Bigfoot Woods film explores trans identity through a Bigfoot mystery
Bigfoot Woods is an independent film about a transgender teenager and his father who discover possible evidence of Bigfoot, exploring identity and family acceptance.
A transgender teenager and his father become local celebrities after capturing what appears to be evidence of Bigfoot in Bigfoot Woods, an independent coming-of-age film that uses an unusual mystery to explore identity and family acceptance.
Directed by Elizabeth Chatelain, the film follows Jonah Benally, played by Ambrose Velasco, and his father, Paul, played by Rich Sommer. Their discovery draws attention from their small town, where the possibility of Bigfoot captures the community’s imagination.
Yet the attention also exposes a deeper contradiction. People are willing to believe in a legendary creature, but some struggle to accept Jonah as a boy, despite having known him for years. The contrast gives the film its central theme, using folklore and small-town humour to examine the challenges of being understood and accepted.
A personal story about transgender identity
The screenplay was written by father and son Bruce and Abel Pavalon, with the story drawing on Abel’s own experience of transitioning. That personal connection informs the film’s exploration of family relationships and the importance of acceptance.
Rather than making Jonah’s identity a separate issue from the main plot, Bigfoot Woods places his experience at the heart of the story. The Bigfoot mystery provides an unusual backdrop for a coming-of-age film about the difference between accepting an extraordinary possibility and accepting someone whose identity challenges a community’s expectations.
The cast also includes Tristen MacDonald, Julia Zook and Derek Hughes. The production was filmed in Minnesota, bringing a regional setting to its mix of family drama, mystery and comedy.
Watch the trailer:
Bigfoot Woods festival screenings and release date
Bigfoot Woods received the Prairie Spirit Award at the Fargo Film Festival in March 2026 and went on to screen at the Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival. Velasco also received a Best Performance award at the Twin Cities Gay Film Festival.
The film held its West Coast premiere at the Awareness Film Festival in Santa Monica on 17 October 2026, continuing its festival run.
For those waiting to watch the film at home, the official Bigfoot Woods website lists streaming for spring 2027.
