This section will be a collection of reviews of short BL films, and/ or documentaries, music videos, featuring LGBTQ+ people or themes. Simply click onto the image OR click "Find Out More" button to get to its link. Hope you enjoy these cinema snippets.
This is such an evocative and brilliant short film that captures so much angst in a brief period, that it is overwhelming. It is just under 15 minutes long. A 16-year-old boy named Damien (Jacob Whiteduck-Lovie) is an accomplished swimmer but is hiding something that erodes away at who he is. He simply cannot tell anyone what is happening. His swimming coach has taken a keen interest in him and has pushed him to become an excellent water polo player. Yet the relationship with his coach seems murky and tense with Damien seemingly becoming more passive-aggressive towards him. But he does make swimming look appealing and enticing. So much so that his younger brother, Jordan (Ryan Hill) wants to emulate him. Upon hearing that, Damien panics and becomes horrified, and a sense of panic overshadows him. He tries to discourage this pursuit. He seems to want to protect his brother no matter what the cost.
Damien tells his younger brother, in a brilliantly written dialogue, that he can tell him anything, even things he cannot tell his parents, or things that he might be afraid to tell another living soul. Damien planted the seed in his brother’s young mind that he does not have to go down any path alone. Nothing is ever said or done that is overt, but it does not have to be. We can sense what is happening. Slowly, but almost inevitably, we begin to see Damien break the shackles of what is clearly abuse. The road ahead for him will be profoundly challenging and the hope is he will come to rely on his own resolute and fortitude. He can no longer be or remain silent. What he faced was unthinkable. What he is facing is unimaginable. What he will face is unfathomable. Yet if Damien is to have a chance at life, he must learn to swim against the tide of passivity and swim into the ocean of truth. This is a sharply written and touchingly directed production by Mathiaas Graham that captures two axioms. One, it shows the intense love an older brother has for his younger brother that he adroitly captured and willingly conveyed his pain to him in a way that assured his brother a full proof escape route with no barriers ever. And second, he captured in subtle tones the ubiquitous, insidiousness, and the silent horror of sexual abuse. How it can hide in plain sight.The overall production of this short film is spectacular and simply enhances and underscores the raw emotions obvious. While watching this you want to say this is not happening, yet your gut tells you it is. If you are not profoundly moved and saddened by this short film, then you are not human. It screams pain. Yet for me, there is still a flicker of hope that Damien will be made whole. Dear God, I hope so. He has suffered in silence long enough.
There is such a surprise at the end of this short film that it caught me off guard besides its rather profound message. It is a story of discovery between a gay couple that needed this occasion to reflect about their relationship. And this ‘escape’ is way more than they bargained for. Justin (Troy Hatt) is a happy-go-lucky, spur of the moment kind of guy while Jacob (Brandon Keith Rogers) is a more reflective, pensive, introspective individual who feels like Justin does not take the relationship seriously anymore, or simply does not really ‘see’ who Jacob is. They have been together for 10 plus years and frankly the relationship has gotten stale, predictable, with both living in two different worlds. This ‘trip’ shows that reality. The love for each other is not what is at question; it is the likeability of one another that is in question. That has now been exposed now for everyone to see it. You will understand that in a moment. This is simply brilliant.
There are two other short films along with this one worth your attention. One is outtakes and the other is the interview with the two actors. It is deep and very introspective and answers the question of what happens to Justin and Jacob. It is perhaps maudlin but more in line with realism. Not everything has a happy ending and sometimes it should not have.
Luke (Chris Jenks) enjoys going to the local pool. Recently, a rather handsome young man also seems to be frequenting the pool as well. They eventually strike up a conversation and find out both are passionate about swimming. His name is Sid (Omari Douglas). This goes on for quite a few weeks and the two appear to be rather chummy and close. Luke asks Sid to join him and his friends for a drink at a local pub. However, when Luke and his friends see Sid dressed as his true self, Luke changes. He pretends to quite literally not know who Sid was and remains quiet while his friends humiliate, shame, and mock Sid. So, Sid retreats, feeling an overwhelming and insurmountable amount of humiliation with both hurt and anger in his eyes. Perhaps disappearing into a shell again, not wanting to be seen. Although Luke returns to the pool, maybe hoping to see Sid, but does not. Luke looks doleful with a hint of guilt in his eyes – for the moment. But I doubt a lesson has been learned here by Luke. His arrogance is simply a part of who he is.
This is a simple story, really. We are looking into the world of an old man soon to be lost, truly alone except for his memories, which are nimbly fading. Much pain comes in spurts and waves from those memories; If you are human, you will weep along with him. Yes, all of it is melancholic, pensive, and introspective. Yet, despite the pain, he is trying to hold on for as long as he can; that is the power of love. This is a soft, gentle wistful story of an aging old man losing his memory, drifting each day further and further from remembering. Remembering who was most precious to him; that is the most profound loss imaginable. Eddie (Bodgie Pascua) not only has Alzheimer’s but is forlorn. He must write down every day so he can remember. Yet, in a twisted ironic sense, when he does not, he functions. When he does, which is his goal, it creates pain. But a pain that is worth enduring as it reawakens the ghost of remembrance. That remembrance is his love for his partner Bernie (Rolando Inocencio). He wants to embrace his warmth, feel his touch, enjoy his hugs, and listen for his ‘Mahal Kita’. But Bernie is gone. Why did he go before him? Although the story is bittersweet, Eddie would always want you to see life for its allureness, curiosity, and pleasures. Start your own journal of life always with the words: ‘Write here’. So, by the end of the day, you can end it with, ‘Today is a good day’. Fill it with all the enchantment, wonder, seductiveness, mundaneness, madness, and bleakness that makes up you. Because in the end, that may be all you have. Hold onto those memories. They are and will always be irreplaceable.
Jai and Veer (Aakash Jaiswal and Utarsh Yadav) have been dating each other for three years and have recently moved from a small town to a major city to start their new life together. It is obvious that they are deeply in love with one other. As they unpack, they reminisce and dream about ‘one day’; but now they are broke. Nonetheless, they are happy to be together. Jai calls Veer to wish him a Happy Valentine’s Day and because they have no money to not get anything as a gift. When Veer gets home, he is surprised that Jai has decorated the apartment - plus more. What has happened are acts of selflessness and pure love not just on Veer’s part but also on Jai’s part. Both show what sacrifice meant. The sacrifices they were willing to make is for the happiness of the other without hesitation or reservation. There is no greater definition of love than in is this short film. I wept at its beauty, its commitment, and devotion. It is a cinematic enchantment. The magic is said silently and will last a lifetime. Simple acts of love have the most profound consequences.
A story of two boys, best friends, growing up together, and inseparable. Yet, one not really seeing the other while the other seeing the other in ways not wanted. The desires finally spill over, becoming a reality for one of them, only for a fleeting moment. While the one finally sees his friend in a new light. A light he repudiation. This is a story of rejection and liberation. Of happiness and sadness. So much is left unsaid in this short film that is so much more powerful than what is actually said. I wept uncontrollably as I sensed the fate for the one rediscovering who and what he is. His life is and no doubt will be unimaginably difficult, hard, and perhaps end up tragic. Yet, there is a sense of peace surrounding him with an aura of self-acceptance. The end scene, with no words, is so powerful. Both friends see each other, one clings, as if it is for the last time. She walks off smiling, crying while her former friend stands there shocked, dismayed, yet tormented and broken. Concepts of acceptance, love, and understanding are not here. What is here is loneliness, but a willingness to forgive and embrace. Perhaps in another time or if only………
This is not an easy film to watch. This film has been re-released and it is powerful and relevant today. It is emotionally draining.
