DESMOND IS AMAZING, 4min., Brazil, Documentary

Directed by Breno Moreira

Performer, drag kid, awarded LGBTQ advocate, outspoken gay youth, editorial model, public speaker, founder of his own drag house, fashion designer and only 11 years old. Desmond Napoles is the star behind this unapologetic short film about unconditional acceptance, pride and love.

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ENCLOUSRE, 11min, USA, Drama

Directed by Tingling Li

A quiet girl who always lives in the enclosure wants to break out of chain she had been caught within all her life.

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QUEERLY BELOVED, 14min., USA, Documentary

Directed by Kellie Etling, Caitlyn Johannes, Aditya Sudhakaran

An experimental documentary that explores queer identity and empathy

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SAMMY THE SALMON, 6min., Australia, Comedy/Fantasy

Directed by Jake Shannon

Unable to pluck up the courage to tell his girlfriend he’s gay, Spencer comes across Sammy – a talking salmon who offers to get his love-life back on track.

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FLOOD, 8min., USA, Drama

Directed by Hailey Abernathy

Allie wanders through various stages of her life struggling to choose between her sexuality and religion.

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SOBA-CHAN’S MORNING, 5min., Japan, Drama/Comedy

Directed by Sergey Vlasov

It was supposed to be a usual morning of a Tokyo married couple…

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GENTLY INTO THE DARK, 7min, USA, Drama

Directed by Ethan Munoz

A deranged father uses a bizarre machine to convert his son and son’s lover into his image of what they should be.

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HALLELUJAH, 6min., Canada, Experimental

Directed by Matthew Richardson

“Hallelujah” is a queer/circus concept about religion and the importance of choosing kindness regardless of our differences or beliefs. Religion is a tough subject for many in the LGBTQ community, and this piece is a reflection of the struggle and rejection we often feel. It tells the story of an individual troubled by the hate in the world and his partner who is fighting to lift him up, to remind him he is beautiful exactly how he is. My message is that religion should inspire more kindness and open arms, even towards those you may not understand.

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AYANEH, 14min, Switzerland, Drama

Directed by Nicolas Greinacher

Set in Switzerland, our story follows Ayaneh, a young refugee from Afghanistan. One day at a public swimming pool she meets Anna and instantly feels attracted to her. As the relationship between the two women develops, Ayaneh is confronted with growing resistance from her religious family.

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AUDIENCE AWARD WINNERS:
BEST FILM: HALLELUJAH
BEST PERFORMANCES: BOLDLY GO
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: FLOOD
BEST SOUND & MUSIC: ENCLOSURE

Theme of night: Outer expressions

NOTE: Festival took place during the COVID-19 virus lockdown so all screenings were held in private.

Watch the Audience FEEDBACK Videos:

The beginning of a (temporary) new era.

See you at the festivals. Whenever that happens!

– Matthew Toffolo