> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Pacemaker, a trans-positive animated musical short film, released on digital platforms
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/pacemaker-a-trans-positive-animated-musical-short-film-released-on-digital-platforms-to-coincide-with-transgender-awareness-week/
- Published: 2023-11-15T09:35:01.000Z
- Updated: 2023-11-28T19:34:35.000Z
- Description: Pacemaker, a trans-positive animated musical short film which tells a heartwarming story of a grandfather’s journey toward acceptance of his trans grandson, has been released on Vimeo and YouTube. The film stars Alex Newell, the 2023 Tony Award-winner for Shucked, the first non-binary actor to win a
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: Trans, Trans Awareness Week

***Pacemaker***, a trans-positive animated musical short film which tells a heartwarming story of a grandfather’s journey toward acceptance of his trans grandson, has been released on Vimeo and YouTube.

The film stars **Alex Newell**, the 2023 Tony Award-winner for *Shucked*, the first non-binary actor to win a Tony Award; and **Philip Lawrence**, a multi-Grammy Award-winner.

Composer **Christopher Lennertz** wrote the original song that threads the narrative and authored the screenplay. His inspiration derives from his personal experience with his trans son, who also provided valuable consultation on the film’s storyline. **Brian Vincent Rhodes** (*Spies in Disguise*) shares the co-director’s seat with Lennertz.

*Pacemaker* is executive produced by **ND Stevenson**, the creator and writer of *Nimona*. Animation veterans **Darlene Caamaño Loquet** (Fox, Nickelodeon) and **Magdiela Hermida Duhamel** (Pixar) produced the film alongside **Alex Bedford** and **Ben Parkin**. **Vincent Rhodes** also served as the Story Artist on the film.

The film has garnered accolades from **Stamped Film Festival**, **LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival**, **Indie Short Fest** and **IndieX Film Fest**. The film’s original song, *Rhythm Of My Heart*, composed by Lennertz and performed by Alex Newell and Philip Lawrence, recently received a nomination for Best Song in a Short Film from the **Hollywood Music In Media Awards**.

Lennertz shared his thoughts on the film, stating: “This film is a love letter to my own family’s journey towards understanding and accepting the identities and purposes of all individuals. Inspired by my son Tobi and our shared love for classic animated musicals, we set out to create a film that captures the essence of beloved classics but delivers a fresh message of love and pride for families within the LGBTQ+ community and the world. Love emerges victorious when we follow the rhythm of our hearts.”

**Watch *Pacemaker* on Youtube [HERE](http://ec2-100-20-220-134.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/x/d?c=37120367&l=f1bd4951-2bc1-413b-aecb-db540ea832a3&r=82e79229-1b58-42fa-9b1d-56576aae502b&ref=scenemag.co.uk) and Vimeo [HERE](http://ec2-100-20-220-134.us-west-2.compute.amazonaws.com/x/d?c=37120367&l=bfacea03-007a-46a3-9e03-c2a9d93bfa41&r=82e79229-1b58-42fa-9b1d-56576aae502b&ref=scenemag.co.uk)**