Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2008

As captivating as it is witty, Were the World Mine was originally conceived as an award-winning 2003 short film called “Fairies”. In this light-hearted comedy, the director, Tom Gustafson, used Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream as inspiration for the tale of a young gay man searching for acceptance. This new feature film further expounds on Gustafson’s themes of teen angst, desire and over-the-top theatrics, and includes one of the talented actors from Fairies- Wendy Robie (Twin Peaks)-who plays the animated Ms. Tebbit. When Tebbit, an unorthodox English teacher at an elite all-male school, decides to stage a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, she casts her star student, Timothy, to play the role of Puck. Often the source of ridicule by his homophobic classmates, Timothy is initially hesitant to be in the play. He’s more comfortable retreating into his rich, inner world which consists of musical gay fantasies populated by sexy rugby players. But when the hot rugby star Jonathan gets a part in the play as well, Timothy finds the theater world much more alluring. As Timothy eventually embraces the mischievous character of Puck, he finds the secret to a magical pansy that seems to turn people gay! In this conservative town, the implications of his discovery send things spinning out of control - with unexpected outcomes for his mother, friends, and his hot crush Jonathan. This beautifully acted, flawlessly scripted and musically fabulous movie is a first-rate look at what can happen when worlds collide and love reigns supreme. So sit back, relax, and let this homoerotic Shakespearean fantasy take you for a tempestuous ride! — Rachel Popowcer