jakEkaj I was lucky to see Ekaj. A huge impression, after which it is difficult to find words, the film makes you speechless for a while. The main topic is the problem of homeless gay teenagers in America. It's an important topic around the world. I don’t want to talk about Russia, our gay teenagers just have a big problem living in our country. I hope that someday a similar film will be made here. In the meantime, there is Ekaj - a film that needs to be shown in Russia.
Why this happens, why young people run away from home, why parents do not accept their children as they are, hatred, violence, rejection of the orientation of their own child gave rise to all those problems, hardships, pain and suffering that fell on the young hero. Learn to love, do not fear the opinions of others, do not feel shame, help your child, accept him - this is the strength of any parent.
Ekaj is just a boy looking for love, he only wants to be loved, really. He is naive and weak at first, and many people use him, cheat him, and give him credit. But he meets Mecca, the only friend he has. The one who did not use it and did not abandon it. “Can I share it with you?” two lost, lonely souls find each other to be together and share their hardships. They are each other’s only hope.
Prostitution, drug addiction, homelessness ... difficult, harsh, painful ... But for me, first of all, a film about love, friendship and hope. What are the expensive gifts of a heartless lover, when there is devotion to the soul with which you share your last cigarette?
How beautiful are the main characters in the film. They look like amazing aliens, they seem to be from another planet. You feel this admiration of the operator, who indulges the viewer in close-ups, catches beautiful faces, the curves of bodies, their movements. You look at them, you listen to them, and you believe in what happens to them. It's like you're spying on someone else's real life, not just watching edited footage.
The city is huge, rich and poor, beautiful and terrible at the same time. He draws all his strength during the day, and gives a breath of air at night. Ekaj I would call a street movie, by analogy with a road movie, but instead of a car, the characters walk. The path from beginning to end, like two points on a map, everything has cause and effect. Logical conclusion.
I am very grateful to all the people who were involved in making this film, especially Katie and Mike Gonzalez. I wish you good luck, you have made a worthy film that deserves a wonderful future!