Jordan Firstman on Club Kid, New York Party Scene and Indie Filmmaking

Key Points:

• Jordan Firstman’s feature debut, Club Kid, centers on a past-his-prime party promoter who discovers he has a 10-year-old son, blending authentic New York party culture with a heartfelt narrative.
• Despite initial challenges securing rights to Rihanna’s "Sex With Me" for the film’s opening scene, Firstman’s faith paid off when the superstar approved its use shortly before the Cannes Film Festival premiere.
• Club Kid was shot on location in New York City’s real clubs over 26 days, with many scenes filmed during actual parties featuring real "scene kids," aiming for an authentic portrayal of queer party culture.
• The film features a standout supporting cast including Reggie Absolom as Firstman’s onscreen son, along with queer performers like Miss Benny and Saturn Risin9, highlighting inclusivity and representation.
• Firstman’s background spans viral Instagram work, TV writers’ rooms, and short films, and he intentionally chose the indie route to maintain creative control, resulting in a highly anticipated Cannes premiere in the Un Certain Regard section.