Ron Modro

Screenplay Title:
Begin the Beguine
Stageplay Title: Nearer to God

Author's name: R.A. Modro
Author contact email: ron.modro@gmail.com


Title: Begin the Beguine
Genre: LGBTQ+ Romance / Supernatural
Writer: R.A. Modro
WGA Registration: 2180392
US Copyright ©2023

Logline:
Two families from two eras – 1940s and present day – One White, One Black – are linked by a violent family legacy and a historic home where an expectant couple uncovers a legacy of racism and homophobia and must learn to embrace love to save their children from a doomed future mired in hate.

Synopsis:
“Begin the Beguine” is a timely and emotionally charged love story interwoven with a ghostly tale that transcends time and prejudice. Set in the 1940s and present day, the narrative follows Patrick Henderson, a defiant young African-American man, and Amy Sullivan, a determined expectant White woman, as their lives converge through the haunted corridors of a historic home.
During WWII, Patrick’s powerful bond with Albert, his white lover, challenges societal norms and sets the stage for a transcendent romance. Fast forward to 2018 where Amy’s journey into her family’s past, led by the spirit of her Great Uncle Albert, leads her to uncover Albert and Patrick’s forbidden love story hidden within the walls of her inherited home.
As Patrick’s centenary approaches, he seeks solace with the spirit of his late lover, Albert, which in turn draws all of them into an unexpected confrontation with George, a bigoted figure from his past who is also Amy’s Great Grandfather. Their convergence forces a reckoning with a history marred by racism and homophobia.
Amy’s path to racial reconciliation involves Candace, Patrick’s granddaughter, whose strength, and love shine through despite the legacy of hate. Together with her husband Brad, Amy embarks on a journey of discovery, compassion, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Their quest to redefine their families’ legacies fights against the sands of time, as Patrick’s life nears its end

Title: Nearer to God – A Play in One Act
Format: Stage/Theater Genre: Drama Written by: R. A. Modro ©2024 WGA Registered

Logline
A body is discovered in an abandoned farmhouse, revealing the harrowing journal of a young gay man who, during the height of the AIDS crisis, was cast out by his family and endured a brutal ex-gay conversion program, chronicling his desperate search for acceptance and the devastating impact of societal prejudice.
Synopsis
"Nearer to God" delves into the harrowing journey of a young gay man in rural Pennsylvania during the height of the AIDS crisis in the late 1980s. Cast out by his fundamentalist family and forced into a brutal ex-gay conversion program by his homophobic sister, he endures relentless psychological and emotional trauma. Amidst this turmoil, he receives the devastating news of his HIV-positive status, exacerbating his isolation.
Seeking refuge in an abandoned farmhouse, he chronicles his despair and fleeting moments of hope in haunting journal entries. The play unflinchingly portrays the devastating consequences of hate and intolerance, culminating in the discovery of his body, leaving a powerful legacy through his words.
The protagonist’s journey is marked by profound emotional and physical hardship, reflecting the harsh reality of being ostracized for his sexuality. Through his journal entries, the audience witnesses his struggles with family rejection, societal prejudice, and the cruelty of an ex-gay conversion program. Intertwined with moments of hope and resilience, the play highlights his indomitable spirit and search for inner peace amidst overwhelming adversity.
"Nearer to God" serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of hate and bigotry, calling for empathy, compassion, and understanding. It urges the audience to reflect on the tragic legacy of the AIDS crisis and the enduring impact of discrimination and rejection on those who long for acceptance.

Awards Won

2025 Awards Season for R.A. Modro – Screenwriter
•    FORBIDDEN: Once Upon a War – TOKYO FILM AND SCREENPLAY AWARDS – OFFICIAL WINNER – Best Television Pilot - 2025
•    BEGIN THE BEGUINE - LGBTQ UNBORDERED INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - OFFICIAL SELECTION – 2025
•    NEARER TO GOD - LGBTQ UNBORDERED INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - OFFICIAL SELECTION – STAGE PLAY – 2025
•    FORBIDDEN: Once Upon a War – CHICAGO SCRIPT AWARDS – HONORABLE MENTION – 2025
•    BEGIN THE BEGUINE - CHICAGO SCRIPT AWARDS – OFFICIAL WINNER – 2025
•    FORBIDDEN: Once Upon a War – HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL INDIE SCREENPLAY AWARDS – OFFICIAL SELECTION – 2025
•    NEARER TO GOD - HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL INDIE SCREENPLAY AWARDS – OFFICIAL WINNER – STAGE PLAY – 2025

COMPLETE SCREENWRITING AWARDS LIST for R.A. Modro
MY NAME WAS ICEK
Quarterfinalist, Inroads Screenwriting Fellowship 2021
Quarterfinalist, Stage 32 Feature Drama Screenwriting Contest 2021
Quarterfinalist, Filmmatic Drama Screenplay Awards 2023
Official Selection, Berlin International Screenwriting Festival 2023
Finalist, Cambridge Script Festival Winter Season 23/24
Honorable Mentioned, Stage Script Film Competition 2025

FORBIDDEN: ONCE UPON A WAR
Best Television Entry, Tokyo Film and Screenplay Awards 2025
Best Teleplay, New Hope Film Festival and Screenplay Contest 2021
Semi-finalist, Filmmatic TV Pilot Awards 2021
Official Selection, Cannes Cinema Festival 2022
Quarterfinalist, Inroads Fellowship Season 5
Official Selection, Berlin International Screenwriting Festival 2023
Semi-finalist, SCRIPTMATIX Pilot Season Contest 2024
Quarterfinalist, Script Lab Screenplay Contest 2024
Honorable Mention, Chicago Script Awards 2025
Official Selection , Hollywood International Indie Screenplay Awards 2025

BEGIN THE BEGUINE
Official Winner, LGTBQ+ Los Angeles Film Festival 2024
Official Winner, Queer Screenplay Project 2024
Quarterfinalist, STAGE 32 Screenwriting Fellowship 2024
Quarterfinalist, Atlanta Screenplay Awards
Quarterfinalist, Filmmatic Drama Screenplay Awards 2024
Official Selection, Stage Script Film Competition 2025
Official Selection, LBGTQ Unbordered International Film Festival 2025
Official Winner , Chicago Script Awards 2025

NEARER TO GOD
Official Selection, LBGTQ Unbordered International Film Festival 2025
Official Winner, Hollywood International Indie Screenplay Awards 2025

CONFLUENCE
Quarterfinalist, Stage 32 Diversity Springboard 2021