Jeffy Does His Best To Understand - Short Film

Hey y’all! We are raising funds to create a film written and directed by Tessa Deutscher, titled Jeffy Does His Best To Understand. This story follows Jeffy, who tries to understand the way he feels after getting in trouble for trying on his friend Sarah’s clothes. Until he sees his elderly neighbor, Willow, who needs help taking oysters home from the beach.

Tessa says, “I am a transgender filmmaker who loves a good coming of age story. I love to make films following the singular experience of a character, and how they operate within their identity. This new film will be a different sort of story, since it’s about a child who is only now finding out about their identity. As a little kid, I was constantly in my own head thinking about things too big for my mind at the time. Jeffy is a character like this, trying to understand everything on his own without talking to others. I want all the little Jeffy's out there to know that there is an answer to their questioning identity. Success for me as an artist is a film that connects with the audience on a deep level, regardless of identity. Jeffy’s story is meant to teach children that it’s important to be yourself, but also for parents to understand how a queer child may be feeling but can’t express it. My hope is to have local screenings for queer children and their parents. After the screening I’d love to have a discussion to hear the stories of other queer children, and advise parents on how to navigate their child’s new identity.”

With this being a student-made work, we need funds for costuming, transportation, craft services, post production and other expenses sure to come. Our total fundraising goal currently is $5,000, but truly anything helps! Whether that’s a donation or a share on social media, your support and aid is greatly appreciated by the entire team. Be sure to also follow Tessa on Instagram, @tessbobess for updates, and thank you for reading! :)

Thank you Kameron Jones @starrfierr for filming the video, and thank you Star @thestarartistry for the beautiful makeup!