The trans-positive animated musical short Pacemaker is ready to strike a chord with online audiences, making its free digital debut on YouTube and Vimeo timed to Transgender Awareness Week. Starring Alex Newell, the first non-binary actor to win a Tony Award (2023, for Shucked), and multi-Grammy winner Philip Lawrence, the film tells the story of a grandfather’s journey toward acceptance of his trans grandson. You can watch the full nine-minute film below.
Composer Christopher Lennertz wrote the short’s original song, “Rhythm of My Heart,” and penned the screenplay. Lennertz was inspired by his personal experience with his trans son, who also provided valuable consultation on the film’s storyline. Brian Vincent Rhodes (story artist, Spies in Disguise) shared directing duties with Lennertz.
“This film is a love letter to my own family’s journey towards understanding and accepting the identities and purposes of all individuals,” said Lennertz. “Inspired by my son Tobi and our shared love for classic animated musicals, we set out to create a film that captures the essence of beloved classics but delivers a fresh message of love and pride for families within the LGBTQIA+ community and the world. Love emerges victorious when we follow the rhythm of our hearts.”
Pacemaker is executive produced by Nimona creator ND Stevenson. Animation veterans Darlene Caamaño Loquet (Fox, Nickelodeon) and Magdiela Hermida Duhamel (Pixar) produced the film alongside Alex Bedford and Ben Parkin from A Running Commentary, or A.R.C, in London. Vincent Rhodes also served as the story artist on the film.
The film has garnered accolades from the Stamped Film Festival, LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival, Indie Short Fest, and IndieX Film Fest. “Rhythm Of My Heart,” composed by Lennertz and performed by Newell and Lawrence, recently received a nomination for Best Song in a Short Film from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
Pacemaker has qualified for Academy Awards consideration in the Best Animated Short Film category by exhibition.
