Boys on Film 1-24
- Director: Various
- Writer: Various
- Producer: Various
CGiii Comment
A [thankfully] tenacious series...
And [sadly], all good things come to an end, Happy Endings is the finale.
BOYS ON FILM 24: HAPPY ENDINGS
WE COLLIDE (UK, 2023) - Dir. Jason Bradbury
FIRSTS (NZ, 2022) - Dir. Jesse Ung
SEA SPARKLES (Uruguay, 2022) - Diego Alvarez Parra
ALOOF (Israel, 2020) - Dir. Itai Jamshy
THE REV (UK, 2021) - Dir. Fabia Martin
PRELUDE - (Colombia 2019) - Dir. Sara Larota and Alejandro Sandoval
BEAUTIFUL STRANGER (France, 2021) - Dir Benjamin Belloir
YOU LIKE THAT (UK, 2023) - Dir. Jeremy McClain
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY (France, 2021) - (Dir. Arthur Cahn)
S.A.M. (UK, 2020) - Dir. Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan
L’HOMME INCONNU (Belgium, 2021) - Dir. Anthony Schatteman
BOYS ON FILM 23: DANGEROUS TO KNOW
MY UNCLE’S FRIEND (Brazil, 9 mins) Dir. Renato Turnes
A man reflects on his childhood through old recordings from his father’s camcorder. He fondly remembers one person in particular.
BUDAPEST CLOSED CITY (Hungary, 13 mins) Dir. Máté Konkol
Hungarian teenager Péter takes his British friend, Adam, on a personal but political tour around his hometown of Budapest.
EDEN (Belgium, 17 mins) Dir. Sven Spur
A restless young man in search of a connection roams the pulsating gay hotspots of a metropolis brimming with shadows and bodies.
CHAPERONE (USA, 16 mins) Dir. Sam Max
An unnamed figure picks up a young man in his car. Driving to a secluded house, the details of their arrangement become frighteningly apparent.
BREAK ME (Norway, 15 mins) Dir. Israsj Asanti
A young Muslim cage fighter must choose between his head and his heart after his father discovers the truth about him.
BY HIS WILL (Israel, 16 mins) Dir. Uriel Torten
Young teen Elisha, dealing with his attraction to men, is torn between two worlds: the religious, from which he comes, and the secular.
RED ANTS BITE (Georgia, 23 mins) Dir. Elene Naveriani
Two men navigate the city of Tbilisi after a long night out. As day breaks, the true colours of their ambiguous relationship begin to show.
HORNBEAM (UK, 17 mins) Dir. Mark Pluck
Under cover of darkness, two strangers form an intimate bond over a shared secret. But how well do they really know each other?
JIM (UK, 15 mins) Dir. Tom Young
London, 1982. Father Jim Fitzsimmons waits nervously in the dark across the street from a line of rent boys. Among them, Simon stands out.
TOO ROUGH (UK, 15 mins) Dir. Sean Lìonadh
After a night of intoxication, Nick wakes up next to his boyfriend Charlie and must conceal him from his dysfunctional family.
BOYS ON FILM 22: Love to Love You
Have We Met Before? by Oliver Mason
The Act by Thomas Hescott
First Position. by Michael Elias Thomas
Winter by Luis Pacheco & Rafael Ruiz Espejo
The Suit Weareth the Man by Mitchell Marion
Infinite While It Lasts by Akira Kamiki
Melon Grab by Andrew Lee
Thrive by Jamie Dispirito
BOYS ON FILM 21: Beautiful Secret
Memoirs of a Geeza - (UK, 4 mins) Dir. Theo James Krekis
A top geeza recalls fights, friends and painting his toenails in this collage of childhood souvenirs and surprises.
We Are Dancers - (UK, 30 mins) Dir. Joe Morris
It’s 1933 and Berlin is on fire. As a country reels from a rapidly changing political landscape, outspoken performer Hansi Sturm and his troupe of flamboyant supporters must come to terms with the changing times.
My Dad Works the Night Shift - (Canada, 14 mins) Dir. Zachary Ayotte
Between church choir, Sunday school and swimming practice, fourteen-year-old Felix lusts after older boy Vincent. Despite the threat of a conservative dad breathing down his neck, Felix decides to take the plunge and invites Vincent over to his house…
L'Homme Jetée - (Switzerland, 21 mins) Dir. Loïc Hobi
Theo is an aimless docker pining for adventure in a remote coastal town. When strapping young sailor Giuseppe washes ashore, Theo musters up the courage to face the waves and escape his dull existence by trying to get into Giuseppe’s gruff crew.
