International Queer Film Festival “Merlinka" 2010 - Belgrade
Forty seven films dealing with gay, lesbian and transgender themes from across the world were shown during the five-day festival. We would like to thank the Ministry of Internal Affairs office in Belgrade for excellent cooperation, as well as all of Festival’s friends, media, translators and volunteers who contributed to its successful realization.
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- DirectorCasper AndreasFred M. CarusoStarsLena HallDaniel RobinsonJoey DuddingTwo gay men in an Off-Broadway musical realize life is easier once you accept who you are.Paul and Eddie have just begun previews for the new Off-Broadway musical “Adam and Steve Just the Way God Made ‘Em.” Their lives strangely mirror the characters they are playing. Paul is looking for the perfect man and Eddie is dealing with how his sexuality and faith can mix. After yet another disastrous dating experience, Paul has an epiphany. He is done dating and just wants to be a slut like the sexy chorus boys that share his dressing room.
- DirectorDavid FärdmarStarsAdam LundgrenJonas RimeikaAlicia VikanderLove and Sebastian meet by coincidence in the street in the Swedish summer night. They happen to share the same secret, but their encounter will have severe consequences for the both of them. An innocent flirtation soon turns into a dangerous liaison.Love has made his decision. Tonight he’s gonna let all those hidden feelings he’s been having for all these years come out, and create a possibility to meet someone special. It was quite a while since the last time now and Sebastian’s secret desire is getting harder to deny. His girlfriend is out of town so the timing is perfect.
- DirectorDavid BonnevilleStarsJosé Manuel MendesJaime FreitasA 70-year old aesthete is in a relationship with a young man named Heiko. It is a fetishist relationship taken to extreme exoticism.A seventy year old aesthete is in a relationship with a young man named Heiko. It is a fetishist relationship taken to extreme exoticism.
- DirectorWilliam FeroldiStarsFrancis BeraudEdwin RayPaul Huntley-ThomasINFLATABLE SWAMP is a short film that explores gay male psychical intimacy, with some explicit nudity scenes. Matt, a gay man in his late twenties, navigates the lonely intersection of carnal sex and human closeness. With the arrival of Luke, a new man in his life, he finds a way to reconcile pleasures of the flesh with the new aroused imperatives of the heart.Inflatable swamp is short film that explores gay male physical intimacy, with some explicit nudity scenes. Matt, a gay man in his late twenties, navigates the lonely intersection of carnal sex and human closeness.
- DirectorRoberto F. CanutoStarsKylan JamesKjord DavisDiana GrivasTells the impossible love story between a young postman, that dreams with a new life, and a gangster, that is in deep trouble with a mafia group. Toto will never lose the "hope", despite of the traumatic end of the affair.“Toto Forever” tells the impossible love story between a young postmen, that dreams with a new life, and a gangster, that is in deep trouble with a mafia group. Toto will never lose the “hope”, despite of the traumatic end of the affair.
- DirectorMichael LannanStarsRaúl CastilloCharlie DibeJeremy FunstonCynical Brooklyn boys vs. earnest affection.Pillow talk is anything but light as Lorimer starts off, but the serious conversation doesn’t sit well with half of the pair.
- DirectorJett GarrisonStarsLinda BoriniBrigitte HagermanJessica Graves DavisJesse and Max race through their war torn city to share three minutes together.Jesse and Max race through their war torn city to share three minutes together. “Three minutes” is the story of a city in ruin and the urban dwellers that used to thrive in it. Emerging from the rubble of their war-ravaged city, they join together to celebrate the human spirit and the hope of a better tomorrow.
- DirectorBecky LaneStarsBea MillerSarah HankinsDiego TorradoRaised by her two Moms, Young Hanna has always known there are all types of families. But she's never thought about the logistics of it all until her friend Marco explains the process of creating chicks from eggs. Soon after, an educational trip through cyberspace has Hanna asking, 'Who's MY rooster?'Raised by her two moms, Hanna has always known that there are all types of families. But she’s never really thought about the logistics of it all until her friend Marco explains the process of creating chicks from eggs. Soon after, an educational trip through cyberspace has Hanna asking, “Who’s MY rooster?”