This is the best short BL I have seen in a very long time. Hands down! A nervous high school performer, Josh (Jack Walz), is scared about his first stage performance which includes his first kiss. What makes him more nervous is that is has never kissed anyone before and she is not who he wants his first kiss to be. He wants his first kiss to be Tyler (Jeremiah Brannan) who has caught his eye and has captured his heart. By happenstance, they meet in a before in a Bonding Session and are able to exchange something that is so magical and wonderfully real that it will no doubt remain with them for the rest of their lives. They kissed better than almost all kisses I have seen in BLs as of late (certainly Thai BLs). This is a brilliant production combining a bit of fantasy and reality in a teenage world of wonderment. I was touched by its beauty and its beginning portrait to life's new journey for two young men. Oh, the joy of fully living! This is a great production! Congratulations and well done! It accomplished what it set out to do from its very beginning.
A story of self-discovery at the swimming pool – 2023 – United States
Captain of the swim team, Dylan (Nicolas Liberatore) is openly gay who happens to notice a guy sitting in the bleachers wearing a jacket with another member of the swim team. He becomes curious and finds out his name is Phoenix (Martin Powers). Phoenix states he does not know how to swim but Dylan offers to teach him. So, the two of them arrange a time to meet. The practice has to be done around the pool since Phoenix forgot his swimming trunks. When he accidentally falls into the pool, he freaks and runs away. When he later returns, he explains why he did what he did. He may already know how to swim; it was about letting himself by vulnerable and opening up to someone who is nice. This is a beautiful story of seeing a person, not a gender in the classic sense of that word. It has got to be so difficult to face these challenges of reality that you are ‘different’ but yet not. The acceptability factor must always be an ongoing fear, until the right person comes along. This story gives such a nice, soft approach to that credence. Two guys simply found each other and are falling in love. We need not know any more than that.
The sudden realization of the past becomes more than a memory – 2015 – Sweden
It is a simple story, really. While made in 2015, it has been re-reissued, and it still holds up today. This film, while short, was shot in one take and is simply remarkable. Adam (Emil Jonsson) is taking his wife out to dinner at a nice restaurant in Stockholm when something catches his eye. Making an excuse to his wife that he left his wallet in the car, he ventures across the street to an art gallery where he sees an ‘old friend’. It is obvious that they have had a past. A past full of intimacy with mistakes made by both leading to paths to different directions. It is obvious that the old feelings flooded back. There is a momentary reconciliation. They admit mistakes. They loved each other and still do, with Erik (Mikael Bergstein) asking Adam, almost pleadingly, to stay with him. Adam simply cannot and walks off and away. The pain is almost unbearable. He rejoins his wife. This is a saga that has multiple versions to it with the same ending and repeated infinite amounts of time. A love story of what was, will never be again, but will burn in our memories until the day we die. And perhaps even live on long after that.
The sad truth about homophobia – 2023 – Australia
This short film lives up to its name, indeed. In so many ways. It is about a young man named Connor (Matthew Homer) who is caged in by his homophobic and strict father. While he tries to be straight, he simply cannot. He has a best friend named Sean (Braden Ligertwood) with whom he is close to and is undoubtedly close to. He confides in him that he is gay, and his friend says, “Finally” as if he has known all along. But Sean is not gay. Inadvertently, the father sees them innocently hugging in the park but takes that to mean something else. Later he comes back with thugs and beats Sean up. Sean does make one call to Connor and Connor comes rushing to him yet seems powerful or impotent to do anything about it. The last scene is when we hear the sirens coming in the early morning light. Is Sean already dead? This is a tragic story only exasperated by its covert religious and morally bigoted overtones as you can see in the film. You decide how much of that is at play here. The acting in this saga is stunning and so realistic. It does leave you wondering, however, why. Why the hate? Why the fear? Why the hesitation? What is Connor’s next move? He is indeed living in a birdcage. If he continues, it is now of his own doing. A brilliant short film.
The true and profound meaning of love and marriage – 2023 – United States
This is an eye-opening reality check for all young people gay or straight. In this case it involves a gay relationship. A happy blissful young gay married couple is suddenly hit with an unexpected medical emergency. Antonio (Brandon Baez) is without warning struck with Retinal Artery Occlusion and is blinded immediately. This becomes a test of their strength, their love, their commitment, and their marriage. Do their marriage vows mean anything? Yes! They do. Mathew (Roger Torrez), his husband, honors and obeys the marriage vows and provides the strength and guidance that Antonio needs to get through this. For both to get through this. It can be done. I cried at this stunningly beautiful short film of what love and commitment are all about. The acting is so realistic that I wept with them. It is such a touching and deeply moving story that it causes you to pause and reflect on your own life and the fragility of living it. This is 13 minutes of ponderance with a lifetime of memories that will always remain with you. Just beautifully done!
Not all magical wishes are happy ones – 2021 – Mexico
Alejandro (Pablo Flores), an insecure and timid teenager has a crush on Javier (Hector Marino). With the encouragement of his friend, Alejandro asks Javier to be his partner on the tour of the Mayan Exhibit at the Museum. They stop at the magical stone exhibit to admire its beautiful and Alejandro tries to ask Javier out on a date but fumbles his words. Frustrated, Alejandro wishes that if we were different, Javier would go out with him. As magic would happen, Alejandro wakes up the next day and is Alejandra (Giovanna Jimenez). And Javier is enamored with her. But as Javier talks, Alejandra begins to ‘see’ the real core of who Javier is and how bigoted on the inside he truly is. As well as being tone deaf to what she is saying. In addition to not knowing who Madonna is! Alejandra now realizes the mistake she made into thinking she should be someone else and perhaps it is best just to be yourself. This is a brilliant short film able to very carefully show us to that you “cannot judge a book by its cover” or to “be careful what you wish for” or any other myriad of cliché expression or desires we think will fill the deficits or deficiencies in our lives that are simply empty words or phrases. We are who we are and perhaps it is best to realize that from the start.
The rediscovery and reconnection of two estranged brothers – 2022 – Canada
This is a brilliant piece of artistry. It is a story of two estranged Pakistani brothers trying to attend their father’s gravesite in the middle of nowhere. However, the car breaks down, giving them, reluctantly, an opportunity to talk with each other. Both brothers are not only estranged from one other but also from the family. Additionally, both brothers have not so pleasant memories of their father and in the case of Abdul (Zaid Usmani) it is particularly bitter because he is gay, and the father found out that he is and disassociated himself from his son. Although we do not know what the story of Hamza (Noaman Rahin) is, he rejects the family nonetheless and its values even more so than Abdul. It is a melancholic journey down memory lane for both and interestingly enough neither one has the ability to cry. Mourn perhaps but not cry. In the end when they get the car started again, Hamza says to Abdul, “You know you don’t owe him anything. His grave will always be there.” They smile at each other, and we are left wondering what their next action will be. This is a deeply pensive, reflective, introspective connection between two brothers long overdue that hopefully will bridge the gulf between them. Ironically, the entity that drove them apart, is the entity that will bring them back together. Good job, Baba. You did in death what you could not do in life.
The trials and tribulations of first loves and miscommunication – 2023 – United States
Grayson (Joseph Guzzone) and Drew (Khalif Thompson) have just moved into a new apartment together and are just now discovering how to navigate a relationship. It centers around the lack of communication between the two and how easy it is to misinterpret mixed messages. What do you share and how much do you share with your partner? Especially when it is work related. The first place to go is to question whether or not you really are in love – a telltale sign that communication is lacking and essential. What seems like nothing to one partner is something to the other, until the answer is revealed. This is a student project told with astuteness and a good sense of direction. It gives us just enough for us to care but allows us to imagine what it is they are both hiding. Fun!
