Taboo Short Films

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. 

F**KED 

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.

Sara Harrak/ UK/ 2023/ 6min  

Writer: Meg Salter

Producer: Emma Hammond 

AMŒBA

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. 

Ian Fallon/ Ireland/ 2023/ 16min 

Writer: Ian Fallon 

Producer: Thomas Purdy 

Beautiful Trouble 

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. 

Christopher T. McGill/ UK/ 2024/ 17min 

Producer: Siobhan Fahey 

Apnea 

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

Natalia Bermúdez/ Mexico/ 2024/ 20min 

Writers: Natalia Bermúdez, Danae Reynaud 

Producers: Franco Bautista, Male Lara 

CHEMSEX 

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. 

Daniel Porto/ Brazil/ 2024/ 7min 

Writer: Daniel Porto 

Producer: Alexandre Lino 

Chica 

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. 

Juan Yactayo Sono/ Peru/ 2024/ 20min 

Writer: Juan Yactayo Sono 

Producers: Juan Yactayo Sono, Diego Díaz Mecca 

Never Kill a Femboy on the First Date 

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. 

Oonagh Kearney/ Ireland/ 2024/ 17min 

Writer: : Lee-Loi Chieng 

Producer: Aoibhín Murphy