I had the great good fortune of watching Carly Usdin’s short film, Misdirection, first by myself and second in a room full of queer folks at a screening at A-Camp. The first time, I laughed and had such a sweet little cry. The second time, I guffawed watching everyone react with such familiarity to the main character’s romantic plight. Yes, go for it! No… don’t! Don—I mean, maybe? No! But … yes? 

Misdirection, which Carly wrote and directed as part of AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women in 2019, follows Camilla (Vico Ortiz), a college freshman recently diagnosed with OCD and in unrequited love with her roommate, as she discovers close-up magic and then loses and finds herself inside it. The film has been touring on the LGBTQ festival circuit, claiming trophies at qFlix Philadelphia, FilmOut San Diego, SENE Film, the Los Angeles Diversity Film Festival, the Hamburg Queer International Film Festival, and the Buenos Aires Film Festival. You should watch it, is what I am saying. It will make you laugh and swoon, I promise. (There’s a surprise therapist I won’t spoil for you, but you’ll love that too.)

Stay in touch with Carly on their Twitter and Instagram for more information on their upcoming projects!

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