My Sweet Prince - (UK, 12 mins) Dir. Jason Bradbury
Set on the Isle of Wight in 2003, fragments of teenage video diaries collide with the fictional story of 15-year-old Tommy and his search for connection in the advent of the internet age.
Dungarees - (UK, 5 mins) Dir. Abel Rubinstein
Blake and Cane hang out, play video games and grapple with their insecurities. This is the spirited love story of a very modern pair of boys and the trousers they call dungarees.
Clothes & Blow - (US/UK, 23 mins) Dir. Sam Peter Jackson
For American voice over artist Daniel, life in London is one long autopilot ride of demanding client calls and awkward Grindr meets. But when his mother decides to visit on a whim, Daniel is forced to re-evaluate how fully and authentically he is living his life.
A Normal Guy - (Romania, 14 mins) Dir. George Dogaru
Daniel got lucky tonight: this time he’s not going home alone. But what about his cocky straight brother and meddling girlfriend? Proof if it were needed that hook-ups and hijinks between homos and heteros aren’t so different after all.
Pretty Boy (Australia, 9 mins) Dirs. Pierce Hadjincola & Sinclar Suhood
Kevin, a closeted teenager growing up in a rural neighbourhood is forced to contend with the troubles of love, family, and his own journey of self-discovery. With the support of his partner and his sister he learns that not everyone in his life will accept him for who he is.
BOYS ON FILM 20: Heaven Can Wait
CHROMOPHOBIA (Tunisia, 6 mins) Dir. Bassem Ben Brahim ***
A beautiful animation charting the life of a gay man in Tunisia; his childhood, his self-discovery, his first love and the consequences when this is uncovered within his conservative community.
SLEEPOVER (Sweden, 9 mins) Dir. Jimi Vall Peterson ***
When Emil stays over in his friend Adam’s bed after a night at the cinema, there’s a tension in the air, and unspoken feelings are on the tip of his tongue. A film about friendship and the longing for something more
JUST ME (UK, 11 mins) Dir. Mickey Jones
Scott is preparing for his future with his wife-to-be, but when policeman Connor arrives on his doorstep this reignites feelings Scott had tried to bury. Consumed by the idea of what could have been, Scott finds himself sneaking off from his stag do to pursue this ghost from his past.
MINE (UK, 6 mins) Dir. Matthew Jacobs Morgan
Liam and Ben are fathers to baby Lottie. Biologically Ben is the father, and as his bond with their baby flourishes, Liam feels left behind.
DON’T BLAME JACK (UK, 29 mins) Dir. Dale John Allen ***
As Jack comes to terms with his new medication, he longs for the adrenaline-fueled manic highs he’s given up. Is sanity and stability worth the sacrifice? Jack finds himself searching and failing to find moments of magic, until he meets Frank…
FOREIGN LOVERS (US, 19 mins) Dir. Timothy Ryan Hickernell ***
Sparks ignite when an actor and a foreign dancer meet in New York, and the two artists share an immediate connection that surprises and scares them both. It begs the question; can you fall in love with someone in 24 hours? A meditation on life and love in the digital age.
MANKIND (UK, 13 mins) Dir. Layke Anderson ***
Will is restless. He loves Evan, but it is not in his nature to settle, and when he has a shot at the adventure of a lifetime, he’s prepared to leave love and the Earth behind. ‘Mankind’ reflects on the idea of human beings as explorers by nature, and on the consequences of standing still for too long.
ISHA (UK, 15 mins) Dir. Christopher Manning *
Rahmi, a Romanian immigrant living in England, creates a new life for himself whilst trying to keep up appearances with his Muslim family. Costars renowned Romanian actress Maia Morgenstern and Game of Thrones’ Lino Facioli alongside newcomer Hora Savescu as Rahmi.
RUOK (US, 13 mins) Dir. Jay Russell ***
Best friends Alex and Brian have a bitter fight, entirely via text message, when one of them sleeps with the other’s crush. But, just as things seem to settle, an unexpected development may lead to yet another riff.
MANIVALD (Estonia/Croatia/Canada, 13 mins) Dir. Chintes Lundgren ***
Manivald is turning 33. He feels content but claustrophobic, being smothered by his mother and her expectations. When foxy Toomas arrives to fix their washing machine, his affection towards Manivald leads to a sexual and emotional awakening.
THE WORLD IN YOUR WINDOW (New Zealand, 15 mins) Dir. Zoe McIntosh ***
Eight-year-old Jesse struggles to comfort his grief-stricken father who refuses to face the past, acknowledge the present or plan for the future. They are stuck, until an unlikely friendship with the tattooed, V8-driving Repa unlocks the means for Jesse to liberate his father and himself.
