East Village Queer Film Festival
Virtual Festival
October 5-11, 2020
Tickets | $5
Festival Pass | $50
10/5/2020, MONDAY @ 7PM | SHORT FILMS
Tinge | Written & Directed by Saidah Belo-Osagie (US) Watch Trailer
When a hopeless romantic doesn’t get a text back from her dream date, she finds herself spiraling through the streets of New York City as she grapples with rejection and a nightmarish sense of reality.
A Single Evening | Written & Directed by Ashlei Hardenburg-Cartagena (US) Watch Trailer
Minnie, an annoyed and single bisexual woman, navigates her way through yet another lonely night while personified dating apps serenade her with songs about her inability to find love.
It’s A Cultural Thing | Written & Directed by Wanda Noonan & Jay Rosenfeld (US) Watch Trailer
To save her relationship with her best friend Jay, who feels “out-butched” by her new Subaru baseball cap, Wanda decides to contact Subaru directly for free merchandise. This leads Wanda, Jay, and their entire friend group to uncover why Subaru is so important to lesbians, and what queer friendship is all about.
Stuck | Directed by Alyssa May Gold Written by Nathalie Frederick (US)
Two women get stuck in the bathroom at a party and are forced to reconcile their feelings for one another. Can being brave enough to speak your truth lead to a happy ending?
2 Dollars | Written & Directed by Robin Cloud (US) Watch Trailer
Syd, a black queer artist, works at one of the worst property management firms
in the city, that is, until they decide to liberate themselves and pursue their dreams.
Treacle | Directed by Rosie Westoff Written by April Kelley Watch Trailer
When friends Belle and Jessie go away for the weekend and drunkenly hook up; what seems like an awkward slip up to firmly heterosexual Jessie, is in fact an incredible betrayal to bisexual Belle.
10/6/2020, TUESDAY @ 7PM | SHORT FILMS
Lie To Me | Written & Directed by David J. Diaz (US) Watch Trailer
A story about an unlikely friendship between a small town gay hustler and a war veteran that comes to realize he’s followed all the rules but has little to show for it.
A Kept Boy | Written & Directed by Peter Chapman (US) Watch Trailer
Inspired by true events.
At the age of 17, Jason meets Anne, 35, a bubbly and joyful woman who hires Jason. A unique friendship flourishes as Anne helps Jason to break out of his shell. This is until one night when Anne decides to take their friendship to an unexpected place by touching Jason, and explaining to him the confusion he has over his sexuality. Jason desperate to be anyone but himself believes her theories, and from this is born a dramatic and soul crushing relationship that will continue for years.
You Say Hello | Directed by Lovell Holder Written by Daniel Talbott (US)
A suicidal young gay man retreats to his family’s beach house to end his life, but a chance encounter with a hustler changes his plans.
10/6/2020, TUESDAY @ 9PM | FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
The Unlikely Story of the Lesbians of First Friday | Directed by Kathryn L Beranich (US) Watch trailer
In the 1980’s, a group calling itself First Friday sprung fully formed from the imaginations of a group of lesbians living in the small city of Roanoke, Virginia. Some of the women were locals and some moved to the Roanoke Valley for employment. It was the Reagan era and homosexuals were vilified, especially in the Bible Belt. Spurred on by the pure serendipity of finding each other, the group created safe space, threw fantastic events and grew a community of lasting friendships, all in the shadow of the Moral Majority.
This little slice of lesbian history is told through the voices and anecdotes of First Friday members and the women who joined in the fun.
10/7/2020, WEDNESDAY @ 7PM | SHORT FILMS
AYANEH | Written & Directed by Nicolas Greinacher (Switzerland) Watch Trailer
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.
In Orbit | Written & Directed by Katie McNeice (Ireland) Watch Trailer
There was once an invisible optician, trapped in a strange and lonely world. Her story starts with a broken lens and the woman who taught her to see things differently.
