In this film based on director Elegance Bratton's own moving story, a young, gay Black man with few options for his future decides to join the Marines, doing whatever it takes to succeed in a system that would cast him aside. As he battles through deep-seated prejudice and grueling basic training, he finds unexpected camaraderie, strength, and support in his new community, giving him a hard-earned sense of belonging that will shape his identity and forever change his life.

Southeast premiere

Actor Jeremy Pope will be presented with the Distinguished Performance Award. A Q&A with Pope immediately follows the screening.

About the director
Elegance Bratton is an award-winning and boundary-breaking director, writer, and producer. Bratton began making films as a U.S. Marine after spending a decade homeless. His films have played in over 200 film festivals worldwide, including Sundance, Outfest, BFI, Doc NYC, and BlackStar Film Festival. He made his television debut as the creator and executive producer of the Viceland television series My House.