- DirectorGianna SobolStarsSummer BishilJayson BlairCorina BoettgerA miserable Hollywood assistant finds romance and a reason for being when her sexy New York counterpart arrives in town. Public Relations is a funny, fresh take on growing up – and getting laid.
- DirectorKate A. BrandtStarsWillam BelliAlana DiMariaMistress FrancineJulie Goldman hawks used dildos in the world's most outrageous infomercial.Who can afford new sex toys in today’s economy? And who hasn’t wondered what to do with all those vibes and double dongs left behind after every tawdry breakup? It’s Tools 4 Fools to the rescue, as Julie Goldman struts, simpers, and mugs her way through the world’s most outrageous informercial.
- DirectorDesi del ValleHollie LemarrStarsLydia BellDesi del ValleChris LeideckerA woman grieves the loss of her girlfriend only after experiencing the vulnerability of sleeping with her best friend.A woman grieves the death of her girlfriend only after experiencing the vulnerability of sleeping with her best friend.
- DirectorEunice WuStarsShane AdlerPaige BarnettYan CuiSet during the much debated and highly public USA Obama presidential election and controversial California State Proposition 8 vote for same sex marriage a young couple privately confront their family, fears and dreams.Set during the much debated and highly public USA Obama presidential election and controversial California State Proposition 8 vote for same sex marriage a young couple, Sam and Alice privately confront their family, fears and dreams.
- DirectorSusanne StichStarsAnnie GormanMatt FarisStuart GrahamMaking art, a little girl finds magic in the muddle of her parents' unusual separation.Eight-year old Lilly’s parents have separated. While her father has started a new relationship and her mother is processing the split through her painting, Lilly discovers her personal reading of the situation creating her own piece of art.
- DirectorFilip PeruzovicTwo girls in a flat. The film follows the love relationship of two girls which in its whole seems a heterosexual one. This is a short movie about two young women which share a harmonious life, just sometimes disturbed by disparities about ideas on having a good time.
- DirectorReid WatererStarsAshwin GoreRakshak SahniRussell ReynoldsA handsome South Asian from London visits India, falls for a local guy, encounters a transgender 'hijra', and discovers a country he only thought he knew.A handsome East Indian from London visits India, falls for a local guy, meets a transgendered “hijra”, and discovers a country he only thought he knew. The film won the best short film prize on San Diego “FilmOut” LGBT Film Festival an Special Jury Prize on Fargo-Moorhead LGBT Film Festival.
- DirectorMichael KamStarsMohan VellayanVernon NgNarainda SubramaniamThe young son of a poor "rag-and-bone" man aspires to draw superheroes but goes about it the wrong way by stealing a comic book from the gentle owner of a small Indian provision ("mama") shop.Masala Mama is a film about finding allies and heroes in the most unlikely people. The young son of a struggling ‘rag-and-bone’ man must help his father support their family, though much to his father’s chagrin, the boy is constantly distracted by daydreams of drawing comic book superheroes.
- DirectorAmara StefaniSteven BourasaGene HoisingtonStarsMatt MitchellJoaquin MurrietaAmara StefaniA business dinner turns romantic when Lisa and Jason meet. Jason seizes the opportunity and asks her out on a date. When she reveals she is trans-gender, Jason has to figure out if he's really ready to take a chance on love. This story, both universal and specific to the trans-gender experience, will delight genre aficionados and is also suitable for a crossover audience.A business dinner turns romantic, as sparks ignite, between Lisa and Jason. Lisa reveals that she is…unique. Jason decides to take a chance.
- DirectorJennifer Jordan DayA lonely woman finds a magical shop where she can craft an ideal mate.A lonely woman finds a magical shop where she can craft an ideal mate.
