Model and newcomer actress Leyna Bloom leads Port Authority, produced through RT Features and Martin Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions and RT Features. Bloom stars alongside Fionn Whitehead and McCaul Lombardi in the film, written and directed by Danielle Lessovitz.
The film is a love story that takes place within New York’s ballroom culture. According to Deadline, Bloom plays Wye, a vogue dancer who immediately attracts the eye of Paul (Whitehead). Wye and Paul fall in love, but “when he discovers that Wye is trans, he is forced to confront his desire for her and the deep-seated violence of those around him.” Port Authority has wrapped filming, but no release date has been announced.
Port Authority is Lessovitz’ feature debut, part of RT and Sikelia’s initiative to support emerging filmmaking talent, states Deadline. This is also the first production for MUBI, a UK-based streaming service.
Along with modeling and acting, Bloom is also a dancer and an activist for transgender rights. She made history in 2017 as the first trans woman of color featured in Vogue India. Most recently, she has launched a campaign to become the first trans model to walk in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.