Your first crush – 2018 – United States
A deeply reflective and pensive eight-year-old boy, Zander (Zackary Arthur) feels out of place and perhaps unloved as he feels his way around those awkward growing up stages. Still a child but very much beginning to awaken his own sense of who he is. He begins to feel something for his male teacher, Mr. Wiley (Jason Heymann). He steals something of value from his father to give to Mr. Wiley as a token of his ‘love’, hoping somehow it will be reciprocated. Zander’s father (Timothy Ryan Cole) is a model of understanding. Although what Zander stole was important to him, it is more important that Zander have it. And the father points to a mysterious time on the watch and says when the big hand gets ‘right there’, he will feel better. And he parts with five simple words, “I love you, kiddo. I do.” Nothing more needed to be said. All the acceptance in the world has already been surrounded this father and son and an unshakeable bond exists between them. I have never been so moved by such a soft, gentle exchange between a father and son. Tears streamed down my face. It is a beautiful and profoundly moving moment. One not to be missed.
Do we dare look at the shallowness of relationships? – 2022 – Brazil
A fascinating and intriguing story of familial deceit and what priorities are really important to us. It is a story of Daniel (Theo Nagueira) who hires himself out for sex accidently meets his aunt (Anne de Conette) at a store. Little does she know that he is soon to meet her husband (Abiud Jose) at one of the many apartments that he owns. Being very wealthy, he ‘hires’ Daniel and realizes that the sex with him is astonishing. However, he discovers that his wife has hired a private detective to spy on him. When she confronts him, she is not upset at all because she is told and shown that who he is seeing is not another woman but his nephew. She concludes, naively or calculatingly (you decide) that he is there to help him with his work. Thus, she is content to get as much from him as possible since he is not ‘cheating’. In return, Ron is now free to be with Daniel for as long as that is entertaining and fun. While beneficial for all parties in the short run, this will run thin quickly and will no doubt not last very long. But that is the reality of these types of clandestine relationships. They are fun until they are not.
The continuing love story with a bit of an edge and a new level – 2023 – Singapore
This is the continuing story of PURE VANILLA, a short romantic film punctured by softness and gentleness (look for that previous review below). This time around, it is taken to another level as their pastry shop is fully developing and they may now even have time to get away for a while. Yet, the wall of hesitancy still exists between them, more so on the part of Charlie (Soh Deng Xun). He remains always hesitant. When someone arrives for more publicity shots, it turns out to be an old friend of Charlie’s named Alex (Leon Koh). Immediately, Gabriel (Braven Yeo) is struck by their closeness since they knew each other in college and spend much time together. Gabriel is both jealous and obviously worried as Charlie is perhaps malleable. It is evident on Gabriel’s face he is deeply in love with Charlie with Charlie yet to announce his true feelings. But when Alex lets Charlie know how he feels, Charlie’s only thought is Gabriel. He runs back to Gabriel and finally confesses his feelings towards him and says the words he has been wanting to say, “I love you.” This is beyond sweet. It really is the missing ingredient in the recipe for love. This is not just pure vanilla; it is pure joy and done with complete earnestness and devotion. Just like the first one, this beautiful slice of life is all the desert you will ever need. This has to become a full-blown BL!
What’s there to talk about? – 2023 – United States
Ulysses Morazan and Luis Alexandar Mejia star in this profound drama of an all-too-common story of a gay guy hooking up with another guy who does not know, or cannot accept, or does not want to bring the truth to the surface. While the sex is wonderful, the emotional attachments, as much as one tries not to get vested into feelings, rears up, and you guise how your feel by saying that we never ‘talk’. He says, “I can’t give you want you want? And you retort back, “What is it that you want?” The only response is more sex. One can pretend that all is well until you are jolted into reality when he pushes your hand away when he sees another person on the street looking at the two of you holding onto each other. A cold hard fact sets in and acceptance of your fate envelopes you and you see your fate is not going to change. This scenario is so often played out in the real world. But the pain is no less hurtful even though we know it is coming. It is a sad reality of being gay and getting older with societal norms still demanding we act in the right way. A brilliant piece of gay existence. No matter how many times we replay the scene, it still comes out the same - that we are cheated, made to feel less than, and kept a secret. You will always be ‘somebody else’. Such is the fate of someone else. Just a brilliant piece of sad reality showing a slice of life between feelings realized and those that can never be.
All about letting love take you over when you have been forgotten – 2023 – England
This is a remarkably soft, incredibly well-acted, gentle short story that indeed represents so many, many forgotten men. It stars Benjamin Stubb as James and Jacob Taylor as Simon. We do not really know what the story about James is, nor Jacob for that matter. All we can gather is that James is a middle-aged man who has isolated himself completely, cutting himself off from everyone, obviously scared and frightened, and trying to work the courage to re-enter the world again. Except for an occasional walk into the forest, where he occasionally sees a man smiling at him and trying to engage him into a conversation, he has isolated himself into his artwork. Finally, Simon strikes up a conversation, breaking the ice, and allowing a smile to come over James’ face. Perhaps this is the beginning…..
I loved its message of hope and of connection. Something we all need. It is about gay middle-aged men, who have been forgotten and have become part of the background. A sad reality to a lot of older gay men. This is so nice - just like a warm summer breeze than envelopes you just at the point you wanted one. Needed one. To make you feel alive again.
Queer teenagers experiencing intimacy together for the first time – 2020 – United States
A story of two teenage boys falling in love and having their first intimate relationship together. What makes this unique is that they really like each other and is a story of naiveté and unpreparedness. Starring Manny Dunn and Morgan Sullivan, one plays the sympathetic understanding partner while the other is totally overwhelmed with the grossness of what happened. His concept of being prepared is ‘taking a shower’, not realizing there is more than that to having anal sex. But his friend does not leave his side. The ending is pure consideration, sensitivity, and shows a depth of character far beyond his age. He is there to support and to say it is ‘ok’. It is also a reflection of the complete inadequacy and incompetency of sex education in our schools of the unwillingness to provide even a modicum of basic information about intimate sex practices for gay relationships. A sad commentary on the deficiencies to provide basic and useful information to teenagers who are going to explore their sexuality, gay or straight, whether we want them to or not. The least we could do is to tell them where to get honest, real, factual information. So sad.
A journey to self-discovery and balance – 2023 – United States
A warm and sensitive short film (approximately 9 minutes) about two friends. Max wiles his days away by swimming, as his friend Taylor was in Europe. Taylor surprises Max at the pool and reconnects with his obvious close friend; but we can sense this time something is different. Later, they go to Max’s apartment. There, he tells Taylor he has broken up with his girlfriend Anna. After a rather intense longing stare at each other, they embrace, with Taylor telling Max “It’s ok” and “Don’t be scared.” While Max seems uncomfortable, he fully welcomes the encounter. When we see them next, they are at the pool but this time there is hesitancy in the face of Max, showing a slight disconnect. Whether it is guilt, or trying to accept himself, he is scared and withdrawn. But he looks at Taylor and says, “….he will be back. He just needs time.” To a response from Taylor’s statement that he misses his old friend. It is obvious that Max is not there yet, but on the road to self-discovery. That journey can be bumpy and not always continuous, but Taylor has taken the first few steps. Although we do not know their history, it seems fairly evident that the two have been attracted to each other on an unrequited level, that spilled over into a physical one. Maybe a bit too soon.
An Uber driver accidently reunites with his childhood bully – 2023 – United States
A powerful visual short story of an Uber driver who happens to pick up a passenger who was his tormentor in high school. Bullying, mocking, and humiliating him because he was gay, which he never recovered from. Ironically, the passenger is coming home to get married to his boyfriend. The exchanges between the two are so profound with such a schism of discomfort and anger on the part of the driver. While awful, he allowed it to fester and control his life while the passenger matured and saw that what he was doing was wrong. The truth is, he liked him but was unable to express it. This is a profoundly sad video of a life lost, and perhaps a love lost as well. Understandably angry and bitter, the driver still lives in the past and is honestly unwilling to change. No matter how hard the passenger will try, he is unlikely to be forgiven and will have to live with the guilt that while he has changed and became a better person, he has done so at the expense of others. Both will need to move on; not sure, however, either can remain indifferent. In a small but I think significant way, both have now changed. Will it lead to a recovery? I do not know.