BOYS ON FILM 19: NO ORDINARY BOY
(USA, 10 mins) Dir. Scott T. Hinson
A single man imagines what life might be like with a mysterious stranger he picks up on the New York City subway. A romantic thriller exploring one-night stands and the thrill and risks of our hook-up culture. Starring Eric Robledo
(India, 12 mins) Dir. Abhishek Verma
Having decided to come out to his parents, Lalit plans his day by cooking his father’s favorite dish, the traditional fish curry Maacher Jhol, a recipe that he’s learnt from a famous chef’s radio show. He prepares the dish with effort and serves his father the delicious fish curry, but will his dish be more palatable that his confession? Delightful animation served with a big heart.
(UK, 14 mins) Dir. Ben Allen
Because first impressions matter Michael sets Dan a challenge on their very first date together. But Dan is out of his comfort zone; he isn't used to dates requiring such vulnerability. Cantral and East London provide the backdrop to this intimate story of immediate “connection”.
Starring Oisín Stack (Mata Hari) and Alex Austin (The Interceptor)
(Sweden, 15 mins) Dir. David Fardmar
After Hampus declares “There's No More We” he feels total relief, the weight of their destructive relationship slips off his shoulders. For his fiancé Adrian it’s a devastating shock. How can they now help each other navigate the beginning of the end? A small film about a big subject most of us can relate to,where endings can also be beginnings.
(Denmark, 22 mins) Dir. Jannik Splidsboel
Visiting Copenhagen, Tony meets local boy Oscar at a bar. Initially cautious, Tony finds himself drawn to Oscar and their relationship rapidly intensifies; However, things get more complicated when they realise the loneliness forges stronger friendships. World Premiered at BFI Flare 2018. Starring Francesco Martini (Doctor Who, Allegiance) and Peder Bille.
(UK, 12 mins) Dir. Amrou Al-Kadhi
Nazeem, a 26 year old Middle Eastern drag queen who performs under the name Queen Za Dream is preparing her latest Egyptian themed show. She recalls memories of her childhood as an 8 year-old boy when a transgressive moment broke the seemingly close bond with her flamboyant Iraqi-Egyptian mother, Halima who is governed by the strict expectations of gender in Arab society.
Only though his drag can the adult Nazeem keep sacred the memories of his mother before this painful moment. Run(A)Way Arab is a semi-autobiographical film from British-Iraqi director Amrou Al-Kadhi, and founding member of drag girl group Denim.
(UK, 4 mins) Dir. Dean Loxton
A naive actor auditions for a film which could launch his career. The things he’s asked to do make him more and more uncomfortable… Based on a real event, MEATOO is an improvised film that was conceived and shot in a day.
(UK, 15 mins) Dir. Jake Graf
1950s England. Young Chris Winters struggles to fit into the accepted gender roles. After a tough childhood, Chris meets dream woman Julie but is haunted by the growing feeling that theirs is a life half lived. Endlessly imagining what might have been, Chris is finally struck by the realisation that for some decisions there is no right answer. Award-winning film from director/ actor Jake Graf (The Danish Girl; Colette) Starring Elliott Sailors, Sue Moore and former Blue band member turned actor Duncan James
(UK, 21 mins) Dir. Leon Lopez
Elsie is a fiercely independent, equally opinionated pensioner with a drink problem and reliant on daily help including Jermaine, a black, sexually ambiguous carer. Initially, their relationships is combative but he wins her over with his non-conventional ways. When Jermaine disappears without a word, Elsie is determined to find out what happened to him. Set in Ladbroke Grove/West Kensington, this is the latest film from EastEnders actor Leon Lopez, who has recently been directing episodes of Hollyoaks. Starring Marji Campi (Cold Feet, The Bill) and Ashley Campbell (Doctors).
(UK, 11 mins) Dir. Marco Alessi
Raf is young, he’s fun and on the pull, but tonight is struggling to find his place among the crowd. Sometimes it’s that moment when you stop trying that magic really strikes.
BOYS ON FILM 18: HEROES
DANIEL
(UK, 2015, 14 mins)
Director: Dean Loxton. Starring Henry Garrett (Poldark) and Éva Magyar (X-Men: First Class)
Dániel is studying in London while working part-time as an escort. He is invited to a lunch by his best friend Nori. She surprises everyone by introducing her new lover Tom, with unforeseen consequences.