- DirectorAaron ChanStarsMinh LyNelson WongThe relationship between a young, gay, Chinese couple comes into question when one of them refuses to stay the night.Sam and Eric are a young gay, Chinese couple, seemingly happy but have never shared a night together in the same bed. One night, after Eric asks his boyfriend to stay and Sam refuses, their relationship suddenly comes into question.
- DirectorNick CorporonStarsTravis Joe DixonDavid DevoraJody JaressA drama about Gavin, a recovering alcoholic, who dies and ends up in a strangely familiar bar where the mysterious Bartender lets him live out favorite moments form his life before entering heaven.On the way to reconcile with the love of his life, a an dies and is given the chance to relive three moments of his life.
- DirectorBrian KrinskyStarsMatthew MongeLainnie FelanGabriel RomeroEmo kids Israel and Louie walk around their east Los Angeles neighborhood dishing about their high school classmates. After listening to Louie boast about his sexual escapades, Israel decides he has some catching up to do.Emo kids Israel and Louie walk around their East Los Angeles neighborhood dishing and “sexting” about their high school classmates. After listening to Louie boast about his sexual escapades, Israel decides he has some catching up to do.
- DirectorDylan VerrechiaStarsAidée GonzálezRosalba ValenzuelaYesenia EspinozaThe true story of a woman on the Mexican border determined to raise her children with her female partner.Tierra Madre is based on Aidee Gonzalez’s true life, a woman living on the Mexican border towns of Tecate and Tijuana, determined to raise her children with her female partner. This narrative feature makes the strong case of the strength, the independence and the solidarity that exits among women of all ages. In the tradition of the films of Satyajit Ray, De Sica and Luis Buñuel, Tierra Madre was developed and shot with a cast of all non-actors, during a three week period with a budget of $2,000 and a crew of one.
- DirectorMegan KennedySid Jordan PetersonFed up with a lack of queer visibility, twenty two young people challenge the hetero-normative values of their polished Seattle suburbs with new definitions, insights, and expertise for reteaching gender and sexuality.Fed up with lack of queer visibility, twenty-six queer youth challenge the hetero-normative values of Seattle’s eastside suburbs with new definitions, insights, and personal expertise for re-teaching gender and sexuality.
- DirectorSarah HorstA tragicomic portrait of a family living beyond the usual conventions. Excessive partying has left its mark on the parents and shaped the son. With raw honesty, the family takes stock of living and growing up together.Sarah Horst has created a tragicomic portrait of a family that tried to give itself an identity beyond the usual conventions. The father is a gay bon vivant who was once notorious for his opulent fashion shows and debauched lifestyle. Excessive partying has left its mark on the parents and shaped the son. The son has now taken over the „Schluggstube“ from his parents – a bar that serves as a meeting point for the strange and obscene. With raw honesty, the family takes stock of living and growing up together.
- DirectorKent ThomasStarsGabriel NotarangeloAndy LutherHeather L. TylerA young hustler tells the story of his dark journey from an upper middle-class home to living and working on the streets...and why he can't stop.A young hustler relives his dark journey from an upper-middle class home to living and working on the streets…finally revealing why he can never stop.
- DirectorAntonia San JuanStarsPaula Andrés CogollosDiana ArrastiaNeus AsensiSeveral characters from different social backgrounds cross paths in the course of one day: a 50 year old woman who refuses to grow up, a millionaire who provides in-home counseling on Feng Shui while searching for her son, a pop star, a struggling actor, and a selfish theater director.You Choose is a comedy with realistic and current dramatic brushstrokes. Throughout a day cross the lives of several characters from different social classes, from the woman of fifty who still lives in adolescence, the millionaire lady who boredom gives lectures on Feng-Shui, via a pop star or an actor who tries to thrive. The actions of some affect others who do not even know, and in the end, everyone will face their dreams and ambitions with mixed fortunes.
