MANDEM Studios Challenges Stereotypes for 'Same Team' Film

MANDEM Studios Worldwide announces the launch of its first campaign, 'Same Team,' a powerful short film and editorial directed and photographed by Voyager’s Chrris Lowe and written and creatively directed by her partner and MANDEM founder Kim Alex Hall. The campaign, which premiered in Los Angeles at the Line Hotel on March 9th, marks the debut of MANDEM Studios and sets the stage for the collective's mission to foster connection and redefine representation for masculine-centred creatives and allies.

Set against the backdrop of a nostalgic, late-'90s/early-2000s hangout, 'Same Team' invites viewers into a candid conversation between friends, weaving together themes of self-expression, collective growth and community building, while highlighting their first product, the SAME TEAM HAT 001. The 90-second short explores the dynamics of masculinity in the queer community, shedding light on the often-unspoken competition between masc-identifying individuals, challenging ingrained perceptions and advocating for unity.

"I'm really proud to be launching MANDEM Studios, and I think it's both necessary and timely,” shares Kim. “Right now, there is a growing effort to silence queer voices, both culturally and politically. That is why it is so important for us to come together, to be seen, to tell our stories, and to create without limits."

MANDEM Studios is a creative studio built on community, creativity, and collaboration. Rooted in visibility and inclusivity, they create spaces, experiences, and products that celebrate and empower queer folks, masc-identifying individuals, and their allies. Through this, MANDEM Studios challenges stereotypes, fosters empowerment, and inspires ground breaking work - redefining representation and driving meaningful change.

"I love this campaign,” expresses Chrris. “From its inception with Kim to its execution with our team, it reflects queerness, community, and art - values that are deeply important to us. Our goal with the creative was to capture the nuances of queer, Black, masc culture while making it feel familiar enough to invite a wider audience in, encouraging them to lean in and engage with the conversation. Kim and I collaborate often, and it’s something we truly love. We each bring a unique perspective as artists, and blending them often results in something compelling and beautiful. It’s a gift to create together whenever we get the chance."

Additionally, Kim is premiering 'S.i.r,' a series she’s created that explores sexuality, gender and identity. The YouTube series follows Shamik, Alex and Justin as they navigate the complexities of these themes within friendship, family dynamics and dating. 'Same Team' is an indirect extension of the series, sharing the same nuanced and authentic approach to storytelling - offering insight into an underrepresented community through a universal theme of friendship and connection.