Where two boys go to the bathroom and act awkward – 2023 – Canada
This is two minutes of pure pleasure and fun. It is simply whimsical and hysterical! Written and produced by a teenager (John Torres)! This is a very imaginative short film from the mind of a genius young creator. It is astute, rustic, and so relatable in an awkward sort of way. As well as being funny. It captured masterfully the inelegance of being teenage boys in the most original way possible. Well done! It is well executed, directed, and the screenplay is so sharp. It is impressive. Fun, fun, fun! You will smile. I guarantee!
A musical gay love story underwater – 2023 – United States
This is a music video by Magnus Riise and Barrett Foa. It is described as a pas de deux between two men that starts out passionately and ends up more aggressive and violent as the music swells. It is a stunningly beautiful and somewhat visual treat to see two men engaging as they do almost in slow motion in such sensual moves. It is hot and beautiful. The choreography and cinematography of the underwater scenes is breathtaking as well as seductive. It is a bewitching musical video. Nothing more needs to be said. Just enjoy.
An aura that surrounds you is visible to others who are open to seeing it – 2019 – United States
Wow. This is not a short film for everyone. The presentation of its content needs to be separated from the message itself. Finn (Charles-Curtin Sanders), a lonely strugglingly want-be actor in Los Angeles, is rushing to an audition. Staring at a guy, he trips and falls. The other guy, Tony (Landon Tavenier) ‘sees’ something about Finn that is attractive. An aura of some sort. He, along with his obnoxious, arrogant ‘friend’ Alejandro (Donnie Luther), make a wager as to whether Finn is gay. When Finn meets up with Tony again, Tony realizes that Finn is an isolated, deeply wounded, not-yet-out-of-the-closet Black man, struggling for acceptance both internally and externally. However, Finn is blindsided by Alejando’s dishonorable and dastardly deed as part of the ‘bet’, creating a rift between Tony and Finn. The point to this short film, whether you like it or not, or if you agree with the way it was structured, is that the spark of love was kindled the moment they met. And that flame was meant to be, irrelevant of how it was kindled. Ours is not to judge but to accept the outcome. Fantasy to reality or reality to fantasy. Does it matter? This 20-minute short film created an entertaining story of love, whether it is in your wheelhouse or not. There are apparently some strong feelings about how this short film was made. You must decide for yourself.
A deeply touching short film towards unmasking yourself – 2023 – United States
Sometimes something comes along that is so startling and memorable that you know it will stay with you for a long time. In addition, you might have changing attitudes about its impact depending upon when you think about it. We see two guys hanging out on the roof. We know nothing about them except one seems lonely, insecure, and uncomfortable while the other is understanding, very attentive, and empathetic. They talk through the night and before long, the tensions are broken down and a sense of connection seems to develop with some of the walls broken down. It is as if they are on a first date. But, still, something feels off. The ending is completely and totally unexpected. It will catch you off guard and either bring you down or make you feel as if the mission was accomplished. The chemistry both between the actors and the characters they played is a sight to behold and is pure artistry in itself. No doubt this short film will leave you perhaps feeling bittersweet. Maybe in tears. For me, it was both.
Can we just be friends? – 2023 – United States
A five-minute expose on the intellectual hidden reasons why in the mind of Riley (Jack Caron) they can do this just as friends. Yet, Skye (Nicholas DiPrima) makes it perfectly clear to Riley that all he wants is him and then proceeds to melt Riley down with his sensuous moves and tone and softly whispers, “What are you so afraid of?” And then jolts Riley into his own intellectual brick wall by saying, “Maybe I’m wrong…If you think we are better off as friends, I can respect that.” Who now has the upper hand? Riley is now left feeling…….exposed and dare I say it, unsatisfied. Sometimes, intellect is not the head that is in charge. Hope this turns into a full series.
A love story that can never be – 2022 – Brazil
Sometimes something comes along that stops you in your tracks and makes you examine and perhaps ask, “What did I just see?” This is a remarkable short film that captures more in 10 minutes about life for maybe countless men trying to love another man, yet their own discipline dictates they cannot. Not just societal constrictions but their own as well in addition to those that are placed upon them by outside forces such as their health. Complexities we do not understand nor can judge. Along comes someone deeply in love who decides to move the forces of change in a direction he had no right to make on his own; yet understandably does so. And in so doing, loses everything. Now sitting all alone – isolated and empty. Oh, so empty.
A young boy struggles to find intimacy – 2023 – United States
We know little about the life of struggling Charlie (Mathew Boyd Moore) except that he is isolated, lonely, and desperately wants to be loved. He seems like a typical teenage boy, realizing he is gay. Obviously, a loner, he turns to dating apps to find someone and sneaks out of the house when he finds someone fairly local that will meet him. Being naïve, he intellectualizes in his head that this experience is going to be some kind of panacea for him. What is striking about their interaction is the silence. And the guy tossing him his underwear as if to say, it is time. In the end, we see Charlie returning home, wiping his eyes, saying sorry, and asking what the guy’s name was. When he puts out his had to shake it, Charlie simply gets out of the car, with a blank look on his face, not feeling like his loneliness was even diminished slightly and by his hand movement symbolically saying, I am no better off than what I was than before this awful experience. But he might now begin to realize what he must isolate is the feeling of intimacy from the connection of sex. They do not necessarily or simultaneously go hand in hand. That is a hard lesson to assimilate and understand. One of life’s lessons in the gay world one must learn to navigate and unfortunately accept its reality.
A young Asian boy trying to grow up in cultural America – 2022 – United States
Exceptional. A short film that captures the cultural war between trying to live in two different societies at the same time and trying to make it blend in. And not being very successful. Trying to hold on to the traditional Chinese culture in an American society when the child (Wei Lai) is now immersed and enmeshed into his new culture. Trying to straddle both worlds, yet seemingly failing at both. What might work in China does not and should not work here in the United States (corporal punishment as a deterrent to doing something perceived as wrong). At the same time, Wei Lai’s misconception that ‘whiteness’ can do no wrong. This is the price to pay in having to assimilate and function in a society that tries to accommodate its ideals on paper but fails miserably in reality. A brilliant short film that displays the agony of growing up in America for minority children and families just trying to fit in. A slice of life that is so real and is so true and accurate. Should be on everyone’s list to watch. Nothing in this world can be so idealized that we cannot see its true reality with all its beauty and ugliness.
A young man’s inquisitive journey – 2021 – Brazil
Innocently, a young gay man hangs his clothes to dry on the communal area on the roof top of the apartment complex. He happens to notice a rainbow shirt blowing in the wind. With a combination of curiosity and inquisitiveness and perhaps lustfulness dictating his behaviors, he now wants to meet the mysterious owner of this shirt. The longer he waits for him on the rooftop, the more intriguing it gets. Finally, he gets to meet him, somehow in a way that I was not completely surprised about. A part of me thought it had been orchestrated, perhaps just a bit by the shirt’s owner. When they go back down on the elevator, the shirt’s owner, who is a handsome young man, asks him what floor and he nervously responds, ‘First”; however, only the sixth-floor button is pushed. As he gets off, he looks at the young man and smiles, leaving the elevator door open. Will he follow him? What do you think? It is funny how the young man seems to fit nicely in a new rainbow shirt. The smile is quite wide and seemingly satisfied. Words do not need to be spoken all the time.
An unrequited love that becomes reciprocal – 2023 – United States
Robby (Jackson Lafluer) and Greyson (Sean Sedey) rekindle their friendship they had from high school. Robbie is trying to refine his photography portfolio and Greyson is seeking new pictures of himself for dating applications, now that he has broken up with his current girlfriend. Both clumsily fumble their way through their photoshoots. Robby always having been in love with Greyson since high school while Greyson sensing and feeling a deeper connection between them but never wanting to bring it to the surface. Over the photoshoots, a rather strong bond is established from the extensive talks they have had about love, friendship, and personal growth. It becomes obvious that they want and like spending time with each other. But Greyson receives a call from his former girlfriend, something triggers in him that he realizes Robby is more than just a friend. Yet when Robbie rushes over to see him, Greyson cavalierly dismisses him. When Greyson realizes what he has done, he sees him crying and works up the nerve to ask him the obvious, “Do you like me?” whereas Robby confesses that he has been in love with him since high school. Greyson now must acknowledge what is in his heart. Awkwardly, Robbie kisses him, and Greyson says he likes being around him and before long, they kiss rather passionately, awkwardly, but still ardently. This became a full BL in 15 minutes!
A coming of age story – 2023 – Philippines
This is raw, from the heart, full of life and joy, albeit fleetingly, with a profoundly tragic ending. It is a student film that was not really meant to be shown publicly but was discovered. And in all honesty, is a brilliant piece of work. It is a story of Zero (Zian Christian Lirazan) accidentally meeting Clyde (Andrei Boniba). Clyde, in a subsequent meeting, pins a note onto Zero’s books that says Hi Pogi, which means handsome in Filipino. Zero, however, avoids Clyde as he is unsure of his own feelings towards him. But one day he sees Clyde sitting alone on the curb, depressed and alone. Clyde’s family rejects him because he is gay and no matter what he does, he is seen as not good enough. From then on, the two become friends and then something more. They became inseparable and in so doing are discovered and their relationship is plastered all over social media. Zero withdraws as Clyde begs for him. Both sets of parents are incensed by their relationship and horrified. But supported by understanding friends, Zero makes public comments about love being valid in many different forms. But tragically, the ending is profoundly sorrowful. You must judge for yourself how painful it is. I can tell you I wept, dolefully and with a sense of utter helplessness. All societies need mental health services – before it becomes too late.
A sad journey searching for intimacy – 2019 – South Korea
A middle-aged man returns home to celebrate his father’s birthday. Finding an old friend and sharing his secret with her. Still finding no comfort. Sharing his gayness with another guy only for him to jump to conclusions about his conditions further deepens his already self-loathing. Weeping alone next to his father with his father providing some small comfort, not sure that he fully grasped why. But that is unimportant. It is his duty as a father to do so. I wept at that and not so silently myself as it spoke volumes as to the state of humanity. Everything about this short film is so dark, and pensive yet so reflective of what life is like. We choose not to see this. This short film shows us so many aspects of our lives and all of its stages. Many aspects of our lives are not happy. Yet we bare it as best we can and hopefully someone out there is still concerned enough about us to make sure ‘we got home ok last night’. Life moves on.
An engaging romantic comedy that begins in a laundromat – 2012 – United States
Perhaps a bit dated, but it is so entertaining and completely pulls you in. Before you know you it, you are vested in what is going to happen between Alan (Jordan Firstman and Joseph (Tom Lewis). Joseph takes an unusual interest in Alan’s old shirt at the laundromat that he is about to wash, and they strike up a conversation. Initially, Alan maybe thought that this is a pick-up line. But Joseph gets a phone call and politely asks Alan to watch his stuff while he takes this call. Unfortunately, Alan falls asleep and realizes that someone has stolen his clothes out of the dryer and is told that his ‘friend’ took them. Although he chases after him through the streets of New York, he loses him. Suddenly he finds one of his socks on the steps in an apartment building and breaks into Joseph’s apartment and confronts him and forces him to take off the shirt and pants he is wearing since they are his. Without revealing what happens next, one can guess from the title of this short video what that is. This is an oddly cute fetish-driven sex romp that happens to work with tongue-in-cheek good humor and is very amusing. Perhaps not everyone will delight in its humor, but I found it quite enjoyable even if it is a bit devious in nature.
A story of denial and pain – 2020 – United States
An astonishing and brilliant short story of life. It says more in three minutes that most BLs cannot say or convey in 12 episodes: Love, denial, pain, regret, desire, reality, passion, guilt, sufferance: Life! All too often; all too common. I wept at its reality. Could you have walked away!?
The could be the best three minutes of your life!
Please watch.
A tender piano ballad dedicated to his love during Pride Month – 2023 – The World
As Pride Month winds down for 2023 and as the world reflects more deeply onto itself and as the United States turns ever more Fascist-like, every now and then, we just need to take a moment to listen to a song that simple dedicates itself to love. Sometimes saying it softly, simply with gentle words is the most meaningful. For those of us who have significant others in our lives, in my case my husband, there are not always enough words to truly express how we feel. This song does come close, however. It is indeed a work of art – just like my husband is to me. We tend to forget that in a relationship occasionally. Love is not for the young; love keeps the relationship young. It is funny how you never age when love is around.
This is a song by Nicholas Hamilton dedicated to Jackson Tremblay.
Simply enjoy.
“Taught me something that my girlfriend could not” – 2020 – Hong Kong
A distinguished new instructor of Ancient Greek Culture and Utopian Thought comes into class named Antonio Ming (Jackie Chow), wanting to be called ‘Brother Ming’. He begins his first lecture by showing two naked men embracing and kissing where he proceeds to explains the ideology behind Greek philosophy through that image. Hins Gao (Adonis He) and his ‘girlfriend’ are in class. There is a murmur throughout as to the provocative questions and how Brother Ming answers them. While Gao is intrigued, his girlfriend is offended on religious grounds and proceeds to leave the class. Gao goes to Brother Ming’s office to talk and realize that the combination of their last names means ‘brightness’ and ‘brilliance’ with both realizing the significance of that simultaneously. It is not long afterwards that the girlfriend, who is not as Geo and her broke up a while ago, sees the two of them together smiling, embracing, and running like schoolboys through the campus and she, perhaps sadly, realizes what is happening. And is powerless to stop it. This is an esoteric homoerotic romp that for now may be unrecognized and unrequited. But the girl friend’s defeated reaction paints a different picture for the future. Perhaps a new chapter begins.
A reflective look at gay sex in the 60’s – 2022 – United States
This is a pensive example of the carefree attitude of the burgeoning gay revolution in the United States but on a quiet level. And it captured the times in remarkably accurate detail including the way they produced films. It only involves Dino (Devon McDowell) and chance encounter with Sebastian (Mateo Correa). This short film has all the earmarks of the look, feel, and gritty production of a film from the 60’s including the physical appearance of the actors. The whole premise is that a chance encounter happens at the end of summer, that becomes as close to a fantasy, and a once-in-a-lifetime-encounter from the land of dreams. One that will remain with you for the rest of your life. No one will ever take away this euphoria from you. It is a unique and beautiful satisfaction that only the two of you shared on an intimate level, yet never really intended to do so. That is what makes it so special and memorable. You have become enriched by the experience and somehow you just might feel – changed. You decide.
A path to finding connection – 2020 – Spain
This is a thought-provoking short video, cryptically done that tries to make sense in the lives of two young men who are scratching out an existence. Both create the impression of being misplaced and discover each other serendipitously on a subway platform. Each is Bohemian yet seem focused. Their connection is unorthodox to be sure and their encounter is odd would be true as well. It is a slice of life for two people who otherwise might have been forgotten or blended into society without notice. They now see each other. And that is nice. It just might work. I, for one, would like to see more and hope that is the case.
A gay man’s journey to humility – 2023 – United States
This is an unexpected reality check for a gay man attending his brother’s bachelor party whose arrogance is only matched by his ego. He is surrounded by his brother’s friends who used to bully him when he was in high school for being gay. Among his brother’s friends is an individual whom he was not expecting and assumed certain conclusions without a bit of evidence that his perspectives were accurate. This became a prime example of not letting the past go, of not putting into perspective things from the past, and not being open to the possibility that people might have changed. In other words, let go of the past because if you assume otherwise, you might find you will need to put your tail between your legs and ask for forgiveness. Which is exactly what he had to do. Anyone have a pie slicer so I can cut a large piece of humble pie for someone? I loved this short video.