- DirectorTonnette StanfordKatherine WilkinsonSydney couple Craig and Shane, are forced on a difficult journey to recovery after suffering a brutal hate crime; but they soon discover that even in the worst circumstances, they can inspire positive change.Craig and Shane were holding hands when they fell victim to a brutal hate crime off Sydney’s Oxford Street in 2007. The image of Craig’s shattered face on the cover of the local newspaper called Sydney’s queer community to action, and the couple were nominated leaders of the 2008 Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. The hardest year of this young couple’s lives is documented through endless surgeries, physical and psychological recovery and their struggle to plan for their future. But at its heart, Holding Hands reveals that even in the worst circumstances, we can all create positive change.
- DirectorTom FordStarsColin FirthJulianne MooreMatthew GoodeAn English professor, one year after the sudden death of his boyfriend, is unable to cope with his typical days in 1960s Los Angeles.Set in Los Angeles in 1962, at the height of the Cuban missile crisis, A Single Man, is the story of George Falconer, a 52 year old British college professor who is struggling to find meaning to his life after the death of his long time partner, Jim. Geeorge dwells on the past and cannot see his future as we follow him through a single day, where a series of events and encounters ultimately leads him to decide if there is a meaning to life after Jim.
- DirectorFernanda CardosoStarsAllison McAteeSarah StoufferKatherine Ann McGregorA coming-of-age drama about a former child actress attending college in search of independence and who ends up becoming romantically involved with a female professor.“Bloomington” is a coming-of-age drama about a former child actress attending college in search of independence and who ends up becoming romantically involved with a female professor. Their relationship thrives until an opportunity to return to acting forces her to make life-altering decisions.
- DirectorJoan BradermanStarsEmma AmosIda ApplebroogPatsy BeckertThe Heretics uncovers the inside story of a pivotal force in the "second wave" of the Women's Movement. Director Joan Braderman, who followed her dream of becoming a filmmaker to New York City in 1971, where she joined the feminist art collective Heresies at the epicenter of the 1970's art world in lower Manhattan, charts the collective's story for the first time in a feature-length film or video. Unlike more traditional "documentaries," the film is framed with striking new digital motion graphics. Consisting of intimate interviews with former collective members, archival footage from the 1970s, and documents of the Heresies collective, which published HERESIES: A Feminist Publication on Art and Politics from 1977 to 1992, The Heretics views the collective in the context of the larger second-wave movement, which was made up of thousands who met in small, private group settings to discuss issues and launch programs and actions relevant to women. The hundreds of Heresies members-now scattered around the globe and working as artists, writers, architects, painters, filmmakers, designers, editors, curators, and teachers-speak intimately about the extraordinary times they shared, challenging the terms of gender and power and re-imagining the lives of generations to come.The Film uncovers for the first time in a feature film, the inner workings of the Second Wave of the Women’s Movement. Following her dream of becoming a filmmaker, Joan Braderman moved to New York City in 1971. By lucky chance, she joined Heresies when it was founded in 1975 – A feminist art collective at the epicenter of the 1970s art world in lower Manhattan, members of the Heresies Collective, now accomplished artists, writers, architects, filmmakers, curators, and teachers – scattered around the world – speak intimately about the extraordinary times they shared.
- DirectorKirsty MacDonaldMany of us assume that there are only two genders and that being female or male follows from the sex of our biological bodies. Focusing on the art, photography and performances of four "alternative" gender artists Assume Nothing poses the questions: "What if "male" and "female" are not the only options? How do other genders express themselves through art?" Assume Nothing takes its title from the work of renowned NZ photographer Rebecca Swan's book "Assume Nothing" (2004), which reveals an extraordinary diversity of gender identity from the Pacific region and beyond. Assume Nothing creates "living" portraits of four artists featured in Swan's work, woven together by a portrait of Swan herself as an artist, blurring the conventions of documentary, animation, drama and gender in the process.Inspired by the photographs of acclaimed New Zealand photographer Rebecca Swan, the candid, provocative, and genre-blurring documentary Assume Nothing focuses on the art and performances of five “alternative” gender artists of Maori, Samoan-Japanese, and Pakeha/European descent, posing the question: “What if “male” and “female” are not the only options?”
