From maligned pleasure seekers to disruptive activists, this programme dives deep into an array of subjects that remain risqué within the queer community today. Risky sex takes centre stage in shorts on chemsex and cruising; films face facts with direct action protest and sex worker activism; and intimate relationships are laid bare as an open relationship hits its limits and an illicit coach-athlete affair makes dangerous power plays. With nuance, intimacy, and a dose of humour, these seven short films lay bare our blindspots, reminding us who is left out when we only stay in the realms of polite conversation.

Presented in proud partnership with the Gay Health Network. There will be a post-screening discussion.

Tickets on sale on the GAZE website here.

Programme info:

F**KED

Dir. Sara Harrak. Film info: 6 mins, UK, 2023, Digital

Jess and Dani are thriving in an open lesbian relationship replete with kink and sex parties— until Dani considers sleeping with men, and suddenly ‘open’ has its limits.

AMŒBA

Dir. Ian Fallon. Film info: 16 mins, Ireland, 2023, Digital

Brain-eating parasites, homoerotic violence, and GAA lads come to a head after a young queer man becomes convinced his unrequited crush kissed him while drunk.

Beautiful Trouble

Dir. Christopher T. McGill. Film info: 17 mins, UK, 2024, Digital

Queer Jewish street activist Dan Glass reflects on years of direct action protest and art activism, including ACT UP London, queer self-defence with the Bender Defenders, and the iconic Baby Trump float.

Apnea

Dir. Natalia Bermúdez. Film info: 20 mins, Mexico, 2024, Digital

An increasingly tense affair between athlete Renata and her swimming coach Liliana pushes both women to reckon with consent, desire, and power.

CHEMSEX

Dir. Daniel Porto. Film info: 7 mins, Brazil, 2024, Digital

A group of men at a chemsex party entertain casual and intimate conversations on sex, drugs, and loneliness, searching for deeper connections across the ephemerality of chemical pleasure.

Chica

Dir. Juan Yactayo Sono. Film info: 20 mins, Peru, 2024, Digital

Katya, a trans sex worker, yearns to improve the conditions for her community but fears being outed as a sex worker to her mother–until a wave of police violence pushes Katya’s silence to its breaking point.

Never Kill a Femboy on the First Date

Dir. Oonagh Kearney. Film info: 17 mins, Ireland, 2024, Digital

An Asian Irish femboy’s bold plans to seduce a closeted GAA player take a risky turn when three lads watch them having sex from afar.