The more Queerguru’s reputation grows as film fanatics, the more invites/requests come rolling in.  Like this one for a film festival we have never heard of, but it’s from our Editor’s old neck of the woods in London. The South London Film Festival returns for its sixth year, from 12–27 September to Picturehouse Ritzy, Brixton, with a programme including emerging filmmakers, established talent, three UK premieres and one World premiere.

In this instance, it was the major movies that caught our eye, but a BAFTA-winning queer short which literally blew us away on its very first screening of TWO BLACK BOYS IN PARADISE and our sheer joy has not dimmed since then. Based on a poem by Dean Atta, it’s a stop-motion animated film that’s the story of Edan and Dula, two young Black men on a journey toward self-acceptance and queer love.  Despite all odds, they reject hiding their affection in a world shadowed by prejudice, choosing instead to build an imaginative, shame-free paradise. In 9 minutes that simply flash by, the film explores heavy themes of internalized shame, societal homophobia, racism, and the enduring power of vulnerability.

It’s directed by Baz Sells, co-written with Ben Jackson, and beautifully narrated by Jordan Stephens, and if you don’t have at least one tear sliding down your cheek as the credits roll of this wee gem, then there is something so wrong with you