A symbolic story of love manifested as recipe for a pasta dish – 2021 – South Korea
This is a gem. It is a short video of two former lovers, Heejoon and Seonwoo, (Park Sang Hyun and Choi Don Hak), who get together on a summer’s night to make a traditional meal they made together when they were a couple. While they reminisced about their lives and now caught up with what is happening, you can sense and feel so much regret in each of them. And also unresolved issues hang over them like a wet blanket. While both never get very deep into their thoughts, they divulge just enough for us to see the complete remorse, guilt, and anguish they both have at leaving one another. While we do not know the reason, that is unimportant anyway. As much as they both claim they have moved on, everything about this says differently. It is a very symbolic short series with for me the lemon taking center stage. While the lemon is sour, it is the key ingredient to this summer pasta dish. As they exchange goodbyes, one notices that what was written on the lemon are the words, ‘do not forget me’. He looks back with sadness and pensiveness. We might never know what might come of this re-encounter. Just a beautiful short film of being together in the throws of a younger self and discarding what you had. Perhaps only later realizing its true meaning and impact on you, which now might be gone forever.
A soul-searching journey teaching a lesson about love – 2022 – India
This is a story that will make you weep, perhaps uncontrollably as I did. Why? Because you will feel it, sense it, breathe it, rather than hear it. It is mostly in Hindu but there is just enough English for the underlying message to be conveyed loud and clear. You will understand it perhaps only in your frame of reference which might be different from mine. There is such a richness of characters and an instant connection between them even if it takes some time for its impact to be internalized with one another. You just knew there would be happiness but the journey will be emotionally draining, meditative, and wistful. All along this journey unbeknownst to you is your soulmate right there, right in front of you, and it is your mother that helps you realize that. There is brilliant and astonishing acting with great cinematography. Indeed, this is an experience. Please take its journey and enjoy the outcome. In the beautiful words from this visual art piece, you will discover that,” Love is not just a feeling but a language. “And what it says to you without knowing the spoken language is the feeling of love. One of the finest short films I have ever seen.
A coming-of-age story permitting our children to think out of the box – 2021 – United Kingdom
This is one of the most creative and thought-provoking coming of age stories I have ever seen. It is a story of Johnny (Daniel Willis) and his awakening to the person he wants to be, to how he wants to be, and how he wants to look. He knows what makes him happy. His mother is unconditionally supportive of her son wanting to wear a dress to his First Holy Communion. His father is at first not so supportive (fearful of the consequences) but then does something at the end that made me burst into tears of joy. It is just so poignant. The mother has a great conversation with a priest when asking him if her son could wear a dress to the ceremony. Little has changed since I was a child in the Church. That is why I am not a child nor in the Church any longer. A special shout out to Daniel Willis for his portrayal of Johnny. He was magnificent. Kudos!
NOTE: This is only available on Gagaoolala and only in certain locations.
A surreal journey through life that focuses on self-discovery and acceptance – 2021 – New Zealand
This is a surreal romp to self-discovery and acceptance. Oliver (Max Mc Pheat) and Lucas (Leo Allan) are a gay couple, but Oliver is terrified of people finding out and simply wants to be ‘normal’. But Lucas does not want to be ‘somebody’s secret’. During Oliver’s sleep, he is awakened by a blue orb and when touched get to see his life from ‘childhood’ to ‘old age’ in a dreamlike state. He gets to see what has happened and what will happen if he cannot accept his own reality. A creative and magical journey to solipsism before it becomes too late. The cinematography is very good in this short video.
Once upon a time, only one, unexpectedly then never again – 2021 – United States
An accidental encounter on the same day by two strangers (Jake Howarth and Joel Junior) both having a profound reason for wanting to be by that tree and being alone. Serendipitously, as strangers, they share their reasons with such profound intensity that you are left with a choice - should you weep with them or rejoice for them as they are able to unburden what they have been carrying around painfully, for a long time? The quote above will make sense at the end. It was their fate or destiny to be in the same place at the same time. Or maybe it is just inevitable that chance encounters are what they are - to help in the process of healing and closure. This is a deeply and profoundly moving short film that is a journey through sadness for both strangers but in a ruminative way because of this of brief encounter, both may see a different path to take. Hopefully beginning to ease their pain and perhaps providing just a small sense of comfort that someone else knows what you are going through.
This is an astonishing and brilliant work of art and an award-winning short film. Watch and give yourself permission to weep.
A long-ago memory that is never forgotten – 2018 – United States
An accidental meeting at a party of two former high school friends, now in their 30s, leads to a walk down memory lane. Of course, with new eyes and different sensations and perspectives. Ben (Adam Fleming) is ‘out’ while Johnny (Michael Cassidy) has a girlfriend. But getting together again brings back what they did in high school and now what it all means. This is a beautiful story of trying to resolve something that happened a long time ago and re-living it. Which brings back lots of memories and perhaps buried desires. Or unresolved feelings. Soft, subtle, but full of sexual tension.
A soft just what you need right now love story – 2023 – Singapore
This short film captures everything you ever want to know about love that is hidden or unrequited. Only in this case it bubbles and surfaces to such a beautiful point that you cheer wildly for its happening. It is a story of Gabriel (Braven Yeo) the owner of a bakery/café and the struggles of trying to establish his business. His partner, Charlie (Soh Deng Xun) is quieter and stays in the background but is so in love with Gabriel from a distance. Afraid that it is one sided. But he gets the ‘look’ from Gabriel and is even more smitten. They create a new addition to their menu which is emblematic of their own relationship. What follows are how fairytales are created. It is magical in its softness. It is romantic in its quietness. It is love. This is a film that needs to become a series. It is just the cure for seeing real love be created by two people who want it and need it from each other. Just amazing!
A chance encounter but more than two ships passing through the night – 2021 – France
I appreciate happenstance slices of life encounters that tell a story, and this is an exceptional one. Something inextricably brought these two guys together. Both are drawn to each other. Lois (Victor Senagas) marginally skating through life, while Killian (Valentin Champion) never really enjoying it. They meet fortuitously. Will it work? I do not know. Just live for the moment and let's see. A stunning and beautifully done 12-minute short film that is so full of life that at its end you cannot help but smile. How will this conclude? With joy for both I am sure. So well done.
A love story of what is, is not, and a reflection of the past – 2018 – Germany
This poignant short film substantially shows what is and was at the same time. A young man’s world, Theo (Julian Mannebach), comes crashing down when a clumsy mistake allows other to bully him and subsequently forces a confrontation with his love, Julian (Lennart Hillman), who cannot cope with the aftermath. Life seems over. But to the rescue comes a teacher, Mr. Kruger (Andreas Klinger), who is worn down by life and a lost connection with someone deeply ineffaceable to him. In this brief exchange between student and teacher, their lives become intertwined and to some degree more understood. Perhaps the stuffed animal represents how we all cope with passions we have lost from the past and hold onto the memory. Always pensive and ruminative.
A wistful story of two brothers – 2021 – Taiwan
This is a brilliant short video of two brothers with a rather distant father emotionally. The two brothers are very close to one another. The older son, Feng (Huang Chun Chih) looks after his much younger brother and is a studious and obedient son. His younger brother Yu (Ryan Lin) is a bit precocious but deeply close to his older brother. One day, the older brother tells his father he is going to school to study. Yu sneaks out of the house to tag his brother. What he sees shakes Yu to his core. He sees his brother Feng kissing another boy in the classroom. Yu withdraws and says nothing to either his father or Feng. But when they move into their new place and are in their own rooms, he reflects, quietly and softly, and goes back to sleeping with his brother once again as he always has. While the little boy has a look of not fully comprehending, his overriding look of content is one of ‘he is my brother’. This short will take your breath away with its quietness and pensive reflectiveness. Ryan Lin as Yu is just outstanding. Saying so little but conveying volumes in conveying his emotions and feeling in his face and body. Simply astonishing. It is a remarkable story of the power of brotherly love overriding any feelings of discomfort, fear, or judgement. (You will need to have a Gagaoolala account to watch this video however.)
