River Gallo has had quite the journey with Ponyboi. From premiering at Sundance Film Festival to being selected for the upcoming BFI Flare festival, this queer crime drama has made waves as the first narrative feature to feature an intersex character played by an intersex actor.

FILMHOUNDS spoke to the star, writer and producer at length about shaking up queer cinema with their personal story. “All bets are off, the gloves are off, the cards are on the table. I knew also that this was going to be my introduction to the industry, and I wanted people to know who the fuck I was and that I didn't come here to play—and also I came here to play a lot!”

Gallo isn't just championing the intersex community through their lived-in experiences; they're aiming to speak out to the wider queer community too. “I just knew that it was important for me to inspire a new generation of queer artists, and to tell them you can do something that's authentically you and go to Sundance. You can do something that is meaningful and culturally significant, and also silly and fun. You can create whatever work you want to create, and you can attract the people that will want to create that work with you.”

You can watch FILMHOUNDS' extended interview with Gallo below, where they delve into the making of Ponyboi, intersex representation, and queer genre films.

Watch our video interview here: