Samantha, a free-spirited hapless romantic, discovers her 30-something-year-old BFF Drew, a gay high-functioning drug-addled sex addict, hosting an orgy in lieu of honoring his personal commitments. With help from a mutual BFF, Gray, Samantha seeks Drew out for an intervention, leading Samantha and Drew to a showstopping bet. The film tries to be funny and sassy but somehow it's just not.
As two men explore their relationship, they test the boundaries of their physical and emotional desires. As the action gets more intense, the sense of intimacy begins to change. Things turn aggressive, and intimacy starts to give way to something darker. Mostly silent film of 5 min duration , this film is visually appealing but almost makes no sense.
Made by the same makers as above, another almost silent, the film follows two men in a difficult relationship. The older, more dominant of the two has invited a third man to join them in the bedroom. Though it certainly spices things up, it also accelerates the inevitable decline of their feelings for one another. Packed with naked bodies, again visual treat, but what is it trying to say.
Misha is a quiet high school teen who tries to cover up his sensitivity with an air of aloofness. He’s been exploring his sexuality during sleepovers with Philip, his much more confident best friend. When it becomes clear that Philip will be moving away to Germany with his family, it stirs up some deep emotions that Misha is not ready to face. Their seemingly strong friendship starts coming apart at the seams once Philip senses Misha’s turmoil, but is unable to get the truth out of him. Beautiful fit and a brave attempt from Russia.
Best friends Daniel and Franco are camping together in Patagonia. When their supplies fall down a cliff, they're forced to seek shelter in an unoccupied cabin. Daniel is yet to come clean about his feelings for Franco, but as their time together comes to a close, the true nature of their feelings will be brought to the fore. Decent film packed with subtle emotion and sexual tension.
Sam and Adele are on a beach holiday in Portugal. When Sam locks eyes with Miguel, the attraction between them throws Sam, Adele, Miguel, and his friend Santiago into a new configuration. The shelter of the woods and the dynamism of the sea lead into a night of secrets and revelations. Adele convinces Miguel and Santiago to convince her husband for a 4some, because her husband Sam doesn't know that she knows about his trysts with men and she is ok with it. The film questions and celebrates intimacy and desire, with an unexpected and fantastic twist at the end.
Strolling down 18th Street, you’ll encounter a small sign adorned with an illustration of a sexy leather daddy that says, “We Buy Gay Stuff.” While you might have expected a typical Castro store, but in reality it is more like a museum of queer culture and gay-themed memorabilia carefully curated by none other than Patrick Batt. His memorabilia collection illuminates the past while offering invaluable insights for our future. Queer stories are often left untold, resulting in the loss of vital parts of our history. I found this short doc definitely worth my time and would highly recommend it.
Jules goes over to Samuel's apartment one evening. The two, who met recently at a mutual friend's party, are both single -- Samuel isn't having much luck with guys he meets, and Jules has just broken up with his girlfriend. But before Jules can overcome his nerves and open up to a seemingly oblivious Samuel about the intention of his visit, Samuel's equally oblivious roommates interrupt. Jules is ready to have his first man-on-man experience with Samuel.
It's summertime, and three friends Maxime, Yann and Laura are spending a few days on a wild Mediterranean island. Maxime loves Yann passionately, but doesn't know if his feelings are shared. It's in this quest for love that Maxime immerses himself, at the risk of losing himself, between dream and desire. A bit open ended at the end, but visually nice and serene.
In the middle of the bathroom is a bathtub where two young men relax while smoking a joint. As the joint takes effect, they begin to philosophize about the origin and creation of the elements and conversation gets more personal. One of them wants to label their relationship whereas the other is afraid to make a commitment, because he wants to continue to explore his sexuality while loving the other person. Interesting film and a beautiful bathroom.
In Utah's Desolation Canyon, LGBTQ+ advocate Mikah Meyer and mentor Larry Edwards, alongwoth three other friends, explore queer mentorship. Once afraid to be openly gay, Mikah found guidance in Larry, his choir professor, leading to profound friendship and acceptance. It is a story about being your true self in the outdoors, about advocacy, and about recognizing the important people in our lives. Gorgeous canyons but not much interesting as a story.
Rhys is in a multiethnic queer polyamorous relationship (Rhys is black, Ting is Asian, and Mati is white). Rhys' straight boss invite him and his partners to a lavish gender reveal party. Feeling extremely out if place, their only source of entertainment is ogling the straight hunks, and making snide comments. The party soon spirals out of control in this satire that borders on anarchy. Interesting concept but how I wish the story was developed a little better. The chaos come out of nowhere.
At the height of summer, two rowdy young boys spend the afternoon tearing through the countryside. But when they come across an electric fence a competitive game sparks something unexpected between them. Their share an intimacy, which tells a positive story that gives room to the tender and soulful sides of masculinity as well as the rowdy and competitive ones. Strictly ok.
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A millennial reels after breaking-up with a popular gay influencer. He cannot get over him and constantly questions his purpose and work. Now he wants to get as many followers as him by turning blond and posting thirst trap pictures online. This film is a drama-comedy that explores the real world impact that vapid gay social media has on the queer community.
Firman, a closeted Indonesian actor, struggles to maintain his 'straight' image during a movie interview. When pressed about harassment allegations by Kenny, his trans friend, against his co-star Joni, he faces a dilemma: protect his career or stand by his fellow queer friend, risking exposure and the truth he fears. A beautifully and sensitively handled subject with a graceful thought and result.
Since early childhood, Tuan and Felix have been inseparable. As they train to become Olympic high divers, however, their budding love for each other suffers under the weight of the competition. Professional sport is a harsh business, and Tuan will sacrifice everything for it ... or will he? Told through animation, a beautiful story of friendship.
10 year old Mahtab is the star of the boys soccer team. When they are recognized (she is actually a girl pretending to be boy because she doesn't identify as girl) at the big match their eligibility to play for the team is questioned. The director draws on her own childhood experiences in this tender portrayal of gender policing in sport. Considering this is from Iran, it's an extremely brave attempt.
It was like watching a full film in 15 minutes. The film centres on Hamed, a young Afghan Canadian boy who is struggling to come to terms with being gay against the disapproval of his immigrant parents. The silent struggle and unspoken tension that Hamed experiences was very moving and heart touching, we see Hamed from a young boy to a fully grown adult trying to still make sense of his relationship with his father. Beautiful film.
Set in New York City´s queer underground sex party scene, Orgy Every Other Day is a bold exploration of the importance of creating spaces where diverse genders can come together and discover each other with abandon and always careful, respectful consent. It was interesting to watch this since I live in this city and have never been to a sex party. Interesting nonetheless!
For twenty-something Willem, January begins with a heavy dose of heartbreak. He is confronted with the question: who am I anymore, without my ex? Finding himself back, Willem struggles through circle birthdays, dark dance floors and climate action training. Like a chameleon, he goes through life, until Willem has to take on his own color. Interesting sequence of events depicting a guy getting over his love in due time.
João and Vitor were once lovers but have spent three decades apart. Now in their seventies, they meet again after the death of Vitor’s wife, confronting the ghosts of their shared past and the fragile hope of what might still lie ahead as both men stand at the twilight of their lives. My favorite part was how the son eventually accepts his father'e new old relationship. Beautiful!
A few months after he meets Christophe, Julien, a bisexual guy, learns that the young hairdresser has died. He then sets off on a journey to retrace their history, hoping that he can understand and forgive. It was interesting to see a film set in late 80s/90s, the way they meet and how Julien goes into guilt learning about Chistophe's suicide.
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