Queerguru had two Contributing Editors camping out at Southbank all this week to review as many films at 39th BFI Flare London’s LGBTQ+ Film Fest as they could.  One of them, Ris Fatah. took a particular shine to all the Short Film Programs, so much so we asked him to compile a second list reviewing more of his favorites.  (BTW in case you missed them, his  first list is HERE) 

DASH. In the remote Irish countryside, Joe, a handsome queer stable-hand, struggles to find a sense of belonging and self-acceptance. This brilliant short is directed, written, produced and stars the accomplished Rory Fleck Byrne. He beautifully captures the feelings of loneliness and isolation when concealing your queerness. Hauntingly bleak, dark cinematography by Sophie O’Donovan – most shots are partial or from behind – perfectly complements Rory’s work, and the fact that Joe never speaks adds to the internal angst we imagine he’s feeling. Highly recommended. 9/10

Too Rough: After a boozy night out in town, somewhere in Scotland, Nick wakes up next to his boyfriend Charlie. He’s shocked and can’t remember how they ended up back at his place. He is not out to his family and his homophobic, alcoholic family are downstairs. He panics, and the pair try to work out how to leave the house unnoticed.

This is an excellent short film, written and directed by Sean Llonadh and funded by Screen Scotland. Lionadh captures the feelings of pain and helplessness when living in a dysfunctional household. 9/10

Tomorrow Then: When a lover returns home from a holiday to Amsterdam, his reunion with his boyfriend is a little restrained. He slowly reveals what he got up to in Amsterdam and the Spanish couple navigate the consequences of the trip. Director David Moragas successfully captures a scenario that will be played out all the time across the world. 8/10 

Fishermen: A rugged German fisherman (JorgeTheObscene) discovers an unusual bounty (the Sultan of Filth) whilst fishing at a lake. The guys start playing together and are soon joined by a few more in this award-winning lyrical and wet sexual fantasy. Berlin-based genderqueer artist/director Nicky Miller takes us on a sex-positive adventure in the water with some very handsome naked guys. Great soundtrack by Deepneue. Very Berlin, very sexy.  8/10

Private Photos: Long-term Brazilian gay couple Rafa (Lucas Galvino) and Matheus (Vinicius Neri) invite a third guy Felipe (Antonio Miano) over for a threesome. We join the sweet couple as they eagerly await Felipe’s arrival. The threesome doesn’t quite work out though, triggering very different responses from Rafa and Matheus. Director Marcelo Grabowsky combines great cinematography and fine casting to tell this story, a scenario that many will be able to relate to. 8/10

Virgin My Ass : How far would you go to educate your sexually inexperienced best friend, and what does it mean for that relationship? Israeli best friends Ophir and Harel find out in this thought-provoking comedy-drama by director Adar Sigler, Ophir asks Harel to fuck him so that he’s no longer a virgin and can feel like a normal gay guy. This is a loving, gently comic film that will make you laugh and squirm in equal measure. 8/10

BFI Flare London's LGBTQ Film Festival 

March  16th - 27th 2022

Review: Ris Fatah 

Queerguru Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant  (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah