PRESS

“There is no doubt that Kissing Walls is a show that is one of its kind. Bringing characters that are often considered “secondary” to its forefront, it tells unique stories about the two queer men of colour. Moreover, something that can be praised is how organically these characters are embedded onscreen; contrasting the numerous examples where queer or characters of colour are placed just to satisfy the viewers’ yearning for representation, without developing them or making them realistic.” - Aly Balakareva

What has been your creative journey as an artist/maker?

“I’ve lived in Chicago for the past 5 years— it’s been home for the majority of my 20s. It’s the place where I grew up, or I guess the place where I’m currently growing up. … As queer person, and as a biracial American with a black father and a white mother, I’m constantly in the process of figuring out identity. And right now I’m figuring out my identity as an artist/filmmaker.”

Independent Chicago filmmaker Zak Payne is determined to create the romantic narratives he wishes to see more of in film and on TV