BUDDY
(The Netherlands, 2015, 12 mins)
Director: Niels Bourgonje
When a young man is asked by his ex lover to support him during an HIV test, he sees an opportunity to find out if there is still a chance for reconciliation.
HALF A LIFE
(Egypt, Indonesia, USA, Netherlands, 2017, 12mins)
Director: Tamara Shogaolu
Pairing the intimate narration of a young, Egyptian gay activist with a highly stylized animation, Half A Life brings the streets of Cairo to life through this firsthand account of the increasingly oppresive social climate of Egypt.
UNDRESS ME
(Sweden, 2013, 15 mins)
Directed by Victor Lindgren
When Micke meets Mikaela on a night out, he is immediately attracted to her, as he can sense that there’s something different about her. When Mikaela explains that she is trans he gets confused, aggressive and also curious. Undress Me examines and challenges our perceptions of gender.
THE COLOUR OF HIS HAIR
(UK, 2017, 23 mins)
Director: Sam Ashby. Starring BAFTA-nominated Josh O’Connor (God’s Own Country)
Based on an unrealised film script written in 1964, when homosexuality is still illegal, The Colour of His Hair merges drama and documentary into an impressionistic meditation on queer life before and after the partial legalisation of homosexuality in 1967.
SILLY GIRL
(UK, 2016, 5 mins)
Director: Hope Dickson Leach. Starring Clara Baxendale (My Mad Fat Diary) and Jason Barker (A Deal with the Universe).
Silly Girl is all about the first time you are noticed, that first time someone sees you for who you are and the transformative nature of that moment. From the Director of The Levelling and co-written by Game of Thrones’ Ellie Kendrick.
AN EVENING
(Denmark, 2016, 10 mins)
Director: Søren Green
Frederik has had sex for the first time with Mathias, his friend from school. Whilst Mathias embraces what they have done and is keen to move forward, Frederik struggles to understand his own feelings and his newfound desire for Mathias.
AIDS: DOCTORS AND NURSES TELL THEIR STORIES
(UK, 2017, 26 mins)
Director: Alejandro Medina
For the first time, doctors and nurses who cared for Britain’s first AIDS patients in the 1980s tell of the extraordinary situation they found themselves in and the rules they had to break to help patients forgotten by the state.
IT’S CONSUMING ME
(Germany, 2012, 3 mins)
Director: Kai Staenicke
From the director of B. A young man obsesses over his ex-lover as he takes us through a collage of memories, the highs and lows of their relationship and images of his ex-boyfriend’s new life with his new lover.
MOTHER KNOWS BEST
(Sweden, 2016, 13 mins)
Director: Mikael Bundsen
Starring Alexander Gustavsson from Girls Lost. A mother gives her teenage son some friendly advice on their way home from having met his boyfriend for the first time, but this innocent conversation leads to revelations that threaten to completely change their relationship. Winner of Iris Prize 2017.
Boys on Film 17: Love is the Drug
ALEX AND THE HANDYMAN (USA, 2017, 14 mins) Director: Nicholas Colia
A precocious 9 year old develops a crush on the handsome 25-year old handyman who’s working in the mansion where he lives. Screened at Palm Springs Festival
MR SUGAR DADDY (Sweden, 2016, 13 mins) Director: Dawid Ullgren
Starring Bengt CW Carlsson (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo); Emelia Hansson (TV’s Wallander).
Hans, an older man is looking for a fresh start, and falls for younger guy, Andrej, but it’s a game that leaves no room for winners. Screened at Stockholm Film Festival
SPOILERS (UK/ Australia, 2016, 22 mins) Director: Brendan McDonall
Starring: James Peake (Da Vinci’s Demons, Holby City), Tom Mumford
Leon and Felix meet unexpectedly and discover they share a lot in common; but will their budding relationship flourish or be spoiled? Director of Iris Prize winning film All God’s Creatures.
TELLIN’ DAD (UK, 2017, 15 mins) Director: André Chambers
Starring Ricky Tomlinson (The Royle Family).
A year into his relationship, Dan (Carl Loughlin) finally agrees to come out to his family. He writes letters to all of them. As each arrives, he deals with the aftermath until there’s only one left…
BOYS (USA, 2016, 14 mins) Director: Eyal Resh
Starring Kevin Brief (Supernatural; StarTrek: Enterprise), Pearce Joza (Lab Rats).
Set on the first day of summer, Brian sleeps over at Jake's house as they have done countless times before. This night however, the two encounter unfamiliar desires that illuminate a new side of themselves.
