‘Emerald City’ is a heartstring-tugging exploration of love, identity, and the weight of unspoken truths, beautifully directed by Josef Steiff. David Bobrow’s script is a touching blend of tenderness and tension, inviting viewers into the unlikely connection between Rigo (Alan Vazquez) and Paul (Havon Baraka) during a hitchhike that becomes so much more. Rigo, burdened by a past rooted by the deportation of his parents, and Paul, quietly conflicted with his new role as a U.S. border patrol agent, find themselves entangled in a bond that both heals and haunts.
The film’s charm lies in its duality: it’s romantic yet filled with an underlying tension. You’re lulled by the warmth of their growing connection, only to be jolted by the reality that hangs between them. The writing is endearingly honest, capturing the sweet awkwardness of new affection, while also delivering moments that hit with emotional force.
Steiff’s direction is sharp, turning what could have been a simple road trip into a cinematic experience brimming with depth. Matthew Hayward’s cinematography is stunning. Every shot is a work of art, with lighting that bathes the characters in a glow that feels almost otherworldly, particularly in the scenes at Emerald City, the campground where their intimacy blossoms.
Vazquez and Baraka give raw and standout performances, their chemistry so palpable it practically jumps off the screen. ‘Emerald City’ is a small film with a big heart, and it’s a gay short film that will no doubt become a favourite.
