This New Queer Film Explores The Intricate Dynamics Of Interpersonal Relationships

Can you relate?

"Actresses," a new short film by Jeremy Hersh, is making waves at film festivals across the country.

The film follows two queer women during the early stages of a relationship, beginning with a familiar moment for entertainers -- interacting with the audience after a play or a show.

Hersh told The Huffington Post that he was fascinated with the awkward and stressful nature of these moments, and saw it as an interesting jumping off point for a larger conversation he wanted to engage in about romantic relationships.

"Starting out, the only specific comment I wanted to make was that becoming a good listener is a big part of being a good actor and a big part of having successful relationships," Hersh told The Huffington Post. "Other than that I just wanted to look at the beginning stages of a relationship, one which could become something more, or could go nowhere. I wanted to look at the ways in which I've inadvertently sabotaged the relationships I've been in. The main discovery we made is that sometimes in my relationships I've felt that I was 'the submissive one' and the other dude was 'dominant' -- I'm talking about the interpersonal dynamic here, not sexual positions, which is a different, kinda boring, conversation. And through making this film I've realized someone who is coy and self-effacing and insecure who feels they're being submissive (or seems that way from the outside) can actually be hyper-controlling, to an extent that can be destructive."

"Actresses" recently premiered at Sundance, then went to SXSW, Bam Cinemafest, Outfest, Frameline, and New Orleans Film Festival, where it won the audience award for Best Short Film.

Check it out above. Want to see more from Hersh? Head here to check out his previous film "NATIVES."

Also on HuffPost:

18 LGBT Kids And Allies Who Are Way Braver Than We Were At Their Ages

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