HOLE (Canada, 2014, 15 mins) Director: Martin Edralin
A daring portrait of a disabled man yearning for intimacy in a world that would rather ignore him. Nominated for Iris Prize. Award-winner at Locarno International Film Festival and Clermont-Ferrand Festival.
HAPPY AND GAY (USA, 2014, 10 mins) Director: Lorelei Pepi
A queer revisionist history of 1930s black and white cartoons, Happy and Gay is an award-winning musical cartoon inspired by the power of representation.
PEDRO (Portugal, 2016, 24 mins) Directors: André Santos; Marco Leão
When Pedro gets home at dawn, tired and exhausted, he’s dragged reluctantly to the beach by his mother, but the sight of a handsome stranger soon wakes him up to a tide of possibilities. Shown at Sundance Film Festival and BFI Flare.
KISS ME SOFTLY (Belgium, 2012, 16 mins ) Director: Anthony Schatteman
Award-winning film starring Ezra Fiereman (TV’s The Alienist).
Jasper lives a seemingly dull life in a grey, small town where all the family attention goes into his father’s singing career. When he receives an unexpected kiss from a friend, Jasper decides the time has come to focus on being himself.
Boys on Film 16: Possession
GOLDEN Dir. Kai Stänicke (Germany) 3 mins
As a golden boy becomes a golden man, his carefree spirit wanes under the weight of being different. As he grows up he becomes more introverted until, one day he discovers he’s not alone.
JAMIE Dir. Christopher Manning (UK) 9 mins
Shy, quiet Jamie, spends a revealing afternoon with Ben after meeting on a dating app. As they chat, Jamie finds himself opening up and letting loose his hopes and fears in an unexpected awakening.
B. Dir. Kai Stänicke (Germany) 15 mins
Torn between a cold relationship with K. and her feelings for another woman, shy and insecure B. is heading for a disaster. For too long she has suppressed her desire and lived a lie. But is it really too late for B. to follow her heart?
PYOTR495 Dir. Blake Mawson (Canada/Germany) 15 mins
One evening in Putin’s Moscow, 16-year-old Pyotr is baited by an ultra-nationalist group known for their violent abductions and attacks on young gay men. But Pyotr isn’t as defenceless as he might appear…
WHEN A MAN LOVES A WOMAN Dir. Charlie Francis (UK) 10 mins
When Nick, who still hides his sexuality from his mother, gets a call to say she’s coming to visit, he desperately turns to best friend Amanda to pose as his girlfriend. Nick must use charm, cash and emotional blackmail to convince a hungover and reluctant Amanda to continue the ruse.
FOLLOW ME Dir. Anthony Schatteman (Belgium) 16 mins
Eighteen-year-old Jasper is madly in love with his art teacher. Overcome with confusion and longing, Jasper takes to following his teacher and his new girlfriend wherever they go.
CHANCE Dir. Jake Graf (UK) 17 mins
Trevor’s life has become a void, following the passing of his wife and long term companion, Doris. A chance encounter in the park with a mysterious stranger equally troubled by his own dark past jarringly reawakens him, and forces both men to live again.
SIGN Dir. Andrew Keenan-Bolger (USA) 15 mins
When Ben summons up the courage to talk to Aaron at their local subway station he is surprised to find that Aaron is deaf. Despite the communication barrier love blossoms, but their very different worlds threaten to tear them apart.
AWAY WITH ME Dir. Oliver Mason (UK, France) 11 mins
Alex and Paolo have just hooked up in London. Despite only knowing each other briefly, Alex whisks Paolo away to his Aunt’s home in Nice. Alex believes it’s a holiday romance, but does Paulo feel the same?
WE COULD BE PARENTS Dir. Björn Elgerd (Sweden) 15 mins
Marely left Erik when he found out he was selling himself for sex. Now, Erik’s last chance to get Marely back is to make this film explaining the reason why; so that they could afford to become parents one day.
Boys on Film 15: Time & Tied
CLOSETS – Directed by Lloyd Eyre-Morgan | UK | 18 mins
Tommy Knight (The Sarah Jane Adventures, Waterloo Road, Young Victoria) stars in this light-hearted drama as Henry, a teenager struggling with his sexuality in 1986. Hiding in his wardrobe, he time travels to the present day where he meets up with a similar teenager, Ben, occupying his same bedroom 30 years later.
Also starring Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh.
PUTTING ON THE DISH – Directed by Brian Fairbairn and Karl Eccleston | UK | 6 mins
London, 1962, a time when being gay is still a criminal offence. Two strangers meet in a park and strike up a conversation using polari slang to talk about their experiences in this “fantabulosa” comedy.
