Speaking Out

An Impulse Group film

Watch the trailer

A burning desire to speak out

Three gay men, Jose, Charlie, and Rig, plagued by trauma of their own, undergo an emotional journey toward healing to become resilient, overcome their past, and finally speak out.

In a world where silence is often forced upon the most painful of stories, “Speaking Out” shines a light on the transformative power of voice and healing. This compelling narrative intertwines the lives of three courageous individuals—Jose, Rig, and Charlie—each bearing the weight of their own dark traumas, yet bound by a common journey towards recovery.

Through sit-down interviews, “Speaking Out” lays bare the complex layers of tragedy these men have endured, highlighting not just the darkness of their experiences, but the resilience of their spirit. Their paths to healing, marked by self-discovery and professional support, underscore the importance of confronting and vocalizing trauma.

As Jose, Rig, and Charlie bravely share their stories, they challenge the silence that often surrounds such experiences, offering hope and solidarity to others with similar stories. “Speaking Out” is not just a testament to the strength of its subjects, but a call to action for society to listen, understand, and support those who are ready to break the silence and heal.

Storylines & cast

Three men, three nights that changed everything. Each story is retold on screen by actors, alongside the men themselves.

Jose, photographed in close-up against a dark background with drifting embers

Jose

Jose's story unfolds after a seemingly ordinary night out in San Francisco takes a harrowing turn. An encounter through Grindr leads him to a warehouse, the site of unspeakable crimes where individuals are forced into snuff films without their consent.

Actors in Jose's Storyline

The cast who portray Jose's story in the film's reenactments.

Andres Mejia

“Jose”

Andres Mejia

Andres Mejia was born in Colombia and came to the United States at an early age to further his artistic career. He played the piano growing up, studied theater and competed in different sports. He comes from a highly artistic family. In his 20s he achieved great success as a TV producer in Miami. And in his 30s he has performed as an actor in productions of international recognition.

He speaks Spanish, English and some Portuguese and has a special connection with animals. His excellent theater background has landed him important roles in theater plays in Colombia and USA.

Today Andres resides in Los Angeles, California, where he continues to further his career as an actor, writer and musician.

Juan Carlos Ariosa

“Culprit”

Juan Carlos Ariosa

Juan Carlos Ariosa Rodríguez (born August 16, 1994) known professionally as Juan Carlos Ariosa, is a Cuban-American actor and former Grand Slam modeling champion (2022). His first contact with the cameras happened in 2001 where he participated in children's television programs in Cuba. He continued to act in films in Mexico and the United States such as La caza del migrante (2020), El amante (2021), and How I got there? (2022).

Rig, mid-scream, photographed against a dark background with drifting embers

Rig

Rig's narrative is one of betrayal by those closest to him, struggling with religious censorship and familial strife within his home and church, environments that should have been safe havens. His journey is marred by bullying and a battle with suicidal thoughts.

Actors in Rig's Storyline

The cast who portray Rig's story in the film's reenactments.

Ayden Elijah

“Young Rig”

Ayden Elijah

Ayden Elijah is a 10-year-old Afro-Latino born in the Inland Empire (I.E.), California. He is an Actor, Voiceover Artist, and Model who got his start in the industry in 2021. Since then Ayden Elijah's career has skyrocketed! His highlights include a Disney Channel Original Movie called “The Naughty Nine” where he portrays the character “Albert” and stars alongside top actors like Danny Glover, Winslow Fegley, and several more.

He is also credited in a new Disney Junior Animation titled “Morphle and the Magic Pets” where he voices one of the lead characters named Jordie. With many more projects credited on IMDB. When Ayden Elijah is not acting you can catch him on a field or court. Ayden's favorite sport is flag football but he also enjoys playing basketball, soccer, baseball, and rides dirt bikes! Ayden Elijah would like to end this by sharing with you a bible quote from Psalms 18:32 “It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my life secure.”

Havilah Malone

“Rig’s Mom”

Havilah Malone

Havilah Malone is an Executive Producer, Actress, and 3x Best Selling Author on a mission to be a catalyst for positive change in over 2 Billion people’s lives. The Inspirational Thought Leader & former Ms. Louisiana Universal has been featured on FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, Huffington Post and more.

