Fire Island at Disney +: Celebrate the Joy of Life and the LGBT Community

Available June 3 on Disney +, Fire Island is a summer rock romantic comedy! This feature film takes place on this famous Fire Island, a famous destination that is historically marked and which welcomes the LGBTQIA + community, not far from Long Island (New York). Inspired by modernity and humor, Fire Island is inspired by the timeless themes of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Superstition.

We follow the holidays of two best friends, Noah and Howe, between well-watered parties and evenings before sunset, in a close group of friends. But this escape will turn upside down when two best friends meet new people. AlloCiné was able to meet director Andrew Ahn, screenwriter and actor Joel Kim Booster, and actors Bowen Young and Margaret Cho to discuss this refreshing romantic comedy that smells like summer.

AlloCiné: Tell us about the genesis of this movie. What were your main intentions?

Andrew Ani: Joel Kim Booster, who plays Noah but is also a screenwriter, was inspired by his first experience on Fire Island, an island near New York, down Long Island, which attracts a lot of gays.

He went there with Bowen Young, who plays Howie in our film. Joel spent time with Jane Austen’s pride and superstition. It reminded him of what it was like to live in this surreal place. So the film is a kind of very free adaptation of this novel. I got the director just a year ago. I love the strange love that is celebrated in this film, it joie de vivre and the concept of family. It was important for me to make this film at a time when, finally, everything is changing.

Joel Kim Booster: This film is a concept of friendship and love in a group of friends. We also talk about the idea that we can choose the family we really want to have. And of course, we also wanted to celebrate the gay joie de vivre that is in us and the LGBT community, but also highlight all the nuances in our relationship.

Beyond the festive spirit that is at the heart of the film, what is this story really about? Can anyone contact the Fire Island communities?

Andrew Ani: I think this is a film about judging others. We always have a priori over the other. And whether you are gay or straight, we are all overly critical of others. I think you have to go beyond appearances and get to know others as a person, as a unique and authentic person. This way we avoid isolating ourselves and missing out on a relationship that might be beneficial to us. That’s what Jane Austen’s novel is about, and it’s inspiring in the film as well.

Joel Kim Booster: Straight people may sometimes find it difficult to identify with other people who are not part of their community, but I think our film is so fun and full of life that it makes it accessible to everyone. If I like The Lord of the Rings, I’m sure heterosexuals can take turns enjoying my movie, which still only lasts an hour and forty-five minutes.

Margaret Cho: The film also addresses the barriers that exist between different social classes. And how the notion of romance and love breaks down these barriers. I think anyone who suffers from isolation because of their social class will be able to identify with this film.

I think there is still a lot of trauma in our gay community and it is time to look at a positive, clear vision of who we really are. I want people who are gay to come out with more strength and confidence in who they are.

Did you encounter any difficulty in making this film with so many people on screen and all these festive moments?

Margaret Cho: We had two hurricanes that hit the middle of the shoot! It was so intense that a few miles away from the shooting, several people were swimming among the New York rats. I have never experienced such a climatic crisis on the set and it was quite scary.

Andrew Ahn: So, despite all the rain, it was not “sunny” and the party scenes we were planning to shoot. But we were improvising in a good mood. Even though our feet were mostly in the water!

Bowen Young: It is true that wind and rain made everything difficult. But we have learned to live together and maintain solidarity with each other. A real connection was born during the shooting.

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Finally, what do you hope the audience will take away from this film?

Margaret Cho: I hope viewers enjoy this wonderful romantic comedy. To me this is a movie about love and there is nothing more beautiful than love in life.

Bowen Young: I hope viewers felt they had a vacation with us on Fire Island!

Joel Kim Booster: This movie is a celebration of my relationship with Bowen. I hope people will remember that we should celebrate life together and without restriction. Also, I think there is still a lot of trauma in our gay community and it is time to look at a positive, clear vision of who we really are. I want people who are gay to come out with more strength and confidence in who they are.

Andrew Ani: I hope this film inspires viewers to go on vacation with family and friends and fully celebrate the beauty of life. We have spent a lot of time in isolation lately and it is time to get together and celebrate again!

If you had to choose the island paradise you want to visit, what would it be like?

Bowen Young: I want to go to the island with a real Pokémon. I’m crazy about Pokémon and wish they existed. If I were a Pokemon, I would be a jiggle and I would easily get angry when people do not like my acting.

Joel Kim Booster: I will follow Bowen too! Also, my favorite Pokémon is Eevee. If I were a Pokemon, I would be Ewe because I love to change my identity, shape, appearance, depending on the situation. I am extremely versatile.