G’OCLOCK – Directed by Mitchell Marion | UK | 11 mins
After being called out to an emergency, Alex, a gay paramedic, saves the life of a young boy who had overdosed on GHB. He later arrives at a chill-out and meets Nik, a sexy young Spanish boy who he takes under his wing but soon discovers his caring instincts comes with a dangerous price.
Starring Philip Weddell (Rise of the Footsoldier) and Leon Lopez (EastEnders)
NIGHTSTAND – Directed by Charlie Parham | UK | 26 mins
Sir Ian McKellen and Stephen Fry come together for the first time to produce this London based thriller. Two men meet over three consecutive nights – one is young and gay, and the other is married to a woman and middle aged. Their tender affair unravels in the night-time metropolis leaving them to face their biggest fears.
Starring Amrou Al-Kadhi and Nicholas Gleaves (Waterloo Road, Scott & Bailey)
MORNING IS BROKEN – Directed by Simon Anderson | UK | 10 mins
Nigel Allen (Mission Impossible) stars in this anything-but-ordinary family adventure. Sam’s brother is getting married but this family event doesn’t represent a milestone just for the groom. At the wedding, Sam meets Nick, who’s friendly and fond of old cars. He invites Sam to go for a drive, a pact is made and an adventure begins.
SAUNA THE DEAD – Directed by Tom Frederic | UK | 20 mins
A night in a gay sauna turns into a fight for survival. Two men must over-come prejudice and join forces in taking down a horde of towel-wearing zombies. Tom Frederic fuses a love of 80s fantasy adventure movies, Disney and zombies in this genre-hopping modern day fairy tale explores how the way we treat each other ultimately creates the worlds we live in. Who will live to see the dawn..?
CROSSROAD – Directed by Leon Lopez | UK | 11 mins
Liam, a young man wracked with confusion after an incident that one night guides him on a mission of self-discovery where the choices he faces may risk changing his life forever.
DAWN – Directed by Jake Graf | UK | 13 mins
As dawn creeps across London, two lost outcasts meet in the darkness, more afraid of themselves than each other. As the sun begins to rise, and the veil of the night is lifted, the pair look into the cold light of day for hope and it takes more than just the eyes to see inside a soul.
TROUSER BAR – Directed by Kristen Bjorn | UK | 18 mins
Set in a London gentlemen’s outfitters c. 1976 and taking inspiration from the emotions aroused by a fetishistic love of corduroy, leather and tight trousers, two men enter Sir John’s Trouser Bar, little do they know the adventure that await them inside. With cameos including Barry Cryer, Julian Clary, Miss Hope Springs, Nigel Havers and some other strangely familiar faces.
Boys on Film 14 – Worlds Collide
Want It – dir. Lee Haven Jones (UK) 11 mins 2015
An intruder breaks into a luxurious home. He wants it. When the owner returns unexpectedly, the tables are turned.
{Brace} – dir. Alicya Eyo and Sophy Holland (UK) 24 mins 2013
On his first foray into London’s thriving gay scene, newly single Adam meets Rocky, a handsome and mysterious drifter. The two instantly connect, but Rocky seems eager to reveal more of himself than Adam is prepared to discover.
Un Mundo Para Raúl – dir. Mauro Mueller (Mexico, Switzerland/ USA) 14 mins 2012
When thirteen-year-old Raúl is asked to entertain the local landowner’s son, a game of power and pride starts between the two boys.
Barrio Boy – dir. Dennis Shinners (USA) 8 mins 2014
It’s a hot and sweaty summer afternoon in a macho Brooklyn hood and while cutting the hair of a handsome Irish stranger, a Latino barber secretly falls in love.
Aban and Khorshid - dir. Darwin Serink (USA) 13 mins 2014
If you only had a few hours left to live, what would you share with the love of your life? Together Aban and Khorshid explore this question during the hours before sentencing for their crime of loving each other.
I Love Hooligans - dir. Jan-Dirk Bouw (Netherlands/ Belgium) 13 mins 2013
A football hooligan feels unconditional love for his club. However, being gay, he has to hide his identity in order to survive in the world that is so precious to him.
The Violation – dir. Christopher Bradley (USA) 13 mins 2013
Oscar has a thing for his neighbour, Tina. Tina’s brother, Mickey, has a thing for Oscar. When house-sitting for the family one day, Mickey invades Oscar’s bedroom.
The Package - dir. Rafael Aidar (Brazil) 18 mins 2012
At a new school Leandro and Jefferson form an instant attachment and soon realise that theirs is no ordinary friendship. But young Jeff has something to reveal.
