The World Is Lit by Lightning

New Orleans, 1943, a happenstance meeting in bar between a writer and a young person of undefinable gender sparks new inspiration for one of the greatest works of mid-century theater. Tom, a playwright, is having a drink in his local haunt as a storm approaches. The bartender, Brick, acknowledges that the storm is on its way. Tom spots a young person (Kipp) across the bar, and wonders "if it's a boy or a girl." He engages the young person, and after some flirtations, and mixed signals, Tom invites the young person back to his apartment. It is clear by now that the person was born male, but has blurred the lines of his gender expression. Over the course of the night, Tom is inspired by Kipp's story, and ultimately uses the encounter (which never turns sexual) to continue on his work, one of Tennessee Williams's masterpieces.

Directed by Greg Roderick, The World Is Lit by Lightning leans on a strong ensemble — Jack Quinn, Desmond Dutcher, Eric Diamond — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 0.