Powerful Queer Short Film 'Summer's End' to Premiere at the 2024 HollyShorts Film Festival

HollyShorts Film Festival unveils the 2024 Class of Official Selections for its 20th anniversary, featuring the powerful short film, “Summer’s End,” written & directed by the talented sibling duo Grant and Adam Conversano and executive produced by Voyager’s Andrew Hutcheson. The festival is set to take place August 8-18 in Los Angeles. “Summer’s End” will screen on August 14th at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Starring Maria Dizzia (Martha Marcy May Marlene, The Good Nurse), Michael Abbott Jr. (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Bikeriders), and Graham Lutes (Judas and the Black Messiah), “Summer’s End” follows Elliott, a closeted queer teen on vacation with his family in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. After a late-night encounter with an older couple, Elliott is forced to confront his alcoholic father’s infidelity, seeking moments of tenderness and connection amidst the grey, rain-soaked streets of the seaside town.

Offering a compelling exploration of family secrets and the challenges of queerness in the south, filmmaker Ira Sachs said, “‘Summer’s End’ is beautifully directed with nuance and sensitivity, Grant and Adam provoked beautiful performances from all their actors.”

“Grant and Adam have a firm grasp on what it takes to make compelling cinema: a fierce commitment to story, top-notch taste, a never-say-die attitude, and a generous approach to collaboration,” shared EP Andrew Hutcheson. “It was an absolute pleasure to help support Summer’s End and I eagerly look forward to seeing what they’ll do next.”

Following its premiere at HollyShorts, “Summer’s End” will continue its festival run with screenings at Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, Macon Film Festival, and Bolton International Film Festival.