Descriptions:
A polyamorous couple find their marriage called into question after their loyalty to each other is tested by diverging expectations.
Inspired by a true story of a lesbian, polyamorous, couple, “Lie Next to Me” is a melancholic relationship drama that deals with the hardships of confronting a failing marriage with someone you still love.
Lie Next to Me was filmed in the late summer of 2019 and completed years later in 2022.
The film marked David Legel and Andy Aguila’s second directorial collaboration and third production under Egalitarian Arts Foundation.
The film is often praised for its earnest performances, thanks to leading actors Elizabeth Clary and Holly McDowell. Additionally, the project was well received within the LGBTQ+ community for its depiction of lesbian couples, its respectful restraint against exploiting a trans character, and its subtle but universal themes.
Though primarily an LGBTQ+ story, the filmmakers sought to normalize its characters, their situations, and open dialogue surrounding polyamorous relationships.
Lie Next to Me was shot in 4k using the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k (BMPCC) and the Blackmagic URSA.
Director’s Statement:
Hot off the back of finishing “Roses for Ms. Jacobs” early, Andy and I sought to take our leftover budget and time to create one last thesis film while attending Columbia College Hollywood.
While our previous film was a technical and creative achievement, its confrontational and boundary-breaking theme narrowed our reach. Looking to prove our marketability, we chose a sincere and relatable follow-up film that challenged us in ways we could have never anticipated. The technical and logistical hurdles, including the COVID pandemic, made the hope of completing this troubled project a mere fantasy. After returning to it a whole 2 years later, work began to creatively solve the film’s underlying issues.
Despite our initial lack of confidence in the project, endless hours of work led to what we now feel achieves our original goal. A tightly packed, slice of a life that seeks to respect and embrace our original inspiration, while leaving room for audience interpretation. Despite its troubling journey, we are proud to have endured and overcome our shortcomings to achieve a goal we had, for some time, lost sight of.
Visit EgalitarianArts.com to learn more about our mission and our projects.
Lie Next to Me (short film) | LGBTQ+ Polyamory Romance: Based On a True Story
Their Marriage Was Failing, But They Wouldn’t Admit Why…
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