In this collection of seven shorts, we meet a drag-king, sex worker and conversion therapist, as they try and work out whether being who they are is really who they want to be.
CINDY
UK
Written & Directed by Rosanagh Griffiths
Produced by Séverine Tibi, Anaïs Calmels & Rosanagh Griffiths
Language: English
Duration: 14 mins
Fiction / Queer
Cindy’s first time performing in drag might be camp and outrageous, but it isn’t exactly a success. After kicking an unsuspecting audience member in the face, Cindy must contend with viral celebrity, her families opinions and a new admirer.
Instagram: @SpinsterFilms
Instagram: @SevanaFilms
Website: sevanafilms.com
PAPER SKIN
UK
Written & Directed by Isobel Clark
Produced by Jo Hislop & Ian Fenton
Language: English
Duration: 5 mins
Fiction
The dates, conversations and experiences that one girl shares with ‘sugar daddies’.
Website: isobelrubyclark.com
Twitter: @izzclarky
RISE
UK
Written & Directed by Hannah Renton
Produced by Georgia Woolley
Language: English
Duration: 10 mins
Fiction
CW: Sexual Assault
Celebrating the end of her school years Ash is sexually assaulted by a friend. While the rest of the world basks in the hot summer sun, Ash isolates herself at home. But as the end of summer approaches, Ash reconnects with her body and takes a step towards healing.
Instagram: @rise_short_film
Instagram: @Villager_films
Instagram: @hanlaren
Twitter: @hanlaren
Website: villagerfilms.com
SHIMMER SUMMER
CHINA
Directed by Tong Mao
Written by Tong Mao & Bohao Zhou
Produced by Jingyao Wang
Language: Chinese
Duration: 25 mins
Fiction // Queer
Ou Yuan hopes that his new friend Xu Duo can join him to watch the once-in-a-decade solar eclipse. It’s not until Xu leaves that Ou Yuan realises he isn’t necessarily intrigued by Xu herself but rather the character traits they share. As the eclipse approaches, Ou Yuan decides he doesn’t just want to be a spectator.
Instagram: @shimmer_summer_film
U UP?
HUNGARY
Directed by Viktória Szemerédy
Written by Baptiste Charles
Produced by Anna Botka & Alejandro Duque
Language: English
Duration: 9 mins
Fiction // Queer
Two young men engage in fleeting sexual intercourse, reaching the utmost intimacy on a physical level but staying hopelessly isolated emotionally. Though they try to connect in their own ways, it might not be enough to experience a real encounter.
Facebook: facebook.com/U-up-short-film
WEIGHING
UK
Directed by Martina Amoretti
Written by Cesar Coronado & Martina Amoretti
Produced by Margit Norøm
Language: English
Duration: 10 mins
Fiction // Queer // Student
Being a conversion therapist, Éidin has always thought she is doing the right thing. But when she meets Lulia she begins to question whether being gay is that bad after all.
Instagram: @weighing.film
WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER?
UK
Directed by Leah Francisco
Produced by Felix Gilfedder
Language: English
Duration: 7 mins
Documentary // Queer
A biographical poem performed in British Sign Language. In a world telling Leah that she is ‘wrong’, she must discover that she is right. In fact, she is perfect just the way she is.
Website: solarbear.org.uk