An Afternoon - dir. Søren Green (Denmark) 8 mins 2014
Today is the day! Mathias is in love with Frederik and now he’s going to tell him just that…
But when the moment of truth arrives is he brave enough to make the first move?
Boys on Film 13 – Trick & Treat
Boygame – dir. Anna Nolskog (Sweden) 14 mins 2012
Best friends John and Nicolas aren’t confident about having sex with girls, so to avoid embarrassment; they decide to get some practice – on each other.
Remission – dir. Christopher Brown (UK) 18 mins 2013
Two young men and a boy roam the overgrown English countryside, seeking to escape a deadly virus. The two men are forced to take a horrific decision after the boy’s behaviour puts them in increasing danger – but is it too late to cheat death?
Caged – dir. Lazlo and Dylan Tonk (Netherlands) 13 mins 2014
David and Neils spend most of their time working out together on the local sports ground. Meanwhile their gang of friends harass a local boy for being gay. But their tight friendship is about to be thrown off balance by a secret Neils has been keeping.
Middle Man – dir. Charlie Francis (UK) 4 mins 2014
After a misunderstanding, Nathan tries to get in contact with his hearing impaired boyfriend through a type-to-talk service. Will the middle man be able to fix the situation or will Nathan have to find another way to communicate?
Vis-à-Vis – dir. Dan Connolly (UK/Australia) 16mins 2013
When a government official comes to inspect Richard and Martin’s relationship for visa approval, it is clear that all is not as it seems. Cue hilarious consequences as the two men will stop at nothing to hide their true identity. Will Martin get visa approval or will things turn out for the worst?
A Last Farewell – dir. Casper Andreas (Sweden) 12 mins 2013
A Last Farewell looks at an aging author’s sorrow over the death of his long-term partner. Haunted by visions of his late husband, and in conflict with his daughter who is trying to renew the ties between them, how will he move on and find peace?
Mirrors – dir. Neil Ely (UK) 11 mins 2014
In a toilet of a Manchester nightclub, two young men (SHAMELESS’ Jody Latham and SKINS’ Liam Boyle) catch each other’s eye. As they reveal their feelings to one another, they find that their lives mirror each other in more ways than one. The only thing left to do is face the person staring back at them.
Followers – dir. Tim Marshall (UK/Australia) 8 mins 2014
When an elderly woman sees a vision of Jesus on the swimming trunks of a young African man at her class, she befriends him as she believes God has sent her a sign for him to free her of her loneliness.
Surprise - dir. Leslie Bumgarner (USA) 9 mins 2015
After misbehaving at school it’s time for young Jack to confess to his mother, but the solution to his “problem” is not like anything he could have imagined.
Kissing Drew – dir. Philip J. Connell (Canada) 8 mins 2013
A dreary school day in 1992: “Cool kid” Drew is James’ sexual fantasy, but Drew is also James’ bully. In a single moment, James faces off against both Drew the bully and Drew the fantasy, but is it enough to reclaim his dignity?
Boys on Film 12: Confession
Home From The Gym - dir. Robert Hawk (USA) 6mins 2014
From Robert Hawk, who consulted on The Celluloid Closet, Gay Sex In The 70s and Travis Mathews I Want Your Love and Interior. Leather Bar (with James Franco) comes his directorial debut, which places the male form front and centre. An unnamed, sexy man comes home, alone and starts to undress...
Showboy - dir. Samuel Leighton-Dore (Australia) 15mins 2014
A young football player, Julian Maxwell, finds himself struggling to support his unemployed, recently widowed father while fighting to keep safe the secret he once shared with his mother: He's not only gay, but performs a drag act in a local bar.
Cruise Patrol - dir. Bobby de Groot & Arjan van Meerten (Netherlands) 8mins 2013
Take a walk on the wild side and explore what happens on a long and dusty road where a routine cruise patrol takes a strange turn and spirals totally out of control.
I Am Syd Stone - dir. Denis Theriault (Canada) 11mins 2014
Lights, Camera, Action! When a much-desired Hollywood heartthrob returns back to his home town for a reunion of sorts, he expects to rekindle an old closeted relationship. But soon he learns that things aren t as they seem and secrets always catch up in the end.
Deflated - dir. Dustin Shroff (USA) 6mins 2012
Chris has come to the store with his dad to spend his allowance. His heart is set on getting a bouncy ball, but all of the balls in the ball cage are bright pink...except for one deflated green ball. Ultimately Chris must make a choice: is it okay for boys to play with the bright pink balls or will he take home the deflated green one?
