"Jackpot" is a 2012 comedy short film directed and written by Adam Baran. It follows the story of a closeted 14-year-old boy named Jack Hoffman who embarks on a quest for hidden gay pornography in his small New Jersey town. Along the way, he faces bullies and discovers the courage to be true to himself.
It’s 1994 and there’s no internet, so when closeted 14-year-old Jack Hoffman hears about a stash of porno hidden across town, he decides to brave the bully infested streets of his small New Jersey town, in hopes of getting what he wants. What happens over the course of the day will change everything.
Jackpot has screened at mainstream and LGBT film festivals around the world including Reykjavik, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Puerto Rico, Toronto, Montreal, Halfix, Memphis, Tampa, New York and Oslo.
“Jackpot: A Hilarious Coming-of-Age Film That Blends Fantasy and Reality
“Jackpot” is a hilarious and heartwarming coming-of-age film that blends fantasy and reality to create a unique cinematic experience. The film follows the journey of Jack Hoffman, a closeted teenager in 1994 New Jersey, as he sets out to acquire a stash of hidden gay porn magazines. As he braves the streets of his small town, he is helped by iconic gay porn stereotypes that come to life from the magazines.
What makes “Jackpot” stand out is its blend of humor, heart, and unique storytelling. Director Adam Baran creates a vivid world that captures the nostalgic feel of small-town America in the 90s, while also incorporating elements of fantasy to add depth and humor to the story. The performances are excellent, with Ethan Navarro delivering a standout performance as Jack.
The film’s success is further emphasized by its recognition at various film festivals, including winning the Best Short Film award at the 2013 Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
“A fun (and beautifully shot) flight of fancy.” – Boyculture.com
Winner – Best Short Film – 2013 Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
2013 Reykjavik International Film Festival – Golden Egg Competition
2012 Iris Prize Festival
2013 Frameline: San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival
2012 Outfest: The Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival
2013 Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival
2012 NewFest: The NY LGBT Film Festival
2012 Seattle Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
2013 Puerto Rico Queer Film Fest
2013 Toronto Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
2013 Philadelphia QFest
2012 Kahshish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival
2013 Outflix Film Festival (Memphis)
2013 Amsterdam Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
2012 Skieve Filmer (Oslo)
2013 Dayton LGBT Film Festival
2013 Fresno Reel Pride
2013 image+nation Montreal
2013 Tampa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival
2013 Milwaukee LGBT Film/Video Festival
