New 'queer sci-fi' film to be a message against transphobia

Rochdale has played host to the production of an independent and brand new queer sci-fi feature, called The Moon is a Hologram.

Principal photography began on 17 September  at The Empire in the town centre -  with a live performance by the band Arch Femmesis, setting the tone for the unique and genre-defying film.

The feature, produced by Apres Vague Productions, is directed by Selene Kapsaski, best known for her work on Spidarlings. Speaking about the choice of location, producer Rahel Kapsaski said:

“It’s our great honour to start filming in such an important historical place such as Rochdale, and The Empire lends itself as the perfect backdrop."

The Moon is a Hologram is described as a "queer sci-fi romance", with a plot that centres on Sasha, a young woman who returns to her hometown to find it taken over by aliens.

Along the way, she meets Jess and Mike, a nihilistic young trans couple, and the three form a polyamorous relationship amidst the chaos of a mysterious epidemic that grips the city.

The film tackles real-life trans issues through its fictional narrative, aiming to bring awareness to the struggles faced by the trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming communities in the UK. Kapsaski and her team are passionate about using cinema as a tool for advocacy in the face of what they describe as a “transphobic climate” within the country.

 

 

In addition to its sci-fi storyline, the film carries a powerful message, addressing the current political climate and rising transphobia in the UK.

The filmmakers hope that The Moon is a Hologram will help eradicate transphobia and discrimination, while shedding light on the healthcare challenges faced by the trans community.

“The lack of representation for trans protagonists in mainstream cinema and television is still an issue,” the team said in a statement. “We see cinema as the perfect medium to raise awareness and help advocate for trans issues.”

As The Moon is a Hologram prepares to shoot in Rochdale, the project is set to bring both visibility and important conversations to the forefront of British independent cinema.