So, Long Paris | Written & Directed by Charles Dudoignon-Valade (France) Watch Trailer
A bittersweet comedy about a fanciful and rebellious pre-teen who ends up accepting her parents’ divorce after an unexpected encounter with her dad’s male lover.
Love X Bites | Directed by M. Noe & Yupar Momo Written by M. Noe (Myanmar)
Two girls enter quarantine in a hotel during a disease outbreak. One of them is hearing impaired and mute. A circumstance forces them to share a room. There, their relationship blossom and attachments form. But a secret is about to rip their relationships apart.
1-1 | Written & Directed by Naures Sager (Sweden) Watch Trailer
Ayman’s sex date with Jonas gets crashed by his friends Amirah and Samir which takes a positive turn.
10/7/2020, WEDNESDAY @ 9PM | SHORT FILMS
Only For The Night | Written & Directed by LaQuan Lewis (US)
Sam, a young trans man struggles finding someone who he authentically connects with. Until one day he is invited to a party where he meets Anthony, a charismatic guy who takes the time to get to know Sam. The two spend the night together and Sam regains his hope for romance.
Grounded (Episodes 5-7) | Written & Directed by John Bickerstaff (US)
Grounded is an anthology comedy series about gay men connected by sex and dating, features 3 episodes from the first season.
Mother-In-Law | Written & Directed by Shin Seung Eun (Korea)
Hyoung-suk visits her daughter Hyun-seo’s room to give her some Kimchi and there she encounters Min-jin, her daughters friend. Hyoung-suk gets displeased with Min-jin living off at her daughter house as if it is her own house. But as she talks to Min-jin a while, she becomes to open her mind and cooks a meal for her. And then, Hyun-seo comes in to the room drunken…
10/8/2020, THURSDAY @ 7PM | SHORT FILMS
Witchypoo | Directed by Amelia Xanthe Boscov Written by Amelia Xanthe Boscov & Saunder Lynne Boyle (US)
A lighthearted romance story of a lovesick witch, Fern, who tries to use a spell to make her crush, Derek, fall in love with her, but things get complicated when her spell makes Amanda appear.
Super Zee | Written & Directed by Nathalie Younglai (Canada)
An action comedy short film about a queer Black superhero, played by Sedina Fiati (CORONER, TOKENS), who swoops in to save her woman crush, played by Christina Song (KIM’s CONVENIENCE), from the microaggressions at the office.
Pridezilla | Directed by Ashley Burton Written by Ashley Burton & Alex Holland (US) Watch Trailer
Gabe, Alli and Evan are three twenty-something New Yorkers preparing for the biggest Pride parade of their lifetimes. When Gabe, the Regina George of the trio, wins the coveted title of Mr. Ass Juice, the pressure to have the perfect Pride celebration is on. Fortunately he has the help of his two best friends Alli and Evan, both of whom he has made his “Main Bitch of Honor” without telling the other. Oops! What could possibly go wrong except everything? Antics, glitter and guacamole fly as the trio prepares for Gabe’s big day. Dates bail, outfits are ruined and friendships are tested. Will they rise to the occasion or become total Pridezillas? Join our fab friends as they roll with the punches and learn the true meaning of Pride in this very queer comedy of errors with a healthy dose of camp, sass, and heart.
The Stand Off | Written & Directed by Elizabeth Mayes (US) Watch Trailer
Two Gun Twitch and Shotgun Sal are the two of the fiercest outlaws in the West. When Shotgun Sal hatches a plot to establish dominion in the West, Two Gun Twitch has to come up with a way to defeat Shotgun Sal – once and for all.
Go Go Boy | Directed by Oriana Oppice Written by John W. Bateman (US) Watch Trailer
A boy discovers his fabulousness while dancing in his bedroom.
10/8/2020, THURSDAY @ 8:30PM | FEATURE FILM
Drawn Back Home | Written & Directed by Thomas Awrey (US) Watch Trailer
Drawn Back Home is an emotional journey taken by two friends as they reconnect in their search for a place to belong.
