5 queer short films to watch on YouTube

David and Patrick (Schitt’s Creek), Elena and Syd (One Day At A Time), Holt and Kevin (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Cam and Michael (Modern Family) and Nomi and Amanita (Sense8). What do all these couples have in common? They are arguably some of the best portrayed queer couples on screen. 

Pop culture is a great medium to learn and unlearn about the society we live in and grow more aware of the various facets of life. As June is celebrated as Pride Month, we list a few short films with queer representation that can be accessed by all on YouTube.

Sisak

Written and directed by Faraz Ali Ansari, this is India’s first silent queer love story and stars Jitin Gulati and Dhruv Singhal. The film has won 59 international awards.

It follows two men who take the same Mumbai local train every day and as they dare to come close together, they just can’t seem to be able to say what is in their hearts. Take in the sights of the jostling Mumbai trains, as the actors convey meaning through their eyes and body languages and make something beautiful out of the mundane.

Coming Out

A beautiful sapphic tale, right from childhood, it explores the concept of a homosexual relationship through the medium of dolls as two young girls plays with them together. It is so refreshing to see how the mother of one of the girls behaves when her daughter is willing to sacrifice her identity to what she thinks will save the honour of her family. This is an emotional watch. 

Flex

Directed by Matt Porter, it stars Charles Rogers, Ellington Wells, & Brianna Baker. Flex deftly explores sexuality and relationships and has a very promising denouement, instead of the many tragic endings queer couples seem to have. It is funny, awkward and heartwarming and is only 15 minutes long.

Aadat

The film stars Ibrahim Ali Alavi and Rahil Siddiqui. The former’s character hires a sex worker to explore his own sexuality as a closeted queer, especially when religion plays a dominant role. It handles the topic with maturity.

Fathers and Sons

This film takes a look at a teen parent, Carter, trying to take back his baby which has been adopted by a gay couple. In just five minutes, it beautifully puts across its point as Carter assesses what it is like to be a parent.

We are sure these films will resonate with you.