A melancholic repose of life with reflections of the here and now and regret – 2019 – United States
An incredibly moving melancholic journey of sadness and love as an old man (Ron Rifkin) reminisces about the loss of his wife with a male escort named Paul (Dylan Sprouce). The complexities of this expose about grief are extraordinary and gets into the depth of what life is catagorized for older people, especially if they have been hiding a secret all of their lives. Paul is both a comfort and a reminder. And understands the sensitivity and beauty of the stages of life this man is going through. Perhaps, this incredible slice of life panorama will only ever occur once in his existence and maybe that is all that was required. This is a breathtaking and eye-opening look into the window of someone’s pain who gets just enough relief as his money can buy. What to take away from this? This could be many of us as the years roll on by, living in regret and realizing, agonizingly too late, the shortness of life. Watch this one. It will make you lament.
A comedy about discovery with benefits – 2022 – Spain
This is Part 2 of Aliron where the discovery becomes a reality and the clumsiness of finding out is just a prelude of things to come. The sister tries to interfere in the most naïve way. The whole thing is just cute, adorable, and very funny. Rather interesting way to come out of the closet for sure.
A comedy about discovery – 2019 – Spain
This is a very funny short film about ‘discovery’. Through a series of misunderstandings, something begins to happen to two best friends, simply getting together to watch a football game. It is charming and very amusing.
What starts out as being a ‘No’ turns into a ‘well’ or a ‘maybe’ , or I don’t know or ‘I never thought about it’. Let’s see what happens in Aliron 2.
A deeply pensive film about gay life in the rural countryside – 2022 – France
When Cesar brings home a friend of his, awakening his own sexual desires, his mother has her own agenda. This is a brilliant story full of sadness and pain with astonishing acting. It reaches a depth of depravity to obtain self-pleasures at the expense of killing a young man’s dream of romance with the same effect as destroying his worth. One of the best shorts I have ever seen. A brilliant piece of art. A mini-masterpiece.
A beautiful story of connection through awkwardness – 2023 – Thailand
What a joy ride this is. It is a simple basic story of ‘first times’. The first time that YouTube influencer Sud-Yod (Klong Chindanai) goes to get a massage for his back. But unfortunately, all the masseurs are busy except for the receptionist Num Un (Night Yodsakorn) who is training and wants to be a masseur. Since no one is available, his boss asks him to give Sud-Yod a message. Since this is Num Un’s first massage, he is nervous but excited as he wants to provide Sud-Yod an experience where he shows his compete devotion to him and to make Su-Yod’s experience one of total comfort and pleasure. There is something so astonishing so endearing about Num-Un’s mannerisms, personality, and intense character that you are completely drawn to him. His sweetness, gentleness, honesty, integrity, and complete devotion to making this experience good simply draws you to him. Sud-Yod is indeed beguiled to him as well and indeed Num Un is excited and drawn to Sud-Yod. This is an astonishing and brilliant look at how serendipitous, random, and interesting life can be with the possibility of a total stranger completely enveloping your world with more than perhaps you were expecting. All of it is so subtle yet profoundly directional. An exceptional and brilliant short. A stunning and beautiful slice of life story where two people by sheer randomness comes into each other’s lives, influences them, and maybe, just maybe, connects them in ways neither one dreamt would or could happen when they woke up that morning.
A boy is seeking a simple but charming wish for his 18th birthday – 2000 – United States
For sure, this is ‘old’ but still holds up today. It is a cute story of Christopher (Cory Grant) who wants to be kissed before his 18th birthday by somebody. He is so desperate that he goes into a gay bar and tries to get an older man, Tom (Simon Wolly), a married but closeted older man. Christopher fails to get his kiss even there. In an ironic twist, his mother has to leave town for a few days and asks a married friend of hers to watch him. It turns out to be Tom from the bar. Can Christopher use his powers of persuasion and youthful wiliness to get his kiss? We do not know for sure, but on the morning of his 18th birthday, Christopher appears relaxed and a faint smile comes over a rather content face. You judge.
A romantic LGBTQ film about high school crushes – 2020 – United States
This is an excellent example of what you can do when you have a robust focus on a story to tell even within a short time frame. This gay short film is all of 22+ minutes long and has a powerful message. What is that message? Determination and Acceptance. There is a profound message here. The perception of gayness is not the reality. Our image is one of inclusion, yet we too have streaks of discrimination almost inherent in us. We define for us what is ‘beautiful’ and tend to reject what is not. This short snippet jolts us back to a reality that we, a chosen minority and more importantly a ‘family’, must learn to bring anyone into our circle if we truly want to be and feel accepted. If we cannot accept the minorities within our own forced minority status, then we are no better than the majority who tries to define us. Surely our tent is large enough. Surely our acceptance is deep enough to extend to those who want to join us. To those who are more like us than unlike us – let us say and intimate with sincerity - ‘Welcome’. This short gay video does exactly that. Simply beautiful and worthy of your time.
The Story is a Love Letter to Gay Friendship and Chosen Family – 2023 – Singapore
This is an excellent example of what you can do when you have a robust focus on a story to tell even within a short time frame. This gay short film is all of 22+ minutes long and has a powerful message. What is that message? Determination and Acceptance. There is a profound message here. The perception of gayness is not the reality. Our image is one of inclusion, yet we too have streaks of discrimination almost inherent in us. We define for us what is ‘beautiful’ and tend to reject what is not. This short snippet jolts us back to a reality that we, a chosen minority and more importantly a ‘family’, must learn to bring anyone into our circle if we truly want to be and feel accepted. If we cannot accept the minorities within our own forced minority status, then we are no better than the majority who tries to define us. Surely our tent is large enough. Surely our acceptance is deep enough to extend to those who want to join us. To those who are more like us than unlike us – let us say and intimate with sincerity - ‘Welcome’. This short gay video does exactly that. Simply beautiful and worthy of your time.
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.” – 2020 – United States
A very short with no dialogue. It is a visual presentation of a boy’s whose sexual awakening is with another boy in a church camp. He witnesses bullying by his love interest of another gay boy. Nonetheless, he musters up enough courage and strength to convey his feelings to his friend. Terrified, what will his friend’s reaction be?
“Finally, all of you, be like minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” Peter 3:8
Two minutes of beauty and what religion should be.
A touching and heartbreaking story – 2022 – Mexico
When Cesar brings home a friend of his, awakening his own sexual desires, his mother has her own agenda. This is a brilliant story full of sadness and pain with astonishing acting. It reaches a depth of depravity to obtain self-pleasures at the expense of killing a young man’s dream of romance with the same effect as destroying his worth. One of the best shorts I have ever seen. A brilliant piece of art. A mini-masterpiece.
A bittersweet New York City love story – 2022 – United States
This is a brilliant expose of a lonely man walking the streets of New York City thinking his life is fulfilling but someone points out to him that what he is missing is love. This is a story of love analogous to two ships passing in the night. They do see one other yet still must remain apart only able to enjoy waving to each other as they part. Just a stunning story in a sort 17-minute window period.
A gay musical parody – 2022 – United States
This is a hysterical parody of the song “All I Want For Christmas”. It is just so gay and so much fun. Yet, behind the facade, I think there are a lot of guys feeling what this guy is singing about. You decide and judge. I loved this and it will make you smile and maybe even sing along. It is quite short - only about 4 minutes. So, enjoy!
A personal log of homophobia – 2017 – England
An astonishing short film about the terror and anxiety of being a teenage gay in a working-class neighborhood. The sense of isolation and loneliness is overwhelming until you find your own aquamarine stone that helps you see the world through someone else’s eyes. Although now five years old, this ‘gem’ is still relevant today. A brilliant piece of presenting the pain of coming out and coming to terms with it.
(Please be warned that the female character is a bit hard to understand and I would recommend you watch with closed captions).