Eric is the reliable pillar to his small Midwestern hometown of Caleb’s Hill. But, always lending a hand has left little time for himself to process the death of his father or the end of his marriage. As a creative escape and chance to drum up tourism, Eric begins putting short video clips of the quaint town online.
Drew left Caleb’s Hill for Chicago a decade ago but never really settled. Thinking of the best friend he left behind, a quick internet search leads Drew to Eric’s videos and an urge to reconnect. Using a work obligation as a pretense, Drew returns to Caleb’s Hill and gets reintroduced to the town he ran from.
After an awkward reunion, Eric and Drew must navigate the slights of their past to find what possibilities await in an uncertain future.
10/9/2020, FRIDAY @ 7PM | SHORT FILMS
Another Sad Gay Love Story | Directed by Thomas Goldhar Written by Thomas Goldhar& Quinton Bradshaw (Canada)
Best friends Elliot and Jackie struggle with being a part of the gay community in the 1980s. When a new pharmaceutical is introduced that could change their sexual orientation, they face a difficult decision.
Sparks | Written & Directed by Netta Shalev (Israel) Watch Trailer
Set in 1994, homophobic Amit returns home; a year after the death of his twin brother, Yoni, who died of AIDS. Amit is surprised to find that his family and Yoni‚Äôs former partner are going to a drag show in Yoni’s memory.
10/9/2020, FRIDAY @ 8:30PM | FEATURE FILM
David’s Friend | Directed by Adrienne Truscott Written by Nora Burns (US)
David’s Friend is the story of a crazy friendship in 1980s New York City — a restless city during a reckless time. It’s a comic odyssey about cruising, disco, drag queens,
strippers, sex, love, loss, and AIDS, told with music, videos, costumes, characters, tall tales and torrid truths.
10/10/2020, SATURDAY @ 5PM | SHORT DOCUMENTARY
JESSYCA | Directed by Peterson Almeida (France)
Jessyca is an immersive film on the unique life of Brazilian Jessyca Oliveira, 28 year old, who has lived in France for many years. Precipitated by a tragic family event, we accompany Jessyca on a trip back to Brazil.
I’ll Cry Tomorrow | Written & Directed by Brett Thomas (US)
Personal Poem about being 21 in San Francisco in 1986 during the AIDS pandemic. It takes the audience on emotional roller coaster from dread to power. Using overlays to cross two communes, Faries and My San Francisco life. This 2020 film is based on found footage of self-shot film from 1986, and found under my bed!
Particular Friendships | Directed by Mark Padilla & Nelson Varas-Diaz (US) Watch Trailer
Susan entered the convent as a naive young woman. There she established a ‚a particular friendship‚ that would send her on a path of self discovery. Religion, transgression, sexuality, censorship, love and happiness, become intertwined in this short biographical documentary film. Through Susan, we revisit the importance of being unafraid, at all stages of our lives.
10/10/2020, SATURDAY @ 7PM | SHORT FILMS
House of Yes | Directed by Ebony Hatchett (US) Watch Trailer
This electrifying documentary celebrates The House of Yes, its founders, and its resident performers- all of whom seek creative inspiration, authenticity, inclusivity, presence, and respect- in the face of exclusivity and marginalization. Meet the House of Yes performers, who beautifully express themselves- while exploring gender, sexual, social, and political issues.
Peep Show | Written & Directed by Clément Dezelus (France)
This film explores the idea of a unearthly Peep Show. When the customer insert a coin to start the Peep Show, rather than attending a simple strip tease, he discovers behind the glass the embodiment of his most intimate desire. Sometimes unavowable, repressed or impossible. The window of the Peep Show becomes a mirror of the soul that delve into our secret desires.
