films Inc.
lesblankfilmsinc@gmail.com

Public Film Contact:

Harrod Blank
Les Blank Films
excentrix@aol.com
510-366-3713

Publicity Contact:

Harrod
excentrix@aol.com
510-366-3713

Primary Access
Film Badge
Platinum Badge
Secondary Access
Interactive Badge
Music Badge
Film Festival Wristband
About
Year:
2019
Premiere Status:
Screening Category:
Language:
Runtime:
93:00 mins
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