CIFF

Before I Change My Mind

directed by
Trevor Anderson
year
2022
country
Canada
runtime
89
closed captions
No
audio description
No
english subtitles
No
film contact
The Film Collaborative

Trevor Anderson’s debut feature takes on the complexity of the gender binary with this touching and retro story of young American nonbinary teen Robin, now a transplant in 1987 Edmonton, and their journey to fit in with their peers and ingratiate themself with the high school bully. —M.G.


As the new kid from the States, Robin aches to fit in at their new school in Alberta, Canada. Almost immediately, Robin is drawn to the class bully Carter, and is determined to gain his approval at any cost. As their budding friendship flirts with the idea of something more, the two meet the mesmerizing Izzy through a production at the community theater. Fickle feelings emerge—friendships, crushes, and jealousy—and Robin begins to see their peers—and themselves—for who they really are. BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND, a tussle of dangerous peer pressure and teen insecurities set to a killer 80s synth soundtrack, illustrates the unthinkable lows one can travel to for the sake of acceptance. —A.B.

Teen-Friendly Films
Queer Cinema
Only at Playhouse Square
International Narrative Competition

Community Partners

CANAPI