He Won’t Belong is a narrative short film written, directed, and edited by Dominic Mercurio. The film premiered online in 2024 through Film Shortage as a Featured Short and was an Official Selection at numerous film festivals in 2023. Visit www.hewontbelong.com for more information.
In the midst of a storm on a desolate strip of California's lost coast, two strangers begin to uncover each other's past.
written, directed, and edited by Dominic Mercurio
produced by Jaena Sta. Ana
starring Cole Doman and Joel DeCandio
director of photography Matt Rome
production design Deb Leal
original score by Akiyoshi Ehara
ABOUT
Dominic Mercurio is an award-winning San Francisco based filmmaker and musician. His video work has premiered on Billboard, FADER, PopMatters, The Bay Bridged, and has been featured at SFMOMA. He’s worked with Tune-Yards, The Seshen, Pomplamoose, Foxtails Brigade, and more. He was selected as a 2023 and 2024 SFFILM FilmHouse Resident.
While he has become known for his surreal and nightmarish narrative-driven music videos like the CYAN series, Dominic recently completed his first narrative short to hit the festival circuit titled He Won't Belong. This queer drama shot in Sea Ranch, CA and starring Cole Doman and Joel DeCandio, tells the story of two men who meet in the midst of a coastal storm. While they wait for the storm to pass, they begin to uncover each others past. The film played in festivals across the country and has since been released online.
Outside of film, he co-hosts a film review podcast Totally Tell Me and plays drums in the Oakland-based band Foxtails Brigade. He has played at major venues and festivals across San Francisco and beyond; such as The Fillmore, Great American Music Hall, El Rey Theatre, Noise Pop, and SXSW.
Born and raised in the SF Bay Area, Dominic has a B.S. in Digital Film and Video Production from the Art Institute of California – San Francisco.