Heart Breaks Open

A model queer activist and community advocate, Jesus (Maximillian Davis) prides himself in his work with the Seattle LGBT community. At the same time, Jesus is having unprotected sex and cheating on his long-time partner. Jesus's world implodes when he discovers that he is HIV positive, forcing him to confront his innermost fears, his relationship with his ex-boyfriend, and a future living with HIV. Faced with the unknown, Jesus is pulled from the brink of suicide by Sister Alysa Trailer (Brian Peters), a drag queen nun who leads him down a path of self-discovery.

Directed by William Maria Rain, Heart Breaks Open leans on a strong ensemble — Maximillian Davis, Belinda Carroll, Lady Chablis — 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 drama titles of 2011.