Interview: Luke Gilford and Mason Alexander Park on Openness, Acceptance, and Queer Rodeo in ‘National Anthem’

Director Luke Gilford’s first feature, National Anthem, is an impressive and visually astounding debut for the established photographer, whose interest in the queer rodeo led him first to create a monograph on which he based the film. Dylan (Charlie Plummer) and Sky (Eve Lindley) are at the heart of the story, but another critical part of the film’s mystical magnetism is Carrie (Mason Alexander Park), who radiates a welcoming spirit that endures long past the end of the film.

Awards Buzz spoke with Gilford and Park about their collaborative process and the experience of making this film. Watch the video above to hear what reactions they’ve seen and heard from audiences across film festivals and how much of an impact they’ve already felt from it.

National Anthem had its world premiere at the 2023 SXSW Film and TV Festival and will be released in select cities on Friday, July 12^th before expanding wide on Friday, July 19^th.