Havilah graduated from college at the age of nineteen with two degrees, and went on to manage a $160 Million dollar business for tech giant Hewlett Packard by age 21, while also serving as their On-Air Host on QVC, HSN, Shop at Home TV and America’s Store. Havilah has been featured in numerous films, national TV commercials, and known for her roles in HBO’S Barry, Insecure, and NCIS: New Orleans. And is host of soon to be released show, “The Executive Producer Podcast.”

This multi-talented Manifester shares her pillars of success with audiences around the world to help female Creatives and Entrepreneurs multiply their impact and #BeProofOfWhatsPossible.

Ms. Malone is the recipient of the NOW (Network of Outstanding Women) 2023 “Artist of Year” Award (for Acting and Producing), the Women’s Prosperity Network “She Rocks Award”, and Volunteer Service Award Gold Medal from the President of the United States. Havilah holds several professional accreditations including Master Certified Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Silva Method, and Certified Instructor for the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

Havilah’s #1 Best Selling Books include: “Rewriting A New History: A Spiritual Path to Audacious Authenticity and Healing”, co-Author of the Think & Grow Rich children’s classic, “The Amazing Adventures of Oliver Young Napoleon Hill” in collaboration with the Napoleon Hill Foundation, and “How to Become a Publicity Magnet: In Any Market via TV, Radio & Print”.

Whether through writing transformational books, speaking on stages, acting on screen, or the development and funding of television and film projects, Havilah’s nurturing spirit, inspirational voice and magnetizing personality inspire people to #BeProofOfWhatsPossible.

Tray Hawes

“Teenage Rig”

Tray Hawes

Tray Hawes is a computer engineer turned classically trained actor. After years of schooling to become an engineer and landing a job at one of the largest engineering firms in Georgia, Tray decided to shift gears and follow his childhood passion of acting.

This career pivot led to him moving to Los Angeles where he quickly earned his first major role in the film The House Invictus. Tray is also known for his lead roles in the short films Under and Rhythm and Blues, which is currently making its way around the film festival circuit. He has been featured in commercials and web series and is set to continue his recurring role in Soul Ties, a new web series featured on the ToughLoveSeries Youtube Channel.

DeMarco Majors

“Adult Rig”

DeMarco Majors

DeMarco Majors is one of the first openly gay ex pro-basketball player to come out while still playing, actor, model and TV host.

During the course of his remarkable athletic career, Majors played for teams in Australia, Brazil, Argentina and the American Basketball Association. The only pro-basketball player to ever come out before retirement, Majors broke ground in dealing openly with prejudice and homophobia in the world of professional sports. Because of his personal experience, he is now a spokesman for gay athletes, and in 2008 he was named one of Out Magazine's top 100 most influential gay men and women. Recently Majors has starred in a few documentary, lead role in the film Roux’s Blues, lead role in the tv lgbtqi show titled “Thirty” and is writing his first film.

Charlie, photographed in close-up against a dark background with drifting embers

Charlie

Charlie's life changes forever after a night at a gay club twenty years ago, where a newfound friend betrays his trust. Drugged and assaulted, Charlie suppresses the trauma until the isolation of the 2020 pandemic forces him to confront his past head-on.

Actors in Charlie's Storyline

The cast who portray Charlie's story in the film's reenactments.

Georgie DeLahoz

“Young / Adult Charlie”

Georgie DeLahoz

Georgie DeLahoz is a rising talent in the entertainment industry, known for his versatility and comedic flair. Hailing from New York City, Georgie kickstarted his acting journey amidst the bustling streets of the Big Apple. With a natural knack for performance, he quickly made a name for himself by landing a string of commercials, showcasing his charisma and charm to audiences across the nation.

In 2019, Georgie made the bold move to Los Angeles, seeking new opportunities and challenges in the heart of the entertainment capital. Despite the competitive landscape, he continued to excel, securing coveted roles in commercials and gradually making his mark in the acting scene on the West Coast.

