Sparkling and vivacious, Jordan Tragash’s heartfelt queer comedy, “BAM!”—an acronym for “Broke Ass Motherfuckers!”—exuberantly captures the dilemmas of the precarious gig worker’s lifestyle with considerable charm. For those familiar with the vibrant city of Chicago, the film offers a visually stunning adventure as it gallivants through a series of cherished local landmarks, transforming the urban backdrop into a character of its own. The interwoven narratives introduce viewers to a delightful ensemble of 20-somethings, each hustling for financial survival in their own unique ways. Living in a storage unit, Auggie (Tuxford Turner) humorously navigates life as he delivers sex toys—an endeavor that turns out to be surprisingly unglamorous in its execution. Constantly cycling around the city, Auggie soon encounters another courier named Eve (Tip Sayarath), whose spirited demeanor serves as a lively contrast to Auggie’s endearing awkwardness. Adding to the hijinks is a freelance pharmacist—who moonlights as a drug dealer—along with his hapless employees, creating a rich tapestry of modern-day farce.
Shot with dynamism, the relationship between Auggie and Eve sparkles with spirited chemistry, epitomizing the beauty of chance encounters and the concept of found family that urban life fosters. More than just a love letter to the Windy City, “BAM!” celebrates diversity seamlessly; from the perspectives of Auggie and Eve to the colorful minor characters, every individual is not only defined by their identity but is also vividly fleshed out in their own struggles, hopes, and dreams. The smart, laugh-out-loud funny dialogue further enhances this vibrant sense of authenticity, making each interaction a joy to behold.
The colourful palette invigorates the visual experience, providing a refreshing contrast to the often uniform aesthetic found in independent filmmaking today, despite a slightly rushed conclusion that likely stems from its brisk runtime. Nonetheless, for a feature debut, “BAM!” splendidly showcases Tragash’s potential as a director to keep an eye on in the future.
“BAM!” will be available on digital platforms starting 25 November.
What inspired Jordan Tragash to create the film “BAM!” and how does it reflect the challenges of the gig economy?
**Interview with Jordan Tragash, Director of “BAM!”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jordan. Your film “BAM!” has garnered quite a bit of attention for its unique take on the gig economy and the lives of young people in Chicago. Can you start by telling us about the inspiration behind this project?
**Jordan Tragash:** Absolutely! The inspiration came from my own experiences and observations within the gig economy. I’ve seen so many friends and peers navigating this precarious lifestyle, and I wanted to create a story that truly reflects those challenges while also highlighting the importance of friendship and community. “BAM!”—which stands for “Broke Ass Motherfuckers!”—is my love letter to those struggling yet vibrant lives characterized by hustle and resilience.
**Interviewer:** The film not only tackles significant social issues but does so with humor and heart. How did you go about blending these elements while maintaining authenticity?
**Jordan Tragash:** Balancing humor and authenticity was crucial. I aimed to create relatable characters who experience real struggles but also find humor in their situations. The script reflects a mix of lighthearted banter and poignant moments, showcasing that life can be challenging yet beautiful. It was essential for the comedy to come from genuine interactions rather than caricatures, so I worked closely with my cast to ensure each performance captured that duality.
**Interviewer:** Chicago plays a significant role in “BAM!” How did you utilize the city’s landmarks to enhance the storytelling?
**Jordan Tragash:** Chicago is not just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right. We filmed in various locations that are meaningful to the characters, such as local cafes and parks, weaving in the city’s vibrant culture. By showcasing these landmarks, I wanted to ground the narrative in a place that feels familiar to many. It also adds a visually stunning layer to the story, making it feel like an adventure through a city full of opportunity and challenges.
**Interviewer:** The film addresses themes relevant to the LGBTQ+ community as well. How did you incorporate these themes into the narratives of your characters?
**Jordan Tragash:** Inclusion was paramount in crafting our characters’ stories. Each narrative thread features diverse perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting their unique challenges and triumphs. It’s essential that these voices are authentically represented, showing the intersectionality of their experiences in the gig economy. Friendships, love, and community support are universal themes, but they resonate differently and take on added significance within our community.
**Interviewer:** what do you hope audiences take away from “BAM!” after watching it?
**Jordan Tragash:** I hope audiences walk away with a deeper understanding of the gig worker experience and the value of connection in overcoming life’s hurdles. More importantly, I want them to feel inspired by the stories of resilience and community. Change may be slow, but through love and support, we can navigate the difficulties together. And of course, I hope they’re entertained, laughing alongside our characters as they navigate their chaotic lives!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jordan. “BAM!” sounds like a heartfelt and entertaining film that seeks to uplift and reflect the realities of community and resilience amidst struggle.
**Jordan Tragash:** Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to experience “BAM!” and see themselves in our characters.
*For more information about the film, you can check out [TALK Global Media](https://www.talkglobalmedia.com/bam-dramedy-lgbtq) [[1](https://www.talkglobalmedia.com/bam-dramedy-lgbtq)].*
