Filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun strolls through Green-wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, reminiscing about the pond where they once sat while crafting the script for their film, “I Saw the TV Glow.”
Though unconventional, cemeteries hold a special significance for Schoenbrun. Green-wood, with its historical gravesites overlooking New York Harbor, serves as a place of reflection and transformation. It’s where Schoenbrun found solace during their early days of hormone therapy, capturing their physical evolution through photographs with friends. It’s also where they first met Brigette Lundy-Paine, a star of their film.
The script for “I Saw the TV Glow” poured out during a turbulent period of Schoenbrun’s transition in late 2020. As they revisited Green-wood during pre-production, Schoenbrun sought to reconnect with the emotions of their early transition journey.
Despite the film’s focus on intense self-discovery in 1990s suburbia, Schoenbrun sees it as a metaphor for the pre-transition experience. The movie, recognized as a pioneering work in trans cinema, has garnered attention for its raw authenticity.
For Schoenbrun, filmmaking is deeply intertwined with their personal journey of self-discovery. Growing up in Westchester, they were drawn to character-driven narratives like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” before pursuing a career in film. It wasn’t until a transformative mushroom trip in 2019 that Schoenbrun embraced their transgender identity.
As they navigate both their filmmaking career and their transition, Schoenbrun finds validation in the response to their work. Despite the challenges ahead, including the precariousness of transgender existence, Schoenbrun remains hopeful and committed to their artistic vision.
As we conclude our walk through Green-wood, Schoenbrun reflects on the beauty of their journey and eagerly anticipates future creative endeavors.
