Since the start of 2024, I have been a part of a project arranged by KulturUngdom Gothenburg called The Writer's Labb. Six upcoming screenwriters and playwrights, including myself, got the opportunity to each write a screenplay or stageplay while receiving coaching from veteran writers in the industry. 

Yesterday was the reading of these manuscripts on the lovely stage at Atalatne. Each writer got ten minutes dedicated to a part of their screenplay, which was read out loud by upcoming actors. I had no involvement in the performance itself, which was incredible to see unfold. The performance made me reflect on the characters I had created and it might influence the final version. 

For the Writer's Labb I wrote The Elephant in the Room, an LGBTQ+ short film screenplay focusing on understanding. The plot follows Agnes, a twenty-two-year-old bisexual pianist who introduces her straight boyfriend Patrik to her found family over dinner. Because of a previous toxic straight relationship, her older sibling Noah is sceptical and wants to test Patrik's knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community. Something he lacks due to an isolated upbringing. With the hopes of making the evening perfect, Agnes has to ensure Patrik doesn't say anything disrespectful while the evening's plans slowly crumble. Currently, the screenplay is in its final stages.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event, to KulturUngdom for giving me this opportunity, to the actor who put on an incredible performance, and to my writing coach and the other participants for your feedback and advice.

-Jakob Benjaminsson