Actor Interview: Jake Holley (Riley)

Queer Screen spoke to Jake Holley, the star of Riley, which offers a fresh take on coming-of-age when you are entrenched in a hypermasculine, heterosexual sports culture. Riley is available to watch on demand around the nation. 

Tell us about the film and why everyone needs to buy a ticket to see it …

Riley is an earnest character study of a young man struggling to accept himself. He’s a rigorous high school athlete who has realised he’s gay and doesn’t know how to accept and love himself yet. It’s sort of a “man on fire” type of movie, with a lot of heart and love in it.

What do you hope audiences take away from your film?

The message I hope audiences take away from our movie is to be easy and gentle with yourself. Life is really tough. And none of us have ever done this before. And whatever you are … is beautiful because it’s you! That’s the heart of this film I think: learning to love and like oneself.

There are more channels for LGBTIQ+ films than ever before, why are queer film festivals like ours still important?

ANSWER: Queer film festivals/channels are immeasurably important because these are stories and celebrations that the world NEEDS!

What was the first LGBTIQ+ film you saw that really impacted you?

Oh wow, first? Probably Brokeback Mountain back in the day. Two years ago I saw All of Us Strangers and may never recover, lol.

Our festival theme is all about love – the love of queer cinema, the love of queer storytelling and the love of the queer community. What’s the first film that pops into your mind when you think of those concepts (and why that film)?

Hmmm. Love of cinema + the community… Weekend, perhaps? Just a gorgeous film.

What is one piece of career advice that you would give your younger self when it comes to acting?

You be the artist. Do what YOU think is a cool idea … or fun … or clever… etc. Good art doesn’t come from doing what you think will be “right. Do it for your own creative itch!