Hayley Kiyoko fights for the director era and calls the shots
The world of cinema often requires a brave leap of faith, but for director Hayley Kiyoko, that leap has been a decade-long journey of passion, persistence, and undeniable truth. It culminated in her feature directorial debut, Girls Like Girls, a sun-dappled, nostalgic coming-of-age drama that has resonated deeply with audiences.
At its heart, the film tracks the burgeoning romance between two teenagers navigating complex emotions. Coley, a grieving teenager, moves to a sleepy rural town in Oregon to live with her estranged father, while she navigates feelings for the friendly and confident Sonya. This setting provides a warm, welcoming backdrop for an intimate story about finding solace and exploring evolving sexuality.
Girls Like Girls is celebrated for its authentic and nuanced queer representation. While Coley moves forward with her feelings, Sonya struggles with the shifting landscape of her own identity, caught in a complicated situationship. The film captures the flirty banter and emotional depth of youth, skillfully set in 2006, allowing the story time to fully develop.
Kiyoko’s path to directing this feature was anything but smooth. It was an eleven-year endeavor marked by the challenge of convincing the industry that stories centered on queer experiences matter. This dedication mirrored her musical career, where she spent years building an authentic presence, eventually rebranding herself with the powerful hashtag #20GAYTEEN as she grew alongside other openly queer artists.
The genesis of the film came from Kiyoko’s fans, who saw the potential in her work. After initial hurdles, Kiyoko channeled her vision into writing the story as a young adult novel, which helped demonstrate the appetite for a romantic story featuring young women of color. This narrative approach proved crucial in paving the way for the film.
Kiyoko’s commitment to authentic casting was central to the film’s impact. She cast Canadian actress Maya da Costa, who brings beautiful, naturalistic performance as Coley, and Thai-American Myra Molloy. Kiyoko shared that casting someone who truly embodied the representation needed for Coley felt healing and allowed her to give Maya a vital opportunity early in her career.
Despite the immense artistic vision, Kiyoko faced skepticism during pitch meetings. She encountered resistance, often hearing the question, “Why do we need this film? Everyone is gay now.” Yet, this resistance only fueled her resolve. Kiyoko maintained a matter-of-fact conviction: the purpose of cinema is escapism and comfort, and this story offered exactly that—a space for hope.
Through relentless persistence, Kiyoko secured a deal with Focus Features, allowing her film to reach what she calls “the highest level” of production and distribution. The film is now playing in UK cinemas and heading to streaming platforms, a testament to the power of a dream realized.
Hayley Kiyoko’s work is a powerful statement that big dreams are achievable. She hopes that Girls Like Girls reminds everyone that there is a space for them and that it is possible to find comfort and authentic representation in the stories we tell.
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