A gay Asian short film about building courage – 2022 – United States
A brilliant film about the anxiety and fears of John (Ivan Mok) to desperately try and share his feelings for his soon to be moving across country close friend, Henry, (Andrew Ge).The fulfillment of which becomes empty and crushing. Later, although still not comforting, you realize what you thought you wanted is not necessarily what you needed. An accomplished piece of work. Watch the interview with the director and writer as well.
Finding Yourself – 2022 – Canada
A simple story of escaping with your supposed ‘girlfriend’ to the West Coast of a big city to essentially define who you are. We each find that out in our own way. This is one way.
Gabe (Morgan Clarke) is trying to define who he is, what is he doing here, and what is he looking for?
A Film About Male Sexual Abuse – 2022 – Germany
There is an adage that says Silence is Golden. And this nearly 9-minute film is an astonishing and brilliant example of how powerful that saying is. And gives it new meaning. Nothing is said until the end when the 'why' of this video is shown, and then we understand its impact. It is a subject dare not spoken or even mentioned. Because we know it never happens, right? This is a profoundly moving illustration almost done in silence that shows, without words, its effect on a deeply personal level. Shame. Guilt. Pain. Humiliation. Sadness. Vulnerability, but mostly - isolation and loneliness.
Your first formal date - 2020 - United States
What a gem this 8-minute film is. It is laconic yet speaks volumes. It is the coming-out story of a young Black boy named Carey (London Curtis). It is a ‘big’ day for this 14-year-old, and he seems pensive. His parents reminisce about the first time they saw each other and the thrill of that moment. The mother wants to make sure the father captures that moment as she must go off to work. But as Carey runs off without a picture of him and his ‘date’, the father looks out and sees a car pull up and a beaming white boy dressed in a blue suit hurries up to Carey and places a red flower in his lapel. He smiles with affection. They walk back to the car holding hands. The father’s expression through the window is one that speaks volumes. Yet, he runs out, and says he wants a picture of the two of them. He asks the adorable young white boy his name. “Hunter” (Owen D. Stone), he says and whispers something to Carey that makes him smile. The father gets his picture - for posterity. This is a brilliant and moving short that sums up where the journey of acceptance begins. I cried.
A beautifully titled story symbolizing the time between a crush and love - 2017 - Taiwan
It will take almost as long to write this review as it will to watch this short video. It is a coming-of-age story between a student and his tutor. It reminds us of our first crush and how excited and sweet that moment was. That feeling perhaps will remain with you for the rest of your life There is not much you can say about this gem except that it is over almost as quick as it begins. It is only 6 minutes long. It hits the highlights of our emotions in our first crush. Desire, lust, frustration, anger, and finally bliss. It will make you feel good, and you can revel in reminiscing about your first crush. And for me that was a long time ago. You might realize that you needed this more than you imagine.
A gay short film in the black male culture - 2019 - United States
This is like nothing you have ever seen in either the BL or gay world of cinema. It is a world most of us do not fully understand or are able to relate to, unless you are Black. So real. So genuine. So honest. Glimpses at the complexities of trying to come out as gay in worlds not accepting of either being gay and/or black. If there is such a thing as a mini-masterpiece, this is it. It is impressive in the simplicity of its presentation. Feel it.
Warning: Shocking language and raw content. This is, however, part of the real America.
A coming-out story for a teenage boy - 2017 - Netherlands
Bram (Valentijn Ave), a 15-year-old, meets Florian (Tonko Bossen) at a house party, he is immediately smitten. It beautifully shows the awkwardness of trying to meet him, talk to him and be with him without being clumsy about it, which of course is impossible. But in the end, his hormones take over and he thrusts a big kiss on Florian before the party breaks up with all his friends looking on and he says, “I forgot to tell you guys something.” Just adorable.
A coming-out story with the most unusual premise - 2022 - United States
This is a solid and provocative coming out story. Mathew Florence (Jack Bozick) meets Justin (Luan Schmitz) online and their romance begins. It blossoms into love. But there is such a fascinating twist as to why they met that, while noble, almost derailed their relationship. That twist however, lends credence to the motto ‘trying to do the right thing for the wrong reason’ can be troublesome. Sometimes it is best to let nature takes its course with timing and coming out. Otherwise, there could be unintended consequences. Their ‘reconciliation’ scene is simply magical and endearing. Pay attention to the beginning, as it will lead to a full circle at its end in a most beautiful way!
This is a very well-acted and well directed short movie. There are also some beautiful shots of San Francisco!
An innocent and romantic gay short story of high school love - 2022 - United States
This is a heartwarming short film about both coming out and coming-of-age. While Jayden (Ty Newcomb) is rumored to be gay, he is indeed and has to deal with the usual whispers about someone being gay in high school. Connor (Christian Barba) is a high school jock but is sidelined because of a broken leg and must make take a course for credit. And takes Cooking and is paired with the only other guy in the class, which is Jayden. Being the most popular kid in school, Jayden looks at Connor as unattainable but surprisingly Connor makes the first move. And this cute and adorable romp of adolescent love begins with the culmination of both going to the Senior Prom. It is a ‘feel good’ and positive short movie of a teenage budding romance that is only experienced in the infancy of a person’s growing-up years. Well-acted and well directed.
A LGBTQ short story of love - 2021 - India
A profoundly moving short video of two guys who found each other while in high school but come to a crossroads when one of has an opportunity to study in London. Ugly things were said to each other not to hurt but as a result of the pain of having to leave and not having the tools of maturity to do so with grace. Also, the burning question of what would have happened if that opportunity was not taken and later the wish that it had been taken. Four years later, when he returns and comes to visit, will they be able to rekindle, or pick up where they left off so painfully. As the final scenes fade, we see them hugging, embracing, and laughing……….
A short film of discovery - 2015 - Sweden
An ordinary story of a young boy, Fliip, growing up in an ordinary family consisting of his mother and older brother. He is very close to his older brother and looks up to him. His brother has a close friend. One evening, Filip wakes up and sees his brother and his best friend embracing and kissing. Perplexed, confused, and not making sense, he looks as if he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He becomes sensitive to hearing the term ‘faggot’ now with way more awareness and intrinsic importance. He says nothing; just absorbs. But in the end, crawls into bed with his brother as if to signal, ‘while I do not fully understand, you are my brother and my best friend, and I am here’. A profoundly simple message beautifully pictured.
A surreal gay short film - 2016 - United States Americana!
If you ever want to feel what America is really like, then watch this short film. It shows what gay life was and is like for individuals who are ‘country’, meaning rural in America. This is a brilliant story that you might surmise early on it is allegorical or you just might think that America is made up of a lot of misfits and odd persons. And you would be correct on both counts.
This is a pensive, deeply reflective gay story that encapsulates everything about being two-spirited in a world that neither understands nor affirms the gay fabric of its makeup. Yet somehow makes your feel – hopeful.
Just when I thought that the United States had lost its edge in telling a truly artistic story using cinema, this eidolon shows us who we have been all along. Always waiting. Always trusting that it will get better. Transcending.
A young coming-out story - 2020 - United States (Redondo Beach, CA)
This is a short 15-minute film that is breathtaking. It breaks down and breaks up every conceivable stereotypical definition of what a gay person is. It assumes nothing and presumes everything. It shows the world from the perspective of a 9-year-old boy how intrinsic our sexuality is and how meaningful it becomes at an early age. In a twist of irony, it shows love from a multi-angled perspective and forces us to see its beauty beginning at an early age. A phenomenal and brilliant cinematic short story. It will leave you nourished by its innocence and child-like transcendence.
A slice of life - 2019 - Thailand
This is a 2019 short that moved me deeply. A bit confusing at times in direction but its underlying message is clear. Two guys fall in love despite both feeling like 'losers'.
There is also a courageous stand by one of them against his mother. Only two episodes.
This is a short musical video by Lucas Garcia, a contestant in Idol Philippines, who is a talented singer and a member of the LGBTQ+ community. It is a beautiful story of unrequited love but finds it right in front of you.
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