Out of the Dark: Cal Calmia

An intimate look at the journey of professional athlete Cal Calamia, a transgender marathon runner who's advocating for inclusion in the running world.

Download our Electronic Press Kit | Watch the Trailer Below

Check out Cal’s short in a city near you this summer.

World Premiere at Tribeca Film Festival (passed)

June 7 – June 16 | AMC 19th Street East 6

Flickers Rhode Island Film Festival (Tickets Available)

August 8, 1:30pm @AS220's Empire Street Complex| Providence, RI

OutSouth Queer Film Festival (Tickets Available)

August 10 – 12 | Durham, NC

Sat, Aug 10, 1:00pm @ Carolina Theater Cinema Two

Sun, Aug 11, 6:40pm @ Carolina Theater Cinema Two

Mon, Aug 12, 9:20pm @ Carolina Theater Cinema Two

HollyShorts Film Festival (Tickets Available)

Sat, Aug 10, 2:30pm PST @ TCL CHINESE 6 THEATRE | Hollywood, CA

Hudson Valley Film Festival (Tickets Available)

Tues, Aug 13, 4:00pm @ Warwick Drive-In Theater | Warwick, NY

Sidewalk Film Festival (Tickets Available)

Sun, Aug 25,12:30pm @ Birmingham Museum of Art | Birmingham, AL

Richmond Film Festival (Tickets Available)

Fri, Sep 27, 6:30 PM @ Bowtie Movieland Theater 14 | Richmond, VA

Synopsis

Out of the Dark: Cal Calamia is a short documentary that delves into Cal's journey, from their upbringing in a conservative suburb to his decision to come out as transmasculine and begin hormone therapy. It explores Cal's profound struggles with mental health, and how they ultimately found the support necessary to survive and eventually go on to dominate the nonbinary category in major marathons, as well as become an advocate for gender inclusivity in racing and transgender rights.

The first non-binary winner of both the Bay to Breakers and the San Francisco Marathon, Cal won the 2023 New York City Marathon in the non-binary division and was a top finisher at other major races, all the while boosting the visibility of trans and non-binary athletes.

Directors’ Statement from Sarah Klein and Tom Mason

"When we first heard about Cal Calamia's remarkable achievement in winning the non-binary category of the Chicago marathon, we were intrigued. We had been asked to create a series of short films for WETA and Athletes for Hope focusing on athletes and mental health, and Cal's story seemed like a perfect fit. Here was an accomplished transgender runner blazing a trail in the competitive world of elite running. He had an openness about his mental health struggles... plus he had an incredible smile."

"As a filmmaking duo, our approach is deeply rooted in our own experiences, allowing us to connect with our subjects on a personal level and bring authenticity to our storytelling. One of us identifies as queer and gender-nonconforming, which provided a unique perspective and a sense of kinship with Cal's journey. The other brings a love for distance running and an understanding of the mental challenges that come with it. But beyond our personal connections, what truly resonated with us was Cal's spirit. He refused to be constrained by societal biases and instead forged his own path forward. His story is not just about athletic achievement but also about resilience, authenticity, and the courage to defy expectations. We hope that Cal's journey serves as an inspiration and a roadmap for anyone striving to embrace their true selves. Through this film, we want to encourage others to run their own race, unapologetically and authentically."

– Sarah Klein and Tom Mason