Screened as part of NZIFF 2023

Mutt 2023

Directed by Vuk Lungulov-Klotz Fresh

A young trans man must summon all his resilience to endure a whirlwind 24 hours in New York City as his foreign father, his straight ex-boyfriend and his 13-year-old sister are all thrust back into his life.

Jul 21

ASB Waterfront Theatre

Jul 24

ASB Waterfront Theatre

Jul 28

Rialto Cinemas Newmarket

USA In English and Spanish with English subtitles
87 minutes Colour / DCP

Director, Screenplay

Producers

Alexander Stegmaier
,
Stephen Scott Scarpulla
,
Vuk Lungulov-Klotz
,
Jennifer Kuczaj
,
Joel Michaely

Cinematography

Matthew Pothier

Editor

Adam Dicterow

Production Designer

Alanna Murray

Costume Designer

Elena Lark

Music

James William Blades
,
Taul Katz

Cast

Lío Mehiel
,
Cole Doman
,
Alejandro Goic
,
Jasai Chase Owens
,
Jari Jones
,
MiMi Ryder

Festivals

Berlin
,
Sundance
,
New Directors/New Film 2023

Elsewhere

“A compelling character-based drama that reveals the interior life of a young trans man over roughly 24 hours in New York City, Mutt follows Feña (Lío Mehiel) as he tries to navigate a series of events that would be stressful for anyone. Piling on setbacks that specifically challenge someone still working out how to reintroduce himself to old friends and family members, writer-director Vuk Lungulov-Klotz—who is also trans—makes audiences acutely conscious of Feña’s emotional state at every turn. Mutt which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, sees the first-time director creatively using the medium to illustrate how small incidents can chip away at a trans person’s self-confidence and the strength it takes to stay true to that identity.” — Murtada Elfadl, Variety

“Vuk Lungulov-Klotz makes a solid debut with a personal story, shaping the standout moments with an expressive attention to detail and a sensual edge. Executive produced by trailblazer of the genre Silas Howard, who along with Harry Dodge put the first trans-masculine character onscreen with their 2001 Sundance debut By Hook or Crook, Mutt signals an exciting evolution for contemporary trans cinema.” — Jude Dry, Indiewire

“A warm and open performance from actor Lío Mehiel, coupled with a steady authenticity and emotional truthfulness, make Mutt an appealing 24-hours-in-New-York drama from newcomer Vuk Lungulov-Klotz.” — Fionnuala Halligan, Screendaily

Screening With This Feature

Sunshine City 2022

Director

Producers

Heather Francis, Celine Sutter

Cast

Amrita Newton
,
Garrett Silvey
16 minutes

Siblings Stellar (23) and Max (17) are living out of their car and trying to get back on their feet. However, when Max makes a foolish mistake and puts their livelihood on the line, Stellar finds herself questioning how much longer she can support him.

Screening with Mutt.