Whitney Chitwood
Former horsegirl and current grown up gay lady, Whitney Chitwood (she/they) is a Chicago based writer/director who was raised by two theatre owner/director parents in smalltown Illinois. Prior to moving behind the camera full time, Whit was a nationally touring, headlining comedian. Her album "The Bakery Case" debuted at #1 on iTunes and Top 10 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. Currently, her queer anti-western series KID is in development with Lilly Wachowski’s Anarachists United and her short film "Sam Wants Her Sweater Back" is about to begin its festival run. A co-production with Full Spectrum Features (Desire Lines) the screenplay received Seed & Spark’s Mark Duplass Spotlight and finished Top 10 in Cinnequest’s Screenwriting Competition. A queer and trans artist herself, Whit’s work always passes the hell out of the Bechdel Test and strives to center LGBTQIA+ characters without the central conflict being queerness.
Sam Wants Her Sweater Back
ANDI and MAX’s best friend SAM was dumped months ago. But Sam’s ex, POPPY, still hasn’t returned her sweater. THE Sweater - cream colored, thick knit with the perfect hint of fraying. It’s an injustice which Andi, recently dumped herself (but why even bring that up?), demands Sam no longer suffers! So, in Andi’s mind the world becomes a gritty, neon laced action-thriller as she and Max, with a reluctant Sam in tow, infiltrate Poppy’s house party in search of The Sweater. As the night unfolds and multiple plans unravel, though, it becomes clear Andi’s vehemence has little to do with her friend’s knitwear and all to do with hiding from her own heartbreak. While Max remains endearingly committed to tracking down The Sweater and Sam finds herself ready to pursue a friendship with Poppy, Andi’s grip on her slick, action-hero-savior-complex threatens to tear the three pals apart! Will they get The Sweater? Will Andi get over her ex? Will you laugh? Maybe! Maybe! Yeah duh!! A delightful romp from denial to acceptance after being broken up with, SAM WANTS HER SWEATER BACK! is ultimately about recovery from heartbreak through the love of friends.
Buddy Comedy Heist Short
Too often the film industry demands queer and trans narratives center struggle and strife. You know: sad shit. Bury your gays? Nah. Wrap ‘em in knitwear! "Sam Wants Her Sweater Back" is shenanigans and goofery with a heart of gold. It’s elaborate plans going awry in the wake of misplaced heroism. As a queer, transwoman myself, it’s so thrilling to center queer/trans characters without identity being a central conflict (especially in the face of the dangers currently facing us around the world).
This flick is for anyone who’s tried to mend their broken heart in all the wrong ways and a love letter to patient, supportive friends. The delightful challenge of visually depicting our two juxtaposed “worlds” of neon noir and warm realism was a point of creative pride as my crew and I strove to capture as much of the effect in-camera as possible. Speaking of crew, 85% of ours are POC, LGBTQ, and/or women identified! As a first time filmmaker, cultivating that community has been one of my greatest honors.
Ultimately, I hope "Sam Wants Her Sweater Back" leaves you awash in appreciation and love for your own beautiful, chaotic, life-affirming friendships and community - regardless of who keeps the sweater.