• Season 10
  • 🏆 Award Winner: Celebrating Difference

Ben in Bloom

A TRAVERSE32 Production in association with Field Of Jasmine Films Directed by Natalie Jasmine Harris

BEN IN BLOOM,' tells the story of Ben (now Stella), a non-binary and queer teenager from the contentious Bucks County, Pennsylvania school district. She weaves a heartfelt tapestry of her past, reliving the moments and people that shaped her into a fearless LGBTQ+ advocate.
  • Runtime: 15:17

Why we chose this film.

This hopeful documentary tells a layered, upbeat, and inspiring story about a young person’s journey toward connection and belonging. We think audiences will be inspired by Stella’s experiences navigating political discord in her hometown, embracing her identity, and uplifting her queer community through creativity, self-expression, and connection.

Filmmaker

Inspiration

When I met Stella, I knew her story needed to be told. At a time when queer and trans youth are under attack in American schools, sharing stories of joy and community feels more important than ever. In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a powerful community — led by extraordinary activists and organizers like Marlene Pray of the Bucks County Rainbow Room — is saving lives and helping young people find profound joy. It was an honor to tell the story of such a resilient and beautiful community.

Meet the Filmmaker

Natalie Harris

Natalie Harris

Director

Natalie Harris

Director

Natalie Jasmine Harris is an award-winning Black queer filmmaker from Maryland whose work is rooted in coming-of-age experiences, showcasing Black joy, and imagining pathways to liberation for marginalized communities. Her filmmaking spans narrative, documentary, and commercial work. Natalie’s latest short film, GRACE, had its world premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and has since screened at dozens of film festivals. In 2025, the film was awarded a Vimeo Staff Pick and acquired to stream on The Criterion Channel. Her NYU thesis film, PURE, won the 2020 Directors Guild of America’s Student Film Award and was acquired by HBOMax. She is currently developing a feature adaptation with support from SFFILM, Film Independent, Outfest, and The Gotham. Natalie has directed commercial and documentary work for Hyundai, TIME, YouTube, and Breakwater Studios. She is currently a Sundance Ignite & PBS Creative Voices Fellow and has participated in artist programs with Outfest, Film at Lincoln Center, GLAAD, and more.

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