COME ON, BOY is currently seeking financial contributors to cover expenses for production and post production. We have successfully completed the research and development stage of our film. We’ve collected dozens of hours of archival materials, conducted pre-interviews, secured locations, and have fiscal sponsorship through Fractured Atlas. Next we will begin filming with Alex, his loved ones, and his band. 

Life is about transitions and Alex has experienced many in his life recently. Divorce, single-parenthood, and gender transition. Through examining the intimate emotional and physical challenges of a singer developing a new voice, we explore Alex’s transition to a new place in the world and his journey to an authentic life.

AUDIENCE & IMPACT

Representation is a powerful tool for dispelling stereotypes, empowering individuals, and validating their unique experiences and identities. When trans youth encounter authentic portrayals, it sends a resounding message: their lives, stories, and contributions matter.

Everyone has to confront change in their lives. We are making this film to connect with audiences emotionally in ways they may not expect when watching a film about a trans man, allowing them to develop empathy for the shared experiences of change.

Alex da Ponte has always been a poet’s songwriter. His lyrics resonate with the hard-won wisdom of a gentle soul. Pre transition, Alex carved out quite a path for his musical career. He released three studio albums, was interviewed on After Ellen, premiered a music video on Paste, and performed at Memphis’ biggest musical event, Beale Street Music Festival, where he was named “most impressive local act.” 

Since his last album release in 2023, Alex has done the work of self discovery, both as an artist and as an individual. Family and music are part of the fabric of his life, and he has found strength in them. Staying closed off can grant a cold comfort, but open, honest expression can inspire others. So, as da Ponte writes lyrics in the music room of his Midtown home, drum kit in the corner, framed concert posters bracketing a wall-mounted guitar, each song is a declaration. Transmuting a whorl of memory and emotion into a story, a message in a bottle to reach out and connect with a stranger. With the value of that connection now clearer than ever, he’s putting his all into the process.

Memphis filmmaker best known for editing and directing documentary features, experimental shorts, and music videos. Her films have screened at Indie Memphis Film Festival, Metrograph, Sidewalk Film Festival, TCL Chinese Theatres, and Kino Lumiere in Sofia, Bulgaria. In 2023 she won the Indie Award, which recognizes a filmmaker who has been invaluable to independent production in the Memphis area. Award-winning feature documentary films she has edited include ANTENNA, GOOD GRIEF, JUVENILE, and THE BLUES SOCIETY. She is currently editing a feature documentary about the Newport Folk Festival with director Robert Gordon.

Sarah Fleming is an award winning, Memphis-based filmmaker with over 20 years of experience. Award-winning films include the feature documentaries JUVENILE (2023), and GOOD GRIEF (2017); and short films ROBERT (2018), VIOLA: A Mother’s Story of Juvenile Justice (2015), CARBIKE (2014), and TRAINING WHEELS (2011).

Fleming is a recipient of the Indie Award (2016) for her contribution to independent filmmaking in Memphis. She has been recognized by CODA and the American Advertising Federation for her outstanding service to the arts and cultural diversity. Fleming works professionally as an Assistant Director for clients such as BET, HBO, Google, T-Mobile, Kia, and Chanel, to name a few. In her downtime, she hangs out with her kids, Mati Lou and Joey, who fill her life with much excitement and little sleep.

Molly J. Wexler is the founder of Last Bite Films. She recently produced SHINE ON (2025), a short narrative retelling of the story of Tom Lee in partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN. She co-directed and produced the documentary short TOM LEE PARK: A Riverfront for Everyone (2024), currently streaming on PBS. Molly also co-directed and executive produced award-winning film, THE LITTLE TEA SHOP (2020),  

Before founding Last Bite Films, Molly served as a fundraiser and programmer in the non-profit arena. She spent years with the Indie Memphis Film Festival, eventually serving as Board Chair from 2017-2019, and was honored in 2023 with their Vision Award. Currently, she is  involved with several organizations including The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and Facing History & Ourselves.

Jason Thibodeaux is an accomplished cinematographer and founder of Millennium Media Label. His work includes producing and shooting impactful projects for *My Sistah's House*, a trans-led organization supporting Black trans women. Most recently, he served as Director of Photography and producer for a short documentary highlighting their “Tiny House Project,” which provides housing for Black trans women in need. Jason's storytelling amplifies marginalized voices, blending artistry with advocacy to create meaningful change.