We always love it when we find a new film in our inbox from Noel Alejandro, the Spanish filmmaker who is based in Berlin and is the founder of Bedtime Stories. Since 2013, he has directed more than 30 films exploring intimacy, vulnerability, and contemporary queer life through narrative erotic cinema that integrates explicit sexuality with character-driven storytelling. His work is innovative and completely fresh, and in this current reactionary political climate, he is one of the few queer filmmakers who refuse to be censored ….. something that we applaud loudly.  With Bedtime Stories, Alejandro addresses the realities of the gay community and, in this new series, explores the consequences of sex and drug addiction across three episodes.

Bedtime Stories is an independent gay adult studio producing contemporary narratives starring mostly non-professional actors. When developing a new project, the company launches open casting calls to discover fresh faces and perspectives that bring authenticity to the screen, far removed from the industry’s usual clichés. The studio also investigates topics and issues that are highly relevant within the community of men who have sex with men.

Perhaps for this reason, many of the actors come from the performing arts, such as Fran Lav (@franclavi), and are entering erotic cinema for the first time, seeing it as another way to express themselves through their own physicality. In fact, one of the main motivations for participating in Bedtime Stories productions is the opportunity to be part of a cinematic project that celebrates sexual freedom. This philosophy is reflected not only on screen, but throughout the entire production process.

From the very first meeting with a potential cast member, the director and producer explain how the shoot will take place and ensure that the person is emotionally prepared to participate. Once selected, actors define what they do and do not wish to do on screen, as well as which scene partners they would — or would not — like to work with. Throughout this process, the intimacy coordinator plays a key role, ensuring that the cast feels safe and comfortable at all times. Ultimately, the actors — the people themselves — are at the heart of Bedtime Stories, both on and off screen.

In ‘Keep Coming Back’, Gabriel is preparing to celebrate one year of sobriety with his friends. However, he receives devastating news: the family of his late ex-partner, Carlos, who died under tragic circumstances, intends to evict him from the apartment where he lives. This becomes the starting point for a story that explores male desire while reflecting on the consequences of chemsex, a practice that has become increasingly common within the community.