Fellow Travelers’ Jelani Alladin stars in Next Year film, where homosexuality is outlawed
Fellow Travelers star Jelani Alladin stars in dystopian queer film Next Year. (Bruce Glikas/Getty)
Fellow Travelers star Jelani Alladin stars in dystopian queer film Next Year. (Bruce Glikas/Getty)
Next Year’s trailer sees Fellow Travelers star Jelani Alladin thrust into a dystopian future America where homosexual activity is illegal.
The short sees Alladin’s Robert grieving for the death of his husband in a dystopian future America where “traditional values” have become law.
Alladin played political journalist Marcus Hooks in Fellow Travelers, the lover of dazzling drag queen Frankie Hines (Noah Ricketts). However, this new role will see Alladin play a character in a disturbing future.
He will be joined by Sleep No More’s Zach Martens, playing his love interest, and also First Wives Club’s Sherz Aletaha.
The trailer, shared by Variety, shows the levels of LGBTQ+ hatred that have proliferated in the country. Queer people have been banned from banks, gay bars are raided and the government has enforced strict surveillance.
A government broadcast declares that “all suspicious homosexual activity must be reported immediately”.
“We all know when that a****** won, that things would be bad. We had no idea they were going to be this bad,” Robert responds in the trailer.
When Robert grows close to his neighbour, he’s torn between following his heart and protecting himself from anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Next Year was written and directed by queer filmmaking duo Peter DiMario and Guto Barra.
“Next Year is a deeply personal and politically resonant film that reflects the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities today,” the film’s production details.
“It serves as both a warning and a testament to the resilience of love in dark times.”
Next Year is currently screening at international film festivals, a general release is yet to be announced. You can watch the trailer here.