- DirectorJake YuznaStarsTempest CraneJendeen ForbergGaea GaddyInterweaving love stories centering on real individuals who are utilizing medicine to explore new frontiers of love, sex, and the human form.A queer road-movie-transsexual romance. In his feature film debut, director Jake Yuzna spectacularly combines all kinds of gender crossing permutations. One of the film’s protagonists is the young hermaphrodite Cynthia. It’s not until Cynthia meets Gen and Jay, that she first hears the term pandrogony. She promptly leaves her husband and sets off with Jay and Gen on a road trip that takes her through what’s left of the American dream of the twentieth century. Film received Teddy Bear Award at Berlinale 2010.
- DirectorYony LeyserStarsFred AldrichLaurie AndersonAmiri BarakaWilliam S. Burroughs: featuring never before seen footage as well as exclusive interviews with his closest friends and colleagues. Born the heir of the Burroughs' adding machine estate, he struggled throughout his life with addiction, control systems, and self. He was forced to deal with the tragedy of killing his wife and the repercussions of neglecting his son. His novel, Naked Lunch, was one of the last books to be banned by the U.S. government. Allen Ginsberg and Norman Mailer testified on behalf of the book. The courts eventually overturned their decision in 1966, ruling that the book had an important social value. It remains one of the most recognized literary works of the 20th century. William Burroughs was one of the first to cross the dangerous boundaries of queer and drug culture in the 1950s, and write about his experiences. Eventually he was hailed the godfather of the beat generation and influenced artists for generations to come. However, his friends were left wondering, did William ever find happiness? This extremely personal documentary breaks the surface of the troubled and brilliant world of one of the greatest authors of all time. "William S. Burroughs: A Man Within" is the first and only posthumous documentary about this legendary figure.The film investigates the life of legendary beat author and American icon, William S. Burroughs. Born the heir of the Burroughs’ adding machine estate, he struggled throughout his life with addiction, control systems and self. He was forced to deal with the tragedy of killing his wife and the repercussions of neglecting his soon. His novel, Naked Lunch, was one of the books to be banned by the U.S. government. Allen Ginsberg and Norman Mailer testified on behalf of the book. The courts eventually overturned their decision in 1966, ruling that the book had important social value. It remains one of the most recognized literary work of the 20th century.
- DirectorDanielle Morgan-ScharhonStarsCoral AikenClaire MarshallA 'Stepford' tea party gone awry.Shot on one reel of Super8mm and edited in camera, Les Nanas is a visual interpretation of a piece of music by avant-garde musicians, the Artie Smudges Trio, which follows a day in the lives of three doll-like women.
- DirectorAnna WilkingCarmen’s Place is an intimate portrayal of life at a transgender friendly shelter for teenagers run by an Episcopal priest in Queens, NY. For many of the residents, life at Carmen’s Place is the first real home they’ve ever experienced.
- DirectorAlice BouvrieTHY WILL BE DONE follows a transgender woman, Sara Herwig in her path to ordination in the Presbyterian Church. Efforts have been made to block her ordination by the evangelical conservative groups who don't recognize her as a woman and question her fitness to be a Pastor.. - but who also challenge her candidacy because she is in a same-sex relationship, with a woman. At issue is the organized Christian Church, with all its political and financial power, as one of the fiercest battlegrounds for LGBT rights and gender recognition. Sara's journey highlights the tensions that exist at the point where faith and gender intersect.Thy will be done follow Male-to-Female Transsexual Sara Herwig in her path to ordination in the Presbyterian Church. Efforts have been made to block her ordination by the evangelical conservative groups who don’t recognize her as female and question her fitness to be a Pastor… but who also challenge her candidacy because she is in a same-sex relationship, with a woman.
- DirectorIvan PericStarsToni RinkovecToni DoroticMarko TrevizanBreak-dance trash musical comedy/parody based on William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet.Romeo and Julio is the first trash gay break dance musical, a parody about Romeo and Juliet completely synchronized to croatian language. The main theme in the movie is based on the story of Shakespeare’s tragedy of “Romeo and Juliet”. The film was filmed on different locations in Split and then edited in the premises of the Kino Klub Split.
