Cartilage Films has proudly announced the acquisition of global rights to “Summer Solstice,” marking the feature debut of writer and director Noah Schamus. This dramatic comedy, featuring standout performances by Bobbi Salvör Menuez (“My Animal,” “Under the Silver Lake”) and Marianne Rendón (“Mapplethorpe,” “Charlie Says”), introduces a modern twist on the classic buddy comedy through a queer and trans lens, celebrating themes of friendship, resilience, and the complexities of growing up—again.
“Summer Solstice” is not just a film; it’s part of a burgeoning movement of new filmmakers who are reshaping how queer stories are told, offering nuanced insights that resonate with today’s diverse film audiences.
The film premiered to enthusiastic reviews at the Provincetown Film Festival and continued to captivate audiences at various prestigious festivals, including NewFest in New York, Mill Valley Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, and the Deauville American Film Festival. “Summer Solstice” is set to debut in theaters starting June 14th at New York’s IFC Center, followed by a national release.
The plot centers on Leo (Bobbi Salvör Menuez), a trans man whose life is filled with auditions, acting classes, and part-time barista work. His routine is suddenly disrupted when his college best friend, Eleanor (Marianne Rendón)—a cisgender, straight woman—proposes an impromptu road trip. This reunion, their first since Leo began his transition, brings to light shifting dynamics and hidden tensions, challenging both characters to navigate their transformed relationship against a backdrop of personal discovery and secret revelations.
Jasper Basch from Cartilage Films shared his enthusiasm for the project, noting, “‘Summer Solstice’ reimagines the buddy comedy genre with boldness and freshness. It’s not just about representation—it’s about bringing a profound understanding and empathy that feels groundbreaking.”
Noah Schamus expressed his gratitude, saying, “‘Summer Solstice’ has been a labor of love from the start, and we’re thrilled that Cartilage Films is as passionate about bringing our story to audiences as we were in creating it.”
Producers Jesse Miller and Jess Zeidman also voiced their excitement about their collaboration with Cartilage Films, praising the company’s commitment to promoting independent cinema that resonates deeply with discerning audiences.
