GIRLS LIKE GIRLS
Hayley Kiyoko Turns Hit Song Into Directorial Debut
She’s been dubbed “Lesbian Jesus”, and with her feature directorial debut, Girls Like Girls, Hayley Kiyoko beautifully builds on the story and world first introduced in her seminal single a decade ago.
Kiyoko’s song “Girls Like Girls” tapped into the energy everyone brought to “I Kissed A Girl” but with more soul, heart (and a deeper level of authenticity). The single’s music video was co-directed by Kiyoko and became a viral hit. When Kiyoko released the novel version of Girls Like Girls, it became a New York Times Bestseller, which has been adapted into what looks to be a timely, heartfelt feature film Kiyoko directs based on a screenplay she co-wrote.
Haley Kiyoko directing Girls Like Girls, Courtesy of @girlslikegirlsfilm
While a talented actress herself, it’s impressive that Kiyoko has cast others, even going back to the music video. It feels like as a champion of and driving force for representation, Kiyoko wants to create as many opportunities as possible—she’s a job creator. The story of Girls Like Girls is not even scratching the surface of an already awe-inspiring career.
The film adaptation of Girls Like Girls stars newcomers Maya da Costa and Myra Molloy in the lead roles with Levon Hawke and Zach Braff rounding out the ensemble. Listen to the song, read the novel (or listen to the audiobook, which has an all-queer cast), and get ready for the film to arrive in theaters June 19th.
Haley Kiyoko, Author of Girls Like Girls, Courtesy of @HaleyKiyoko