Hayley Kiyoko directed the feature film 'Girls Like Girls', which opened in U.S. theaters nationwide on Friday, June 19, 2026 [1].
The project marks a significant step in Kiyoko's transition into filmmaking and her commitment to expanding LGBTQ+ representation in cinema. By drawing from her personal life, the artist aims to provide a visible narrative for queer audiences on the big screen.
During an interview conducted on May 9, 2026, at the Gold Gala in Los Angeles, Kiyoko discussed the creative origins of the movie [3]. She said her fiancée, Becca Tilley, served as an inspiration for the film's development [1, 2]. The project reflects the influence of their relationship and the desire to tell authentic stories about love, and identity.
Kiyoko and Tilley became engaged in July 2025 during a trip to Mallorca, Spain [2]. This personal milestone coincided with the production and preparation for the film's release. The director used these personal experiences to shape the emotional core of the story.
The film's arrival in theaters follows a period of high visibility for the couple. Their engagement and Kiyoko's directorial debut highlight a broader trend of LGBTQ+ artists taking control of their own narratives through directing and producing. The movie seeks to bridge the gap between personal experience and public storytelling, ensuring that the nuances of queer relationships are captured accurately.
Kiyoko said the effort was driven by a need for more inclusive representation. The film is now available for audiences across the country as part of its nationwide theatrical rollout [1].
“Hayley Kiyoko directed the feature film 'Girls Like Girls'.”
Kiyoko's move into directing signals a shift toward creator-led LGBTQ+ cinema, where artists use their personal partnerships to authenticate on-screen representation. By leveraging her platform and personal relationship with Tilley, she is transitioning from a musical performer to a multi-hyphenate storyteller with a specific focus on queer visibility.
