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Robert Camina’s most recent short film, "Drip Tease," starring Richard Curtin as Edna Jean Robinson will play in Fort Worth’s Q Cinema Film Festival in a few weeks. In addition, he will receive the QBliss GLBTIA Creating Change Community Award — Pride in Cinema during Mid-South Pride’s "Many Cultures, One Community" Pride Festival in Memphis, Tenn., in June. He will, at 35, be one of the youngest recipients of the award. Caimna also is involved with the Resource Center of Dallas, DIFFA, the Turtle Creek Chorale and the Dallas Theater Center.
1 How did you get in the biz?
I’ve always had a camera on my shoulder. I was always shooting home movies, even back as a kid. I was always putting on shows, so it’s always been a part of me. I was going to major in Radio, TV, Film in college, but then decided I needed to do something practical. So I got a marketing degree and did that for about 10 years. Then I said, "You know what? This isn’t the skin I’m in."
2 You’re getting the QBliss award. How does that feel?
It feels amazing. I’m very honored to be in such a distinguished group of people. I’m so excited to go down to Memphis and be a part of this celebration. I’m very humbled by it. I’ve put my blood, sweat and tears in the business and this feels great.
3 What is the value of LGBT films?
I think back when I was getting in touch with my own sexuality, there wasn’t anything out there in the media. There was Richard Simions and Liberace, not much else. I had no role models. I thought I was alone. I didn’t know anyone else was out there like me going through what I’m going through. I think LGBT films just kind of opened up the world to the community. It shows we’re not all clowns. Where not all perverts like the media tends to concentrate on.
4 Do you think Hollywood is ready for a gay blockbuster?
When I think blockbuster, I think "Indiana Jones" or "Iron Man," but "Brokeback Mountain" did very well, too. I was just having a conversation that I think it is time for another one. It’s been a number of years, and I think we’re ready for another high profile LGBT film.
5 What has film taught you about life?
Working through the business and trying to reach my goals has taught me to stay true to who I am, trust my gut feelings and not sacrifice that.
Soundout is a weekly column featuring people whose jobs and interests have an impact on the daily lives of members of the LGBT community. It features those who often go unnoticed by the press and community. If you’d like to recommend someone to cover in this column, editor@dallasvoice.com.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition May 16, 2008.