A new documentary exploring the influence of Kevin Smith’s 1997 independent film “Chasing Amy” on a transgender director is set for release next month. Titled “Chasing Chasing Amy,” the film looks at how the movie personally affected Sav Rodgers during his youth and helped shape his identity.
Rodgers discovered “Chasing Amy” as a 12-year-old when he was questioning his sexuality and gender. He says seeing open discussions about sexuality in the film provided him support during a difficult time. While some critics saw problematic portrayals, Rodgers found it helpful in understanding himself better.
“To me, ‘Chasing Amy’ was a film where smart, funny people talked openly about being gay without ever questioning their right to exist,” Rodgers stated. His journey creating the documentary began six years ago after a viral talk he gave about the film’s personal significance.
The original “Chasing Amy” followed a comic book writer who falls for a pansexual woman primarily involved with other women. When released in 1997, it brought both praise and criticism for how it handled LGBTQ+ representation. Kevin Smith, the film’s director, has welcomed the documentary’s examination despite some critique of his work.
“That just means everything because Kevin made the movie that made me want to be a filmmaker,” Rodgers said of Smith’s openness. Interviews with Smith and costar Joey Lauren Adams reveal the challenges of production, including pressure from Harvey Weinstein, at a time when LGBTQ+ issues were less understood in mainstream films.
Adams, who received a Golden Globe nod, offered insight into balancing her work with a relationship to Smith back then. Rodgers’ documentary questions who owns artistic interpretations once released and how personal stories intersect with broader discussions. “Chasing Chasing Amy” uses one film to meditate on representation, media’s impacts, and cultural conversations over time.
