Brian Favorite is an educator and experimental documentary filmmaker based in Cathedral City, California. He holds an MFA in Cinema and an MA in Broadcast & Electronic Communications. Currently, he serves as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher at an all-virtual high school in Southern California. Alongside his work in education, Favorite has directed experimental documentaries that delve into themes of gender, identity, and social justice. His notable films include: Tony & Denise: Cinematic Memoir of Denise D’Anne (2023) – A portrait of pioneering San Francisco transgender labor activist Denise D’Anne, told in her own words. Parish (2018) – A look into Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic parish in San Francisco’s Castro District known for its compassionate outreach during the AIDS crisis, all while adhering to traditional Catholic doctrine. The Queendom of Tonga (2015) – Set in the Kingdom of Tonga, this film follows a gay Peace Corps volunteer who, while instructed to hide his sexuality, finds community and guidance among local transgender women. Heklina (2013) – A vibrant profile of drag icon Heklina, founder of San Francisco’s avant-garde drag show Trannyshack, and performer in drag parodies of Sex and the City, Golden Girls, and Roseanne. Like a Lady: The Fakaleitis of Tonga (2009) – An earlier exploration of gender identity in the South Pacific through the lens of the fakaleiti community. Favorite’s work has been featured by outlets such as KQED, various film festivals throughout the world and the Transgender Media Portal. He also shares his films and educational content on his YouTube channel. His current documentary-in-progress is a biographical journey through the life and work of Nick Lawrence—a trans activist, educator, speaker, songwriter and performer—chronicling a life of resilience, creativity, and advocacy.