‘Church Camp’ is a coming-of-age short film that takes us to a religious summer retreat where secrets, awkward moments, and self-acceptance collide. Written and directed by Andrew Bourne, the film centers on Josh (Espen Brante), a camp counselor wrestling with his own identity in an environment where authenticity is a risk.
The story gains momentum when Josh, in a moment of honesty, scribbles “I’m bisexual” on a prayer card – only to watch in horror as it unexpectedly gets handed in. As the card’s contents hover on the brink of public exposure, his fear of judgment mounts. There’s an added weight to revealing such a personal truth in a setting so drenched in religious conservatism.
Espen Brante delivers an endearing performance, capturing the nuances of Josh’s internal struggle with authenticity and self-acceptance. The solid supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, with each character enriching the overall narrative. The production values elevate the story, with Matthew Romanski’s high-quality cinematography lending a natural glow to the camp’s setting.
The film interlaces comedic beats into a narrative that confronts the discomfort of being different in a space that preaches uniformity. Moments of humor punctuate the tension, helping to highlight the absurdity of intolerance. The script doesn’t shy away from the realities of homophobia, yet it balances this with a warmth that makes the film’s message resonate.
‘Church Camp’ champions compassion and the courage to be oneself. Its ending may be poignant, but it’s also unexpectedly uplifting, leaving a sense of optimism as Josh steps into his truth. It’s a bold reminder that sometimes, the bravest act is simply being real.