- DirectorJasmin CvisicStarsMarko JanjicMilutin MilosevicThe two adolescents contemplate each other in a Belgrade caffe. But, will those looks become something else?Milutin Milutin Milošević and Marko Janjić are in a love scene with no words nor personal contact. The two adolescents contemplate each other in a Belgrade caffe. But, will those looks become something else?
- DirectorIvan LovricStarsJosip GalicIvan LovricČarls Marić is a young Herzegovian who after 15 years of life in Germany returns for a visit to his home land, a small village in Herzegovina. His only ties with the place are memories about Andjelko, a friend from his childhood. The film was awarded at last year’s West Herzegovina Fest.
- DirectorLuka BursacStarsPetar PerovicViktor VilotijevicBogdan ZivkovicTwo hooligans go to a prostitute.What we deeply hide inside of ourselves is actually what scares us the most
- DirectorFrançoise DohertyIt's old-school, stop-motion animation where rabbits communicate through typewriters, where everyone plays hockey and where girl rabbits fall in love with girl rabbits. In "The Girl Bunnies. Hockey", Coco loves hockey, but she REALLY likes Hockey Girl!It’s old-school, stop-motion animation where rabbits communicate through typewriters, where everyone plays hockey and where girl rabbits fall in love with girl rabbits. In “The Girl Bunnies. Hockey”, Coco loves hockey, but she REALLY likes Hockey Girl!
- DirectorRicky MastroStarsLucia LacerdaTwo lesbians who are 32 years together. Still in love and still sexually active.The story of two lesbians who are 32 years together. Still in love, still sexually active.
- DirectorAshley AltadonnaYoung people on a picnic learn about gender, gender roles, and transgendered identities in this re-imagining of a 1950's educational film. The film shows how gender is constructed and a multitude of gender identities that fall outside the boundaries of simply male or female.Young people on a picnic learn about gender, gender roles, and transgendered identities in this re-imagining of a 1950’s educational film. The film shows how gender is constructed and a multitude of gender identities that fall outside the boundaries of simply male or female.
- DirectorElma IslamovicSasha, Alex, Jasenko and Alma are gay people living in Sarajevo and Tuzla, talking about their "coming out" process, relationships with parents, friends and boyfriends/girlfriends. Sasa's parents have rejected him as their son, and for three years he doesn't have any contact with them. Alex still needs to tell his father he has started sex transition change.Saša, Alex, Jasenko and Alma are gay people living in Sarajevo and Tuzla, talking about their “coming out” process, relationships with parents, friends and boyfriends/girlfriends. Saša’s parents have rejected him as their son, and for three years he doesn’t have any contact with them. Alex still needs to tell his father he has started sex transition change.
- DirectorBarbara S. MüllerStarsAnnina ButterworthMina CausevicFrank KallinowskiAustrian director Barbara S. Müller is telling the story of the relationship between two women, which live in an emotional satellization to the other on. The two of the mare now standing right in front of an abyss - but only one of them will succeed to free herself from dependence. Based on a true story.Austrian director Barbara S. Müller is telling the story of the relationship between two women, which live in an emotional satellization to the other on. The two of the mare now standing right in front of an abyss – but only one of them will succeed to free herself from dependence. Based on a true story.
- DirectorManfred HoschekWith the appearance of bearded men in nuns' costumes, collecting money for the needy members of the gay community, the Sistory of the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" started in San Francisco at Easter 1979. Since than, the Sisters have developed a wide network of "Houses" and "Orders" in numerous countries. They support gay, lesbian and transgender organizations as well as Aids projects.With the appearance of bearded men in nuns’ costumes, collecting money for the needy members of the gay community, the Sistory of the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” started in San Francisco at Easter 1979. Since than, the Sisters have developed a wide network of “Houses” and “Orders” in numerous countries. They support gay, lesbian and transgender organizations as well as Aids projects.