Director Michael Perez-Lindsey joins us on Close-Up Culture to talk about his Oscar-qualifying short film, Will I See You Again.
For those who haven’t seen your short film When Will I See You Again? Please can you share more about the story?
“Will I See You Again?” tells a heartfelt story about acceptance, self-love, and having the courage to be vulnerable. Max Palmer, a local leader and pastor, stands confidently at his church pulpit during his best friend and college teammate’s memorial service. But his world gets turned upside down when his estranged, secret college romance and former teammate walks in.
A series of carefully constructed events brings these two men back together, and they’re forced to confront their past relationship while hooked up to polygraph machines. As they navigate this tricky path, each question peels back layers of their past, uncovering deeper truths about themselves and their feelings for each other.
What inspired you to create this story?
This story was completely inspired by my husband and filmmaking partner, Rhett Lindsey. It grew from his own college experiences of love and heartache.
One day, we were chatting about writing and story ideas, and I asked him to write a short story. That evening, he wrote the entire short story and came up with the log line for our short film. I instantly fell in love with it and his idea of the polygraph scenario. It makes you confront your deepest truths and think about what you’d do or ask if you were in the characters’ shoes. From there, I collaborated with him on the script. We carefully worked out every character, motive, action, and belief to create a world that reflects our experiences as queer minorities.
We pushed each other to become better writers, and after several drafts, we felt ready to move forward with producing the short film.
You have worked in high profile television for a number of years, what interested you to move into directing live action?
I’ve always wanted to direct. I found myself on set at 16, interning in high school on shows like The OC and CSI: Miami back in 2007. After graduating from CSULB’s film school in 2011, I landed an internship that got me a gig as a camera PA on a small indie film called Phantom, directed by Todd Robinson and shot by DP Byron Werner. The film was shot on the Red Epic Super 35 digital cinema camera.
I was grateful to shoot 16mm film in film school, but with the rise of Arri and Red cameras, this film piqued my interest in the DIT position.
I love cameras, tech, and cinematography. These three concepts are foundational to the role of the DIT, who supports the cinematographer and the integrity of their image.
For the last 10 years, I’ve worked as a local 600 DIT, supporting some phenomenal DP’s known for their achievements in cinematography, like Sandra Valde-Hansen ASC LPS, Moira Morel, Ava Berkofsky ASC, Kira Kelly ASC, and Michelle Lawler. Working under these DP’s, I learned the language and tools of visual storytelling. The DIT tent on set has often been a place where I’ve witnessed the collaboration between the director and DP. Being part of that collaboration has inspired me and shown me how a director can craft their story and work with actors, DP’s, production designers, and more.
After many years of experience on set, I finally felt it was time to step out of my comfort zone and move into directing. I’ve had tremendous support from my colleagues and friends, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of them.
Your lead actors Hosea Chanchez and Nick Wechsler are fantastic, what directing style do you use to bring out such nuanced performances?
I like to take what I’ve learned from years of working on set with many talented directors and apply what works best to set up my team—cast and crew—for success. I’ve learned from many mentors that if you simply trust your actors, they’ll trust you. I always lead with an open mind for collaboration, asking, “How can we make this better?” or “What is the heart of the story?” I let these questions guide decisions about character and action.
Both Hosea and Nick are exceptionally talented actors with an innate ability to reach the audience’s core. I was fortunate to have a tremendously seasoned cast to bring our script to life. I found it incredibly rewarding to collaborate with artists, both in front of and behind the camera, who strive for excellence in their craft.
Why is it important to you to share diverse cultures and create rich stories as you have done with this brilliant film?
Sharing diverse cultures and creating rich stories is deeply important to me because it reflects the true complexity and beauty of our world. Growing up and experiencing life as a queer minority, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful representation can be. It can validate identities, foster understanding, and inspire change.
When we share diverse stories, we give voice to those who might otherwise be unheard, and we create spaces where people can see themselves reflected and valued. This film is a testament to the belief that every story matters, and that by embracing our differences, we can find common ground and shared humanity.
Creating rich, authentic narratives allows us to explore the full spectrum of human experience. It challenges stereotypes, breaks down barriers, and encourages empathy. For my husband and I, it’s not just about telling a story—it’s about making a connection and opening minds. That’s why it’s so important to me.
What would you like audiences to take away from this film?
To love themselves wholly, truthfully, and completely. We are the architects of our own stories in our lives. My goal for this story is to shed light on people who see elements of themselves in this story and its characters.
You are about to screen at HollyShorts which is a prestige OSCAR-qualifying festival, what does it mean to have your film recognized by festivals like this?
It’s an incredible honor to be selected by the HollyShorts Film Festival. My husband, our team, and I are thrilled to be recognized by such a prestigious festival that is wholeheartedly dedicated to supporting the art and craft of filmmaking. I’m immensely grateful to Theo, Daniel, Nichole, and the entire HollyShorts team for choosing our film.
Would you consider making this film into a feature?
This short absolutely has the capacity for expansion. When I collaborated with my husband on the script, we designed a world and a history that could carry the narrative much further.
What is next for you?
We’re currently in the development phase of expanding the “Will I See You Again” narrative into a dramatic limited series. People who have seen the film often come up to my husband and me, wanting to know more about Max and Paul’s backstory in college and what happens between them after the inheritance meeting. Developing a limited series to explore and broaden the story feels like the best direction to take.
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