SHORTS: BRIEF ENCOUNTERS

It starts with a look across a crowded cafe or inside a train cabin — the encounters in this collection of shorts might be brief, but they leave an indelible mark. These prospective lovebirds flirt, fight, and f*ck, but mostly they open their hearts to each other. Connections, both fleeting and permanent, are made and the promise of romance is in the air, so invite your crush and prepare to swoon together.


THE NIGHT TRAIN
Dir. Jerry Carlsson, Sweden, 15 mins
New York State Premiere
On a night train, Oskar makes eye contact with Ahmad, meeting the gaze of someone who feels the same desire as he does for the very first time.
Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film


POOL BOY
Dir. Luke Willis, USA, 10 mins
College jock Austin unexpectedly develops feelings for his parents' non-binary pool cleaner and struggles to hide this from his straight friends.
Followed by a Q&A with Director/Writer Luke Willis
Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film


LOVE IS A HAND GRENADE
Dir. Jessica Benhamou, UK, 13 mins
Besties Gabby and Alexis hook up after a messy night out, forcing them to question the nature of their relationship, sexuality, and the limits of love.


TWO MEN BY THE SEA
Dir. Gabriel Motta, Brazil, 17 mins
New York State Premiere
After leaving Brazil, César meets Martin at an empty cafe in Tallinn, Estonia. They talk and flirt in front of the sea.


OF HEARTS AND CASTLES
Dir. Ruben Navarro, USA, 15 mins
New York State Premiere
A man struggling emotionally after a breakup meets another man for just one night.


BLUE MOON
Dir. Emily Ruhl, USA, 13 mins
World Premiere
Two young women explore each other and themselves over the course of a day in Los Angeles.
Followed by a Q&A with Director/Writer Emily Ruhl
Closed Captioning will be available for the virtual screening of this film

Presented in partnership with Rooftop Films