Shorts Variety Reviews

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.