Shoes Off is a story about a Brazilian immigrant who becomes the subject matter of an artist’s canvas in Brooklyn. The film explores the themes of the queer diaspora beyond the family trauma trope in immigrant stories through the lenses of danger and desire. Shoes Off blends together its influence from the aesthetics and tropes of DIY porn, thrillers, and realistic dramas. Shoes Off is the portrayal of the challenges, pleasures, and adventures of what a queer immigrant experience could be, based on true stories. Shoes Off depicts how vulnerable and unique the queer experience can be in a search for sexual desire. The film is vaguely influenced by the films: Phantom by João Pedro Rodrigues, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! and Law of Desire by Pedro Almodóvar, Love by Gaspar Noé, Shame by Steve Mcqueen, Stranger by the Lake by Alain Guiraduie, Pleasure by Ninja Thyberg, Mala Noche by Gus Van Sant, and Shortbus by John Cameron Mitchell.
