In July, the [ LGBTQ+ Winter Film Series ] received a mini-grant to support and celebrate filmmakers in the area. The group awarded the grant to Noah Duarte, 22, an Acushnet MassArt student for a short film scheduled to shoot in the Azores.

Duarte says the film will explore themes such as queer identity, loneliness, and masculinity. “I feel like it’s my job to be able to share this unique and personal story with everyone,” he added.

Production was completed in September and the film will hopefully be screened during the 2022 winter series.