Jessie Jeffrey Dunn Rovinelli is a filmmaker. She recently wrote, directed and starred in a feature titled "So Pretty," which is, according to Jessie, "a narrative-ish film following four to six young gender deviants in New York City as they nap and f**k and try to get by as best they can." The film is an adaptation, and translation, of a novel by gay German writer Ronald M. Schernikau, which originally was set in 1980s West Berlin. The worlds of queer housing and rave scenes overlap with mass protest in "So Pretty," as staged and real settings blend. In this interview, which took place in Jessie's bedroom in Brooklyn, we discuss becoming an optimist through art, Donald Trump's effect on mobilization, transitioning while making a film, the community built when making a film, and the importance of Black Lives Matter, J20, and Occupy Wall Street. More information on upcoming screenings of "So Pretty" can be found here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit scenereportpodcast.substack.com