You Are My Rainbow

MEN’S NARRATIVE DRAMA SHORTS

Carnations (Directed by Travis C. Prokop, Dance, U.S.) – A dance about the use of the Green Carnation as a coded symbol for gay men in 1892, popularized by playwright Oscar Wilde. The film parallels the relationship between Oscar Wilde & Lord Alfred Douglas, whose circumstances would later influence milestones in queer liberation, such as the Hays Production Code & laws defining “indecency.” At its core, “Carnations” is about timeless love and romance.

Gone Fishin’ (Directed by Michael Reilly Peraza, Drama, U.S.) – John Dixon returns to the old fishing hole to remember his late son, Rodney, who died from HIV/AIDS complications. But when a stranger named Clay arrives, John is forced to face the truth about his son’s identity–and the denial he imposed for all of Rodney’s life.

A Handsome Man/El hombre guapo (Directed by Marcelo Núñez, Drama/Experimental, Peru) – To be called handsome is such a weird thing, especially after being left many times before by different men. The handsome promised he will never allow to be hurt again, even after the right one just appeared in his life. Can the promise of true love overcome the fear of pain? Is it a risk worth taking?

Just Not Naked Enough (Directed by Sean Au, Romantic Drama, Singapore/United States) – A writer returns to the home of his estranged husband to attend what was supposed to be a birthday party for both. He is here to see for the last time if their relationship can be saved in anyway. Can their jealousy, pride and resentment between them be overcome or will the curtain finally close on this relationship?

Kansas, 1989 (Directed by Clayton Dean Smith, Drama/Thriller, U.S.) – The story of a Midwestern teen in the 80s on the verge of coming out, and the night of danger that changes the course of his life. An affecting glimpse at coming out in a different time and place before online confessions.

The Layover (Directed Yuchi Chiu, Drama, U.S.) – Prepared to spend his Christmas alone, a newly single man unexpectedly takes in his ex-boyfriend’s grieving mother.

Naamgenoot (Directed by Luke Langfeldt, Drama, U.S.) – A film about connecting with family, the struggles faced by our elderly community, and LGBTQ storytelling. Fearing he’s wasting his life, Nick, an aspiring playwright, helps prepare his iconoclastic and gay great-uncle, Dr. Nicolaas Broekhuysen, for a transition into assisted living, unaware they share more in common than just a name.

Truths/Verdades (Directed by Ignacio Ondaro, Romantic Drama, Spain) – Javi and Diego have one last date before it´s all over. Will they dare to say what they´ve kept quiet for so long? This lovely short film is about being honest and brave in the face of love.