A Gay Relationship is Tested by Fantastical Circumstances in Auganic

Auganic, the new short film from writer/ director/ executive producer Krit Komkrichwarakool is making waves in the film festival circuit. Read on to find out why.

During a night of passion with his husband Nick, Kailan discovers that he can ejaculate pure gold. That is the premise Auganic is built upon and as you can imagine it stopped me in my tracks.  Of course, the story is not as simple or sensational as that one-line summary makes it seem. Komkrichwarakool purposefully uses that gimmick to reel the audience into a poignant film that is about love, marriage and the sacrifices partners make for one another.

As such, after their alarming discovery in the bedroom, Nick and Kailan rush to the doctor who verifies that the semen is indeed gold, which naturally attracts the attention of medical researchers who offer the couple a life changing amount of money for the exclusive rights to study Kailan. The tempting proposition kicks up a whirlwind of questions between the couple and tests just how far they are willing to bend for one another.

As Komkrichwarakool explains: “At the heart of Auganic are Kailan and Nick, a married couple with unaligned goals living on an isolated farm. When the promise of wealth presents itself in an atypical circumstance, it puts the indifference of their relationship at the forefront. The gold symbolism is very much a simple metaphor of unique and easier ways to make money in this day and age. Some require more personal commitments than others. It can be a harsh reality to many people and I find it worth exploring. Would Kailan compromise his goal for his husband? Could this opportunity save them or break them?”

The primary fear Kailan has is that he might be exploited by both his husband and the medical researchers, yet simultaneously it is made very clear to the viewer that the couple are in dire straits financially, making it perfectly understandable as to why Nick would even ask this of Kailan. Utilizing this plot point, the age of the characters, their objectives in life and even their roles in the bedroom, Auganic takes a look at the fluctuating power dynamic present in any marriage while simultaneously ensuring you understand the point of view of both protagonists. The film does not force you to take sides or render judgement but instead is presented as a slice of life or a “modern folktale” as Komkrichwarakool calls it.

The film itself, plot aside, is beautiful to watch with lovely cinematography courtesy of Joseph Schweers. The scenes on the farm and in the bedroom are particularly sumptuous. And of course, the lead actors Kenny Brain (Nick) and Matt Dejanovic (Kailan) should be commended for a job well done. They have great chemistry together and come across as earnest and believable. They are also both furry and easy on the eyes, which always makes for a fun viewing experience for all the bear lovers out there.

If you can, go out and see Auganic. It is still making its rounds on the festival circuit but is due to play at the OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival and Hollyshorts next. Details and ticket info below:

OUTSOUTH

https://carolinatheatre.org/festival/outsouth/#tickets–passes
Fri, Aug 9 (9:30pm) – Cinema Two
Sun, Aug 11 (4:10pm) – Fletcher Hall
Tue, Aug 13 (9:10pm) – Cinema One

Hollyshorts
https://hollyshorts2024.eventive.org/schedule/6691a6dda95a8b003333e01d
Thurs, Aug 15 (10pm) – TCL Chinese Theatre