Georgie's passion for acting led him to hone his craft at esteemed institutions such as the HB Studios and Actor Studio, where he refined his skills and deepened his understanding of the art form. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in a lively and vibrant family, Georgie's comedic timing shines through in his performances, earning him recognition as a versatile talent in both comedy and drama.

While comedy holds a special place in his heart, Georgie effortlessly transitions into dramatic roles, tapping into his innate emotional depth and vulnerability. With each project, he continues to captivate audiences with his dynamic range and magnetic presence, solidifying his status as a promising talent to watch in the world of entertainment.

John Gieringer

“Antagonist”

John Gieringer

John Gieringer classically trained, with emphasis on musical theatre, John has played roles from Carousel to Les Miserables, working in major Performing Arts Centers across the country. Touring in pro a cappella groups internationally has been the majority of his professional career and transitioned into commercial acting, being featured in various SAG-AFTRA national commercials from Bud Light, to Honda, Target and Hilton.

John studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Fine and Performing Arts as a Vocal Performance major and studied under Professor Alisa Belflower, and sang with Tony & Grammy Winner, Patty Lupone. John was featured on NBC’s The Sing Off, working with Deke Sharon, and Grammy & Emmy winning producer Ben Bram.

Though new to the acting scene, John is looking forward to expanding his talents to film and TV, and taking risks on challenging roles.

Production team

John Solis

John Solis Director / Producer

Raised in the ultraconservative bubble of Orange County, John Solis fell enamored with film through a lavish gift from his low-income mom: a beta player with two horror movies, A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Exorcist. Within minutes, he was fascinated by all there was to see: the sets, the costumes, the story. He knew that film, in whatever role he could partake in, was his natural calling. At the age of fifteen, his parents become involved in the Mexican entertainment industry as producers, and, in turn, he became a child actor in low-budget Spanish-speaking action films. By twenty one, he had headlined over fifty films and became a household name in the action genre of the Mexican screen.

But, with the twists and turns of life, shadowed by an unspoken trauma that changed his course of existence, John took a break from the industry just to lead himself to a similar, but more creative pathway years later: directing. Putting himself through Los Angeles Film School as a way to further learn the ropes, going from in front of the camera to behind, he knew his don was to create, to humanize, to storytell. And, it was destiny to find himself as Director and Producer of Speaking Out, a documentary that has overcome trauma in exchange for beauty, compassion, and healing.

To this day, John continues living in Los Angeles, right next to the Academy Museum, with his trusty one-eyed dog named Bice. He’s always on the hunt for a long-gone beta player and his next film project.

Victor De La Torre

Victor De La Torre Co-Director

Victor de La Torre, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, grew up fascinated by film while working in his mother's video store. He pursued a life in film, producing two feature-length Spanish-speaking films and participating in plays, music videos, independent films, and modeling. He was also the co-founder of the music group 5senti2, performing live in the US, Latin America, and Central America. In 2010, he was voted #51 as the 51 most beautiful people for the magazine People en Espanol.

Moving past his acting and modeling gigs, Victor attended Los Angeles Film School to learn the craft of directing. His ambition became the forefront of his schooling and career, and he went on to build his own production company called Brightbulb Studios. He hopes to see his company and his love for all things film continue to grow and be able to create films that celebrate diversity and tell the stories of underrepresented communities.

Victor currently lives in Los Angeles. Apart from producing films, he enjoys working out, hiking, eating great food, and spending time with his family and friends.

Roxy Amezquita

Roxy Amezquita Producer

Roxy Amezquita made her first debut as a producer in 2020, participating in non-profit and independent films, but she is no stranger to the entertainment world. The Los Angeles native started her career as a choreographer for young adults in her community at sixteen. She developed a strong passion for the arts and soon found herself dancing alongside Latin artists like Paulina Rubio, Fey, Enrique Iglesias, and Rogelio Martinez. In 2005, she founded the Latin Pop Group 5senti2, where she sang and danced with four other group members. Together, they traveled throughout the US, Central, and Latin America, earning recognition and awards for their music and performances. Acting came naturally to Roxy, and she soon developed her talent by starring and participating in music videos, plays, independent films, and even hosted live TV shows on Telemundo and TV Azteca.

