Don't hate the media, become the media. Jello Biafra
Cal Freeman
ASL
SQIFF 2025 FESTIVAL
28 Oct - 1 Nov
Queerly Beloved Section
Written & Directed by Cal Freeman
Images © Cal Freeman / ASL
NOV, 10, 2025
Rulf (19) meets Ziggy (38) for a car hookup, but attraction turns awkward when Ziggy’s internalised homophobia clashes with Rulf’s progressive views. After confronting contradictions and guilt, a flamboyant radio ad breaks the tension. They reconnect through laughter, reconsidering their desires before finally embracing their mutual attraction.
Hi Cal, thank you for taking the time to talk with us during this years SQIFF. What does it mean to you to have ASL part of the Queerly Loved programme at his years festival?
It means everything - I love the festival, what they stand for and how they conduct their programs, considering all accessibility. Particularly, being selected to represent in the comedic segment is a huge compliment and a place ASL can proudly park in!
Sounds silly I know but do you still get nervous screening your films at festivals or is all water of a ducks back (not sure why that saying popped into my head but there it is)?
Water off a duck's back! I am always so grateful and excited to share my stories with audiences - every crowd brings something new and reactions are forever intriguing to me.
What was the experience for you having ASL’s first screening at the Short Film Showcase in Manchester?
Fulfilling! ASL has 0161 DNA. It was written in Manchester Central Library, powered, shot and finished by Manchester creatives.
You debut short Hold the Sausage gained a lot of attention, did you ever imagine when you made it that it would get screened on BBC4?
Big love to my first born baby! There was a chance it would air on BBC4 so I was in awe and extremely grateful when it did -- but it's hilarious, how could they not?
Did this add any additional pressure on you as you started your journey to your next short?
At times it added immense pressure - I was ecstatic to have such an amazing (and budgeted) start, but then I was like -shit- how do I make a film independently?
How did ALS come about, what inspired your screenplay?
ASL came about (pardon) as a result of healing from shame towards gay hook-up culture. It's also a testament to the struggles of gay rural dating, internalised homophobia and insecurities with masculinity.
Due to the themes you explore within your films do you every find inspiration for characters from your own life or lived experiences?
All of my characters are based on or originate from people I have met. What is more real.
Do you like to keep close to your screenplay once you start shooting, or do you like to give your cast some flexibility with the text?
I know what I want usually - but I do and have allowed changes, if it feels right.
How important is the creative collaboration between you and your cast/crew when working on a short like this?
True creative collaboration feels seamless, open and exciting. You can trust everyone.
What was the biggest lesson you learned from making Hold the Sausage, and how much did that lesson help influence your approach to ASL?
The biggest lesson I learnt from making Hold the Sausage is that the best ideas can come from a side conversation with anyone. This influenced my approach to ASL as I sent the script to anyone who I thought would reply!
What was the message you wanted to say with ASL, and do you think you’ve achieved that?
Among a few messages; yes, I have achieved what I set out to say - gays be kinder to each other!
Where did your passion for filmmaking come from?
I fought my vice principal to get onto the A-Level Moving Image Arts course at an all girls secondary across the road. Rest is herstory!
As well as writing for film I hear you’re also exploring other literary ventures. Had you always had an interest in writing?
Creating I always enjoyed; drawing, painting, poems, short stories. I never thought of myself as a writer but as it turns out, I got some shit to say! I'm forever developing my writing ability and what stories I want to tell - both painful and cathartic.
"...Manchester fostered my ability to collaborate, self-produce and be resourceful with what I have."
Are there any writers, books/film that have had an huge impact on you?
Gregg Araki - John Waters - Bardia Zenali - Shuggie Bain - Mary Oliver
How much has Newcastle and Manchester influenced you filmmaking and storytelling style?
Newcastle reminded me of my ability and drive to be a filmmaker. Manchester fostered my ability to collaborate, self-produce and be resourceful with what I have.
I know this sounds like a really odd question but hear me out. If you held a Halloween party (topical) what three Queer filmmakers would you invite? I would pick Pedro Almodóvar, Monika Treut, and John Waters - but I feel he’s going to dominate so I’ll reserve pick Dee Rees.
John Waters! (Sorry), Gregg Araki & Bardia Zenali. Any advice you would like to offer a fellow filmmaker? Keep going diva <3
And finally, what would you like your audiences to take away from ASL?
I can never speak for an audience!... but that they're obsessed and want more x