The Sundance Film Festival is renowned for showcasing innovative and groundbreaking films, and this year is no exception. One film that stands out is “Ponyboi,” a genre-blending road movie featuring writer and star, River Gallo.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
In “Ponyboi,” River Gallo portrays the eponymous character, an intersex sex worker navigating life in New Jersey. Ponyboi spends his days working at a strip mall laundromat with his pregnant best friend, Angel, and his nights with his secret lover, Vinnie, who aspires to be a pimp. However, their lives take a chaotic turn when tainted crystal meth and a deceased mafioso disrupt Ponyboi’s fragile existence, forcing him to confront his inner demons.
A Personal Narrative
River Gallo, a talented artist who emerged from USC and the Sundance labs, wrote and starred in “Ponyboi.” They identify as non-binary and trans fem and are intersex. The film not only intertwines elements of crime, action, and gritty comedy but also offers a rare glimpse into the intersex experience. Gallo’s own personal history heavily influences “Ponyboi.” They were raised as a boy until the age of 12 when their parents revealed that they were born with a condition called Anochria, which caused the absence of testicles. Without Gallo’s consent, they underwent cosmetic surgery and testosterone treatment to conform to society’s expectations of a cisgender man.
Breaking Barriers Through Film
Having spent years hiding their true identity, Gallo channels their personal experiences into “Ponyboi,” sparking an important conversation about the spectrum of masculinity and femininity and the pressures faced by queer people to assimilate. Prior to the world premiere of the film, Gallo sat down with Variety for an insightful interview exploring their breakthrough moment.
From Sundance Labs to the Big Screen
Gallo’s involvement in the Trans Possibilities Intensive in 2021, a program specifically for trans and non-binary filmmakers, helped shape the project. Sundance Institute’s mentorship and grant support during the development phase gave Gallo hope that their vision would come to fruition.
The Genesis of “Ponyboi”
The idea for “Ponyboi” began as a theater piece during Gallo’s undergraduate program at NYU. It evolved from a 10-minute work into a 40-minute performance art piece centered around a queer sex worker in New Jersey exploring his identity. Gallo continued to develop the story as a short film during their time at USC, driven by their desire to share their medical history and shed light on the lack of intersex narrative in cinema.
Nuances in Queer Storytelling
“Ponyboi” stands out among indie films for its ability to incorporate comedy, action, and emotional struggles within the context of queer and trans identities. Gallo consciously wanted to move beyond the narratives focused solely on coming out or transitioning and create something more nuanced and complex. The film explores the difference between being intersex and being transgender, challenging societal expectations and embracing uncertainty and self-discovery as part of the human experience.
An Enthralling Cast
For their first feature film, Gallo assembled an outstanding cast that includes Dylan O’Brien, Victoria Pedretti, and Murray Bartlett. Murray had seen Gallo’s short film at Tribeca in 2019 and reached out to collaborate. Victoria, a close friend of Gallo’s, brought her A-game and mastered a convincing New Jersey accent. Dylan O’Brien joined the cast, fearlessly taking on a role that involves representing underrepresented communities, and adding depth and humanity to the character of Vinnie.
A Humble Beginning
River Gallo is already looking ahead to their next creative endeavors. They are currently writing their next feature film and aspire to not only star in it but also take on the role of director. Gallo’s sharp vision and desire for creative control drove them throughout the production of “Ponyboi,” and they are now eager to explore the world of directing. Additionally, Gallo hopes to return to the stage, as their acting career began in the theater, with Broadway being their ultimate dream.
River Gallo’s “Ponyboi” is a powerful and brave film that challenges societal norms and fosters a greater understanding of the intersex experience. With exceptional performances and a unique narrative, it is a breakthrough moment for Gallo as they continue to make their mark in the world of film.
To read the full interview with River Gallo, visit F5mag.com.