The Gay Mafia | Written & Directed by Michael Yip (US) Watch Trailer
The Gay Mafia’s accountant must convince the West Hollywood mob bosses of his innocence when they accuse him of foiling their plan for queer domination. He must come out of the closet and embrace all his murderous tendencies to escape the mafia’s lair.
Fancy Phone Numbers | Directed by Sequinette; (most) Text by Oscar Wilde (US) Watch Trailer
a high camp/high drag re-imagining of Oscar Wilde’s Salomé, seen through the perspective and aspirations of silent film star Norma Desmond. The work creates an experimental fantasy that re-imagines her aspirations had she not been subject to misogyny, ageism, and the deafening impact of “talkies.”
10/10/2020,SATURDAY @ 9PM | MUSIC VIDEOS
Cock Lock It | Directed by Samantha Silver (US)
Music by Auset Bennu
Adam & Steve| Directed by Dorian Electra & Weston Allen (US)
Rising pop star Dorian Electra (pronouns: they/them/theirs) makes music that defies gender norms. Their work, always accompanied by larger-than-life, hyper-stylized music videos directed by Electra in collaboration with directing partner Weston Allen, has gained a queer cult following and led to Electra being named a must-know talent by Buzzfeed, Dazed, Pitchfork, The Guardian, Paper and more.
Matters | Directed by Reign visuals (US)
This visual is dedicated to black trans women whom have been killed …
A Different Hand | Directed by Richard Pickett& Nadine Ramos (US)
Music by Herstory
This song and music video was made for the sole purpose of having a different vision of the other side of the LGBTQ. This is for the people that didn’t understand growing up that there are people that can love the same sex.
Catcher In The Rye | Directed by Ryan Cassata (US)
A transgender man revisits and reclaims his hometown after leaving due to homophobia/transphobia.
“A song about falling in love after a traumatic past filled with violent hate crimes and bullying in my conservative hometown. In this music video I go back to my hometown and visit some of the places that hurt me the most.” – Ryan Cassata
Call Me Astronaut- Champagne Drag Queen | Directed by Anna Haslehner (Austria)
The music video tells the story of a lonely, unhappy person, who has trouble being accepted for who he is by society. In his role as a drag queen, the main character experiences a frustrating day full of rejection, which leads to a rough night of drinking and partying. In the end he breaks down, finds himself waking up in the middle of a childrenʼs party and finally discovers that it doesn’t matter what others think of him.
Out Of Nothing | Directed by Karolis Andriulis (UK)
A dreamlike portrait of an artist striving for perfection in his performance. As his grandiose expectations meet physical and mental limitations, he reflects on the meaning of success and recognition. “Out of Nothing” single by Uran Apak
10/11/2020,SUNDAY @ 7PM | SHORT FILMS
The Right Way | Written & Directed by Tiernan Bertrand-Essington (US) Watch Trailer
With his grandmother suffering from dementia and close to death, 25-year-old Daniel must put a halt to his blossoming life and take his last chance to come out to her.
What If | Written & Directed by Francisco Fuertes (US)
David is forced to face his own prejudices and fears when he falls for another man who is not who he thinks he is.
Window Shopping | Written & Directed by Russell Kohlmann (US) Watch Trailer
A narrative short film about a young man with an active imagination and lackluster sex life. Propelled by a soundtrack provided by Pance Pony, a Brooklyn music producer, the film captures the feeling of falling in love with someone upon first glance. Inspired by everyday crushes, Russell wrote, starred, produced, and also directed the film with assistance from Jenn Plotzke. Shot in two days with Jersey City, NJ as the landscape, Russell and his team spent hours catching the perfect light. “This film is a tribute to the act of falling in love everywhere you go
Next Level Shit | Written & Directed by Gary Jaffe (US) Watch TrailerTaylor (Ben Baur) prepares obsessively for the perfect third date with dreamboat Chris (Daniel K. Isaac), but his efforts backfire, sending the relationship spiraling to a whole new level of intimacy.