What is the film about?

Grandad’s face brightens at the sight of Cody, his transgender grandson entering his hospital room as he waits for his heart pacemaker operation. Cody asks Grandad how he knew it was love when he met Abuela.

Suddenly, the audience is transported, “The Rhythm of The Heart” is sung by Grandad and Cody as we view the couple’s journey, from love at first sight to marriage. Through the experience of song, Granddad can express to Cody that “when it hits ya, don’t let it miss ya.”

Grandad awakes, and reminisces about his love story with Abuela, he recalls that they, too, felt like outsiders in society, just as Cody feels today.

Cody’s team are one goal away from the championship soccer prize. Cody looks toward the stands and sees Grandad, who draws a heart on his chest and points at Cody. With his support, Cody can score the winning goal.

What influenced it?

The story was inspired by real events with Christopher Lennertz and his family.

The art direction had a number of influences including Entergalactic.

A little background information...

Christopher Lennertz is the writer, director, composer and sad, “The initial seed of an idea came from my Father-In-Law, after he had a Pacemaker surgery and his demeanor and energy changed immediately. Then, his health declined again, and my oldest came out as gay. He became more conservative as his well being suffered. Then, a second pacemaker was put in and his open-mindedness followed suit yet again. The more his heart could beat with his own internal rhythm, the more open he was to love, joy, and acceptance. I thought that this was a great analogy for every person’s identity…and also a great lyric for a song, so my son Tobi and I decided that we would make an animated musical, like the ones we loved to watch together, but as an example of trans acceptance that major studios were not comfortable doing yet.”

How was the film made?

The film was made by a talented international team working closely together to create a powerful film that they all believe the world should see.