Breakthrough Short Films

Queer visionaries shaping tomorrow’s cinema. Eight films that dare to shatter cinematic norms with flair and style, as we see bold content meet experimental form. Playful yet profound, a collection that honours the fearless creativity of filmmakers who break the mould, paving the way for visionary stories that redefine queer cinema. 

A Bird Called Memory  

Memory has lost its way back home. Lua, a trans woman, sets out through the bustling city streets to reunite with Memory, but the journey proves challenging. A delightful exploration that seamlessly weaves together various mediums and themes.

Leonardo Martinelli/ Brazil/ 2023/ 15m 

Writer: Leonardo Martinelli 

Producer: Rafael Manuel 

Ripe! 

A story that relishes in the enticing subtlety and inexplicable magnitude of gestures, echoing the feelings of confusion that unexpected love and attraction can evoke. The director aptly describes it: “Nothing says ‘it’s complicated’ quite like breaking your crush’s arm.” 

Tusk/ US/ 2024/ 18m 

Writer: Tusk 

Producers: Tusk, Cookie Walukas 

The Secret Lives of Lesbian Cats 

Ever wonder what cats get up to when their lesbian owners aren’t around? An enchanting animation that might leave you nervously laughing. 

Kate Jessop/ United Kingdom/ 2023/ 2m 

Writer/Producer: Kate Jessop 

Vapor Trails 

Two trans-lesbian lovers find hope and self-acceptance through abstract storytelling and immersive visuals, exploring love, identity, and visibility in a poignant journey. 

Willow Skye-Biggs/ US/ 2023/ 11m 

Writer/Producer: Willow Skye-Biggs 

School Birds 

Inspired by Section 28, a burnt-out trans school teacher finds liberation through dance, facing pressures of conformity while seeking acceptance from himself and others. 

Quentin Corker-Marin, Felix Marrington- Reeve/ UK/ 2023/ 6m 

Writer: Quentin Corker-Marin 

Producers: Quentin Corker-Marin, Connor Wakefield 

What are you looking for?

Iqran Rasheed/ Portugal/ 2023/ 15m Deepak navigates queer dating and seeks genuine connection amidst superficial modern culture, breaking cinematic walls between actor, viewer, and director. 

Writer: Iqran Rasheed 

Producer: Victor Candias 

We Collide 

A split screen queercore romance - a visceral and immersive exploration of the power of the mosh pit and finding love in the most unlikely of places. 

Jason Bradbury/ United Kingdom/ 2023/ 2m 

Writer: Jason Bradbury 

Producer: Cheri Darbon

Lake Burst 

Three characters seek integration and liberation of the self, drawing on global mythologies to explore spirit versus flesh, willpower, seduction, resistance, and surrender. 

Clodagh Farrelly/ Ireland/ 2023/ 15m 

Writer: Maia Nunes 

Producers: Maia Nunes, Clodagh Farrelly