When your crush becomes a conspiracy and your teacher becomes the hero.
Two girls are afraid of what will happen if one of the student’s parents might discover their mutual “crushes,” as they monitor all messages on her phone. Instead, they share written notes in class. After learning this, their teacher Ms. Amado is forced to confront conservative prejudices within the school system by coming out to her entire class.
Acting
Aliyah J. Vasquez's micro-expressions during the classroom reveal
Writing
How 13 minutes packs a full character arc for Ms. Amado
Direction
Thompson's choice to keep the crush's face hidden
Director
Ciera Thompson
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The 'passing notes' premise deliberately evokes pre-digital queer youth culture, when secrecy was physical and traces could be burned or eaten.
Director Ciera Thompson has cited her own experience as a Black queer educator as inspiration—Ms. Amado's specific fear of losing her job reflects real employment protections that vary dramatically by state.
US
