Directed by Leland Montgomery, the indie gay romance drama Hotter Up Close starring Christopher Matias Aguila (The Non Essentials) makes its LA Premiere at Dances with Films film festival on June 13, 2022.

Christopher Matias Aguila stars as a gay slacker who, on the eve of his 30th birthday, must overcome his crippling insecurities in order to find love.

Also starring the LGBTQIA+ focused project are Liz Jenkins (Black-ish), Francisco San Martin (Jane the Virgin, Days of our Lives), Luke Millington-Drake (The Cuphead Show!), Jay Renshaw (Dead to Me, Feud, Criminal Minds), Mike Abbate, Devon Drew, Carl Ezold, Anthony Garcia, Elijah Olachea, Mick Torres, John David Williams, and Alice Victoria Winslow.

“We often want to give what we wish to receive. Love, inclusion, acceptance, representation and joy are what come to mind for me. Like so many of us, the pandemic has completely reshaped the way I live, see myself, and view my priorities,” says screenwriter, Aguila. After contracting Covid in March 2020, and spending a lot of time alone, Aguila reflected on the transient nature and loneliness of life, which brought him to bring together a diverse community of talented artists and “make something we could all be proud of, and have so much fun along the way.”

Watch the trailer for Hotter Up Close.