Alex Song-Xia on Channeling Their LGBTQ+ Experience into a Driving Lesson Film

“Really Good Driver” made its debut at the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival. The short film stars an Asian American mom (Keiko Agena) teaching her grown-up child (Alex Song-Xia) how to drive. This process forces both characters to confront not only the slightly dangerous task at hand but also past tensions. Alex Song-Xia, who wrote, directed, and stars in the film, has previously contributed to TV shows like “Rick and Morty,” “Exploding Kittens,” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” In this piece, Song-Xia discusses their inspirations and the journey of creating their first short film.

DEADLINE: Can you talk a bit about your filmmaking journey? What inspired you to come to this field? I know you have a background in comedy.

ALEX SONG-XIA: This is my first short film as a director. As an actor and writer, my journey began in New York’s comedy scene, although it wasn’t my parents’ plan for me. My love for acting started in childhood, but it wasn’t until I moved to New York for college that I pursued it. Living in New York afforded me the freedom to explore my passion—I started attending the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), signed up for improv classes, and performed weekly shows. Eventually, I began working as a comedy writer and actor, though I mostly worked on others’ projects. “Really Good Driver” is my first directed project that I also wrote.

DEADLINE: The short appears simple on the surface with a driving lesson at its core. But it unfolds into more profound themes like acceptance and self-worth. How did you arrive at this narrative?

SONG-XIA: I often joke that this short film is entirely fictional, but it’s actually quite autobiographical. The film is inspired by my experience of my mom teaching me to drive as an adult because I didn’t learn as a teenager. My coming out had put that plan on hold, leading to years where I joked about having to come out to her again at 26. Working with Keiko Agena, who played the mom in the film, made me realize that my mom didn’t forget I came out. Instead, I learned to lie, date men, and conform to her expectations. This short focuses not on the coming-out story, but what happens after in a family that avoids difficult conversations.

DEADLINE: The film isn’t a standard coming-out story, but rather what occurs afterward. Where do you think we stand on queer storytelling nowadays?

SONG-XIA: I believe we need more stories beyond the traditional coming-out narrative. While there’s no quota for these stories, the cultural understanding has evolved. It’s refreshing to explore what happens after coming out, allowing audiences to see characters live their lives beyond that pivotal moment.

DEADLINE: What have you learned about yourself through writing for TV shows and now making your own short film?

SONG-XIA: It’s been a unique experience being the decision-maker. I’m used to generating ideas for others, but now everyone looks to me for the final call. I discovered that I do have opinions and a vision, which I hadn’t fully realized before. Making this short film has brought me closer to understanding my creative voice and preferences.

DEADLINE: What media are you currently consuming?

SONG-XIA: I recently watched “The End of the F***ing World” on Netflix and loved its dark humor and rich character development. I’m also watching the latest season of “Hacks” and saw a documentary called “Lift,” which showcases a ballet program for kids in housing shelters.

DEADLINE: In what ways do you relate or not relate to your character?

SONG-XIA: Through the rehearsal process with Keiko, I was able to create a fuller character for the mom, benefiting from Keiko’s performance. This helped me understand perspectives from both sides, making the characters braver versions of their real-life counterparts.

DEADLINE: What would you like audiences to take away from “Really Good Driver”?

SONG-XIA: While many queer stories focus on pain, I wanted to end on a hopeful note. Even if everything isn’t resolved, the characters are on a positive path.

DEADLINE: What’s next for you?

SONG-XIA: I’m currently on the latest season of “Dimension 20: Never Stop Blowing Up” on Dropout TV and working on writing a feature film.

[This interview has been edited for length and clarity]

Source: Deadline