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The BFI London Flare Queer Short Films programme always delivers. It’s a chance for film-makers to take risks – politically, sexually and otherwise – and an opportunity to reflect current events in a timely manner. There’s always a lot of soft power in the programme, and this year is no exception with themes including the Iranian women’s protests, the Israeli abuse of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank and the cruelty of the ICE raids in America. Queer Muslims generally have little voice in the world and Flare seeks to redress that with powerful stories featuring a Pakistani take-away worker, an Afghan/Iranian migrant in Canada, Iranian lesbians, and a Palestinian lesbian surgeon. Here are a few of the festival’s short film highlights.
Inside a busy British Pakistani take-away Magid (Eben Figuiredo) tries to navigate his relationship with childhood friend Zafar (Gurjeet Singh) whilst dodging the scrutiny of his family and co-workers. The stressed-out closeted Magid contrasts with the far more placid and confident Singh. Themes of religious arranged marriage, claustrophobic family life, and living your best life are dealt with in a heartfelt manner. With both extremely frenetic and very calm scenes, this is beautifully shot and produced in collaboration with Film 4. The best short film I’ve seen for some time.
Trump’s brutal immigration policies and the inhumane Gestapo-like ICE thugs form the backdrop to this very sexy, political drama. Brazilian male supermodel Luca Castellani plays Tom, an undocumented Brazilian waiter who meets writer Josh (Cheyenne Jackson) whilst serving him at work. Tom has a penchant for having sex with some of the cuter customers in the toilets at work, including a regular, randy cop (Travis Johns). When Tom and Josh decide to go monogamous, the cop doesn’t take things well. This is a powerful, heart-wrenching drama that’s set to launch the acting career of Castellani, himself a former undocumented migrant. Sex and drama lead to an action-packed finale.
This award-winning short by director Said Zagha introduces us to Palestinian West Bank Muslim lesbian couple Lubna (Maria Zreik) and Salma (Yumna Marvan). Salma is sexy, feisty, and doesn’t cover up. Lubna, a surgeon, is more conservative. One dark night they encounter an Israeli roadblock and unnecessary harassment. Later, having dropped off Salma and forced by the Israelis to take a remote route home, Lubna has a life-changing experience. Topical themes of Israeli brutality, injustice, and Palestinian resistance and revenge play out on dark, lonely country roads full of prowling coyotes. This film feels quite realistic, reminding of the daily unnecessary horrors suffered by so many innocents.
With an internet blackout in Iran, it’s increasingly important that Iranian opposition/queer voices get heard. Kisses and Bullets highlights the recent pro-democracy protests in Iran, particularly 2022’s Women, Life, Freedom protest. Two women overcome their fears to join the protests, finding hope for the future. One of them is in New York, the other in Tehran. They connect over a photograph that offers hope for the future. Both women are beautiful, young and cool. The risks of protesting in Tehran are real – the danger and oppressiveness of the regime are evident, the suffocation is real. This excellent film packs a lot into its twelve minutes.
Another Iranian film. Director Maryam Tafakory presents Daria, a girl who has fallen in love with another woman, Abi. In a country where love stories become crime scenes, Tafakory combines archival film with a beautiful cast and a compelling plot that highlights conversion therapy, revenge and how to disappear an abusive husband. Great vintage horror vibes combine with important messaging around mental health, freedom and female empowerment. Beautifully shot.
Hamad is a second-generation Afghan/Iranian gay man living in Canada. One Day This Kid explores his whole life to date living in the shadow of his controlling Muslim father who, from the beginning, suppresses any form of non-traditional childhood expression. This includes not even being allowed to dance to the Spice Girls! We follow Hamad as he explores his early sexual feelings – at the swimming baths, at the mosque, with his friends, and so on – until he becomes the best version of his homo self on a dance floor. Inspired by David Wojnarowicz’s iconic 1990 art piece of the same title, One Day This Kid is a heartfelt journey that many will relate to. It combines angst, nostalgia and coming-of-age experiences with love, reconciliation and feel-good moments. Highly recommended.
| Queerguru’s 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 |
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