American Vagabond

What can you do if you’re 18, gay, and living with your parents in a conservative part of the United States? James and his boyfriend Tyler head to San Francisco, "the gayest city in the world," but all hope of a warm gay welcome soon evaporates. San Francisco isn’t particularly hospitable for penniless newcomers, and the boys end up on the streets in the shadow of the city – along with dozens of other gay teenagers who have been kicked out of their homes. At night James and Tyler sleep in the park, while during the day they search for work and a new life. But when summer ends and the rain comes, James has to face his past. With , director Susanna Helke has created an atmospheric and powerfully visual coming-of-age portrait. She also explores the boundary between classical documentary and creating an emotional experience. We hear James telling his story in voice-over over a hypnotic soundtrack accompanying shots of nocturnal San Francisco. In the second half of the film, the focus shifts to James’s relationship with his parents. Will they be able to conquer their fears about their son?