Céline Roustan
First, Studio City’s Oil Can Harry’s closed in 2021, and now gentrification is coming for Echo Park’s Club Bahia, threatening the over half-century long tradition of queer line dancing in Los Angeles, preserved by the event known as Stud Country. With Lina Abascal partnering with S/W alum Alexandra Kern (Wild Magnolias) to direct and produce a short documentary of the same name, their film feels like an invitation to go out dancing, immersing us in the community that makes this event the largest queer country western line dancing gathering in America.
A journalist by trade, Abascal initially went to Club Bahia to dance but ended up writing a piece about the event and its community when she was inspired by the atmosphere of Stud Country. As she became more and more familiar with its 50+ year history, its importance within the queer community, and got to know the regulars, she realized “the story (she) had come across was more than a written piece. It was a film”. As a first time filmmaker, she paired up with Kern, who recognized the project’s potential and shared her vision, to bring it to the screen.
“This euphoric feeling of being in lock step and sharing a dance with someone was a constant line that came up in all our interviews.” – directors Abascal & Kern discussing their approach to production.
When the film begins, it feels as if the directors have brought us directly to Club Bahia. Through Kenny Sulemanagich’s gorgeous cinematography and Luke Rihl’s steadicam work, we feel transported into the heart of the scene. Getting to feel the vibe firsthand, from its positive, fun and welcoming energy to the captivating beauty of the synchronized movements of the group. Between the framing and the camera movements, the image really creates an immersive experience, placing us there, on the dancefloor, soaking in that enchanting positivity. As a viewer, we’re immediately charmed by Stud Country and can imagine that this is the same sense of magic Abascal felt when she first stepped into Club Bahia.
Delving deeper by focusing on the community, and what Stud Country represents beyond the event itself. With a wide array of participants, the filmmakers craft a connection between Stud Country and the audience, while also highlighting the looming threat of yet another venue closure. Beyond the party, deeper themes are thus addressed, such as queer history and the necessity of community in the face of gentrification. By having participants of all ages share their connection to the event and perfectly editing their testimonies together, the film illustrates how Stud Country has impacted different generations, united people, and underscores the urgent need to preserve this cherished space.
After its World Premiere at the 2024 edition of Full Frame, where it won the Academy Qualifying Jury Award for Best Short, Stud Country went on to screen at Tribeca in the Moving the Spotlight showcase, taking home the Challenger Spirit honor. Still on the festival circuit, it earned further selections at the Palm Springs ShortFest and Frameline, before it debuted online as part of the Los Angeles Times Short Docs collection.