Outfest 2022 presented another successful year for the popular program “BOY SHORTS” featuring some of the best selected gay short films; watch Q&A held at Directors Guild of America July 16th
By Oliver Carnay
One of the most popular program at the yearly Outfest is “Boy Shorts,” held on the first Saturday of the festival. Affirming, seductive, and hysterical stories come together in fabulous fashion to comprise this year’s dazzling collection of marquee gay male shorts. Whether it’s a camping trip on Catalina Island, a construction crane overlooking the buildings of Beirut, a trip to visit your boyfriend’s parents in Beijing or a chance encounter on a London balcony, the men in these evocative and deeply felt films from around the world search for a stage to plant their feet and live their truths out loud. Unique dilemmas arise — an accidentally ingested edible here, a lurid sex tape from a U.S. Senator there — but by trusting their instincts or leaning on their community for support, they each demonstrate the true beauty of authentic gay experience.
A Q&A was held after the screening at the Directors Guild of America on July 16, 2022. Filmmakers, producers, and cast members from BRUTAL, CATALINA,
F^¢K ‘€M R!GHT B@¢K, FOREIGN UNCLE, and A FOX IN THE NIGHT attended.
BRUTAL is about Jack Roth (Cheyenne Jackson) — once the hottest star of cable news — stumbles upon a “newsworthy sex scandal” and has a one-of-a-kind career dilemma in choosing whether to air it on national television.
CATALINA tells about a queer man and his two childhood best friends reunite for a weekend camping trip on Catalina Island.
F^¢K ‘€M R!GHT B@¢K is about a queer Black aspiring Baltimore rapper who must outwit his vengeful day-job boss in order to avoid getting fired after accidentally eating an edible.
FOREIGN UNCLE is about Sining, an Asian boy who brings his American boyfriend Patrick back to China to visit his family. After Sining accidentally comes out to them, everyone’s attitude towards Patrick goes south – except for Sining’s seven-year-old nephew, Naonao.
A FOX IN THE NIGHT. Before a big night out, Lewis puts his guard up when asked by a friend to pick up from his dealer. On arrival, Lewis is confronted with an unexpected invitation — and an unexpected connection.
WARHSA. A Syrian migrant working as a crane operator in Beirut volunteers to cover a shift on one of the most dangerous cranes, where he is able to find his freedom.
PAST LIVES. Two men who are not meant to be together experience a connection so strong and meaningful as if they knew each other from previous lives.