Roxy is a creative and passionate individual who constantly seeks new challenges. She became an entrepreneur and has develop a high reputation as one of the top Latina women in real estate in Los Angeles. She enjoys working out, volunteering at the local animal shelter, and giving back to her community. She plans to continue using her work in film and music to raise awareness of equality, human rights and mental health in the hopes of creating positive change in the world.

Production crew

  • John Solis and Keelan Carothers at an Olympic pool
    John Solis and Keelan Carothers at the Olympic pool in Tijuana, BC filming a scene for Rig's story.
  • Crew filming underneath a pier
    Keelan Carothers and Chris Boulos with director John Solis underneath the Rosarito Pier.
  • Keelan Carothers operating a camera
    Keelan Carothers getting the shot.
  • John Solis and Victor de la Torre on set
    John Solis and Victor de la Torre on set for Charlie’s story.
  • The grip on fire watch by the ocean
    Alfredo, the film's Grip, on fire watch duty, while we got shots of the ocean waves.
  • John Solis talking with Keelan Carothers
    John Solis conversing with the Director of Photography, Keelan Carothers, about the shot.
  • The crew wrapping a shoot
    Director John Solis and his crew wrapping up Matthias James Barker.

Impulse Grp. presents a Brightbulb Studios production in association with AHF in association with Cabaldana Alchemy

executive producer Jose Ramos co-executive producers Miguel Angel Caballero & Luis Antonio Aldana

director of photography Keelan Carothers editor Jason Zeni composer & sound mixer Guillermo Silbertein

produced by John Solis producers Roxy Amezquita & Victor De La Torre directed by John Solis

  • Impulse Group
  • AIDS Healthcare Foundation
  • Brightbulb Studios
  • Cabaldana Alchemy
Speaking Out film poster: an empty armchair under a warm lamp

Festivals & screenings

  1. Official Selection, LALIFF 2024

    World premiere

    LA Latino International Film Festival

    TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood

    Screened

How do you feel about the world premiere of “Speaking Out” at LALIFF?

Premiering our documentary at LALIFF fills me with immense pride and joy! This esteemed event is dedicated to amplifying the diverse voices and experiences within the Latino community, providing a vital platform for our stories to be heard and celebrated. As a team predominantly composed of Latinos, being selected to showcase our work at LALIFF holds deep significance for us. It represents not only a validation of our creative endeavors but also an affirmation of the importance of representation in the film industry. LALIFF's recognition of our documentary reaffirms the value of our perspectives and narratives, and we are honored to contribute to such a prestigious festival.

Jose Ramos Executive President, Impulse Group

I created Speaking Out with a vision of vulnerability and love, hoping it would help heal people from the inside out. As a Latino filmmaker, I am thrilled to premiere my documentary at LALIFF. From being an adolescent actor who attended film festivals to promote our family business, to now seeing my vision come to life on the big screen, I can truly say I’ve come full circle. It is an honor to transition from behind the screen to finally see myself in front of it and share this story of healing with the world.

John Solis Director

I believe “Speaking Out” serves as both a mirror and a megaphone for the LGBTQ community, especially for gay men who have endured trauma and sexual assault. In a world where stigma still looms large, Speaking Out stands as a beacon of hope, reminding every gay man that their voice matters, their pain is valid, and they are not alone in their journey towards healing and resilience.

Miguel Angel Caballero Executive Producer
Cover of the Speaking Out electronic press kit

Press kit

The electronic press kit covers the synopsis, cast, crew and festival selections.

Download press kit PDF, 6.9 MB

Publicity stills

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Stills courtesy of Speaking Out Documentary.

Resources

In line with the documentary's mission, here are some valuable resources dedicated to supporting LGBTQ survivors of sexual abuse and assault. These resources provide essential information, support, and hope for survivors and allies alike. Let's continue to raise awareness, break the silence, and foster healing within our communities.

Speaking Out

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