Janet Mock to Make Her Feature Directorial Debut With Born Romantic

Janet Mock is set to make her feature directorial debut with ‘Born Romantic. The film revolves around an unrequited one-night stand that unexpectedly gets reignited a decade later, evolving into the relationship they once only imagined. The plot oscillates between two distinct periods, weaving together the complexities of past and present. H.E.R., a renowned singer-songwriter, is on board as a cast member. The movie is slated to start shooting in Los Angeles, California, on an undisclosed date.

Mock is known for her contributions to the FX series ‘Pose’ and the Netflix limited series ‘Hollywood’ as a writer, executive producer, and director. She executive produced the Netflix series ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ and wrote two episodes of the true-crime drama. Mock is also a New York Times bestselling author, acclaimed for her memoirs ‘Redefining Realness’ and ‘Surpassing Certainty,’ which document her journey as a trans woman. Acknowledged with prestigious awards, including Harvard University’s Artist of the Year, Mock’s impact extends beyond her creative roles. She was included in the 2021 and 2019 editions of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Women in Entertainment Power 100” and featured on Vanity Fair’s “New Establishment” list. In addition to an Emmy nomination for ‘Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,’ her accolades include a Peabody Award and three Emmy nominations for ‘Pose.’

Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson AKA H.E.R. starred in several notable films, including ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ (2021) and ‘Yes Day’ (2021). She portrayed Mary “Squeak” Agnes in Blitz Bazawule’s musical period drama ‘The Color Purple’ (2023). H.E.R.’s remarkable achievements include an Academy Award, a Children’s and Family Emmy Award, and an impressive collection of five Grammy Awards. Furthermore, she has earned a Golden Globe and four Billboard Music Award nominations.

Joshua Friedlander penned the screenplay of this upcoming project. He made his screenwriting debut with ‘Suicide Blonde,’ which follows the story of a valet parking attendant entangled with a perilous blonde with a penchant for danger. Friedlander’s previous project ‘Holly Slept Over,’ which he wrote and directed, features Josh Lawson, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Britt Lower. The unconventional comedy explores relationship struggles, focusing on a married couple dealing with fertility challenges, friends facing lost passion, and the tension that arises when an old college roommate stays for the weekend. He is also the writer of Mercedes Bryce Morgan’s upcoming movie ‘Bone Lake.’

Los Angeles, the principal location of the film, has earlier hosted the production of several notable projects of last year, such as ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘The Killer.’

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