“Cleveland” Resilience and Legacy in the Heart of Ohio
In the upcoming short documentary “Cleveland,” director, writer, and producer Lily Daroff explores the profound journey of her uncle, Dr. Rob Daroff, Jr., as he returns to the city of his youth, Cleveland, Ohio. The film delves into the memories of a pivotal time during the 1980s AIDS epidemic, capturing a deeply personal and historically significant narrative.
The inspiration for the documentary was rooted in Lily’s desire to honor her uncle’s impactful life and share it with a broader audience. She reflects, “As a queer woman myself, having an older, gay family member made such a big difference for me. I wanted to give back to the older LGBT+ generations that paved the way for me and my generation.”
The production was a labor of love for Lily, who cherishes the close relationship she shares with her uncle. Filming proved to be the most rewarding aspect, as they traversed the streets of Cleveland together. “Before we even started filming the interview, he was telling me stories about each location and what they meant to him. It truly brought us closer together,” she enthuses.
However, every film has its challenges, and for Lily, the editing process posed the greatest hurdle. The wealth of eloquent storytelling from her uncle made it difficult to condense the interview into a concise narrative. Lily acknowledges the pain of having to make tough decisions in the editing room, stating, “I really felt that everything he said had a place in the story and was important.”
Reflecting on the experience, Lily expresses a desire to capture more aspects of her uncle’s life. “Looking back, I wish I had gotten more footage of him with other queer friends or his husband or his parents. I think it would’ve been special to show how far he’s come and really the life he’s built for himself now.”
For aspiring filmmakers, Lily emphasizes the importance of taking the plunge. “It’s not about having an extensive education or expensive equipment but really just having a story to tell. Anyone can be a filmmaker if they’re passionate about a certain topic or person and are willing to put in the effort to show it to the world.”
To stay updated on Lily’s future projects, audiences can follow her on Instagram at @lilydaroff, subscribe to her YouTube channel @lilydaroff2459, or connect on LinkedIn under the name Lily Daroff.
“Cleveland” has been selected as an official selection in the Utah International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from February 12-17. The festival promises to be a celebration of independent cinema, providing a platform for compelling stories like “Cleveland” to reach a wider audience.
