The Morning Show creator Mark Duplass responds to bigoted backlash over trans filmmaker project
Mark Duplass had the perfect response to transphobic critics. (Getty)
Mark Duplass had the perfect response to transphobic critics. (Getty)
American filmmakerr Mark Duplass gave a powerful response to the bigots, transphobes, right-wing pundits and gender-critical figures who have criticised his decision to platform trans people.
The Golden Globe nominee recently announced that his production company, Duplass Brothers Productions, was teaming up with the Transgender Film Center to create the Found Footage Feature Fund.
The project, which was announced on Wednesday (24 September), aims to platform trans filmmakers by fully financing a micro-budget production. Filmmakers will also have private consultation sessions with Duplass and director Patrick Brice.
Transphobic naysayers unsurpsingly expressed their bigoted opposition to the project after it was reported by Variety.
In response, Duplass wrote on X/Twitter: “For those of you who have responded negatively to this initiative, thank you for confirming the need to support the voices of those who merely wish to exist without discrimination.
“I’ll see you at the movies!” he went on.
The response was applauded by LGBTQ+ people and allies alike, who said Duplass was “the best” for standing firm against the transphobic backlash.
“Thank you for being a great person,” one user wrote, while another said: “I love everything about this.”
Applications for the project are set to open on 23 October and will close on 7 November. It is open to applicants across genres, as long as the project includes found footage or other economical approaches to filmmaking.
“I’m so thrilled to bring our micro-budget found footage experience, and some of my The Morning Show cash, to the table and see what we can do together,” Duplass said to Variety ahead of the announcement.
Sav Rodgers of the Transgender Film Center said the nonprofit was “thrilled” to be partnering with Duplass on the project.
“This is about empowering trans filmmakers to make something bold and real without waiting for permission,” Rodgers said.
Duplass said the pair had “became friendly” over the past few years. After discovering the “incredible work” the nonprofit was doing, he said he “knew that Duplass Brothers had to find a way to support and get involved.”
