When Lola, a beloved trans woman, dies, her friends (Freddie, Lars, and Gigi) arrive at the funeral only to learn her family intends to cremate her “as a man.” Refusing to let her be erased, they steal the coffin and haul it into Freddie and Lola’s tiny city apartment.
There, grief turns to action: they open the casket, lovingly restore Lola to her true self, and plan the farewell she wanted. By the time her chosen family gathers at the burial, Lola is honored as herself, sent off with pride, laughter, and loud affection.
Here Lies Lola is a 15-minute dark comedy entering pre-production in 2025 and filming in early 2026.
The film explores trans acceptance and the power of chosen family through LGBTQ+ characters who’ve faced rejection and found kinship among friends and fellow outsiders.
The story was developed in conversation with trans men and women and grounded in true stories.
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Director and Writer: Brandon Oelofse
Produced by: Brandon Oelofse and Joseph Kearney
Cinematography: German Martinez
Lola: Diana Salles