Age 17 - dir. Filippo Demarchi (Switzerland) 22mins 2013
Matteo is a 17-year-old boy who has fallen in love with Don Massimo, a young who leads the local marching band in which Matteo plays the drum. Matteo sees in Massimo a person willing to listen to his fears and desires and for the first time in his life, Matteo feels ready to open up to someone...
Human Warmth - dir. Christophe Predari (Belgium) 11mins 2013
Antoine has a desire. His passion and his love is so overwhelming that he has to stay close to Bruno. He loves his warmth and he needs it. But as with any relationship, soon comes the time of detachment and what will happen if Antoine s body stops responding?
Tonight It's Me - dir. Dominic Haxton (USA) 13mins 2014
A hot young hustler finds himself in uncharted waters when he spends the night with a client who is far from the "Johns" he's used to servicing.
Good Morning - dir. Stephen Dunn and Peter Knegt (Canada) 10mins 2014
Good Morning comically examines the ideas of sexual identity and age anxiety via the story of a man who on the morning after his 30th birthday party wakes up with both a massive hangover, and a 17-year-old boy sleeping on his couch.
Boys On Film 11: We Are Animals
We Are Animals - dir. Dominic Haxton (USA) 13mins 2013
Burger - dir. Magnus Mork (UK/Norway) 11mins 2013
Alaska is a Drag - dir. Shaz Bennett (USA) 14mins 2012
Three Summers - dir. Carlos Augusto de Oliveira (Denmark) 28mins 2006
The Last Time I Saw Richard - dir. Nicholas Verso (USA) 23mins 2013
Little Man - dir. Eldar Rapaport (UK/Israel) 24mins 2012
For Dorian - dir. Rodrigo Barriuso (Canada) 16mins 2012
Spooners - dir. Bryan Horch (USA) 14mins 2013
Boys on Film 10: X
BLINDERS - Dir. Jacob Brown (USA) 10mins 2011
A STABLE FOR DISABLED HORSES - Dir. Fabio Youniss (UK) 13mins 2012
LITTLE GAY BOY, CHRIST IS DEAD - Dir. Antony Hickling, Amaury Grisel (FRANCE) 30mins 2012
BOYS VILLAGE - Dir. Till Kleinert (UK/Germany) 22mins 2011
HEADLONG - Dir. Lukas Shont (Belgium) 17mins 2012
YEAH KOWALSKI! - Dir. Evan Robert (USA) 10mins 2011
INFLATABLE SWAMP - Dir. William Feroldi (UK) 14mins 2010
TEENS LIKE PHIL - Dir. Dominic Haxton & David Rosler (USA) 20 mins 2012
BoF 9 consists of a particularly strong batch of films...the highlight being, without a doubt, the exceptional: It's Not a Cowboy Movie...
Boys on Film 9: Youth in Trouble
Deep End
Family Affair
Together
Easy Money
The Wilding
Colonial Gods
It's Not a Cowboy Movie
Prora
Boys on Film 8: Cruel Britannia
All Over Brazil
Nightswimming
I Don't Care
Spring
The Chef's Letter
We Once Were Tide
What You Looking At?
Man and Boy
Diana
Downing
Boys on Film 7: Bad Romance
Cappuccino
Curious Thing
Just Friends
Cakes and Sand
Watch Over Me
The New Tenants
Mirrors
The Traitor
Communication
The Strange Ones
Boys on Film 6: Pacific Rim
Drowning
Franswa Sharl
Tanjong Rhu
Teddy
LOVE, 100°C
My Last Ten Hours With You
Ron the Zookeeper
Ajumma! Are You Krazy???
Boys on Film 5: Candy Boy
Candy Boy
Two Young Men, UT
Blokes
Last Call
Go Go Reject
David
Far West
Sweat
James
Boys on Film 4: Protect Me From What I Want
Steam
Protect Me From What I Want
Heiko
Postmortem
My Name is Love
Bræðrabylta
Vandalen
Trevor
Zucht
Boys on Film 3: American Boy
Dare
In The Closet
Area X
The Young and Evil
Dish :)
Bugcrush
Astoria, Queens
Boys on Film 2: In Too Deep
Cowboy
Lucky Blue
Weekend in the Countryside
Kali Ma
Bramadero
Love Bite
The Island
Futures & Derivatives
Working it Out
Boys on Film 1: Hard Love
Summer
Gay Zombie
Serene Hunter
Le Weekend
Cowboy Forever
Scarred
Packed Lunch
Mirror, Mirror
VGL Hung!