Posted by Join host Olivia Lyle (@olivialyle1) for an exclusive conversation with co-star Ryan James Nunn and director/actor Rufus Shaljean, whose film Not Another Coming Out Story (UK) had its World Premiere at the 7th Annual Independent Shorts Awards at Regal LA Live, Los Angeles. The film was honored with the award for Best LGBTQ Short. Interview recorded by Kyle Reed (@thekylereed).
On Not Another Coming Out Story — Breaking the Mold
Set in South London, Not Another Coming Out Story follows Tommy and Star, two teenagers navigating friendship, sex, drugs, and loss in a tender yet unflinching portrait of modern adolescence.
For Shaljean, the project was both a personal milestone and an artistic turning point: “I started this journey auditioning again and again for the same types of roles, and they just weren’t what I wanted to do. So I wrote it myself. It took a long time—lots of rewrites, scrapping things and starting again—but eventually I got it to a place where I thought: I’m going to do it. Everything was a first time for me, but it was such a good learning process.”
From Working Title to Defining Statement
The film’s title, surprisingly, began as a joke. “It was a working title that never got changed,” Shaljean admitted. But the phrase resonated: “It really works, because there are so many LGBTQ shorts that circle around the same themes. This one touches on so many more elements—addiction, love, grief—not just a typical romance story. So it’s not just another coming out story.”
Ryan James Nunn on Finding Star
For Nunn, playing Star felt natural from the beginning: “The character resonated with me a lot. When I first read the script, it just spoke to me, and I knew I wanted to be part of the project.”
Watching Shaljean juggle acting and directing left Nunn both worried and impressed: “I was stressed for him—I wanted to say, ‘Take a breath!’ But he nailed it. Everything you see on screen is a result of that, and it was great.”
Audience Reactions in Los Angeles
The premiere was nerve-wracking for the duo, but also rewarding. Shaljean admitted to hiding behind his jacket, while Nunn noted the relief of live audience feedback: “We got laughs, we got tears—it was really fun. It’s always good when you hear the reaction live.”
A Message Beyond the Screen
Asked what he hopes audiences take away, Shaljean was candid: “Be sensible around mixing drugs and sex—that’s a big thing. And also, if you want to make a film, don’t wait for someone to give you an audition. You can write it, direct it, act in it yourself, and see where that journey takes you.”
Recognition at Independent Shorts Awards
Winning Best LGBTQ Short at its World Premiere, Not Another Coming Out Story stood out for its fresh perspective and refusal to lean on clichés. For Shaljean, the award marks the start of his directing journey, and for Nunn, it validates the film’s resonance beyond the UK, striking chords with audiences in Los Angeles and beyond.
Enjoy the interview below, along with the trailer for Argie Berman, for a brief glimpse into the film.
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