Benoît Duvette

A collection of the best gay stories France has to offer. From tales of teenage sexual awakening, to searing studies of complex adult relationships, these six films are both quintessentially French and undeniably Universal. Includes: Apollo [Apollon] (2016); Body of Angels [Le corps des anges] (2016); Electric July [Juillet électrique] (2014); Herculanum (2016); In Return [En retour] (2013); Ruptures (or André and Gabriel) [Ruptures (ou André et Gabriel)] (2016).

Éden and Charlie meet in a big house, explore the grounds together and, in the process, reveal their feelings for each other.

When adulthood looms, naivety fades, and a whole new, strange world opens up. These four beguiling European stories, from acclaimed film festivals the world over, explore these years of youthful wonder with a deftness and artistry that lingers. The short films are: Ruins [Ruines] (2019); Aline (2019); Snake [Змија] (2020); The Touching [Dotýkání] (2020).

Remi throws himself on the ground, listens to birds and falls asleep in hedges. Gabriel opens his stomach to the tip of a knife. They meet.

Two boys run away in order to try to face their feelings. In the hollow of the night, alone, their pains and their fears catch up with them.

Gold and Rain is a gay coming-of-age short film about intimacy, self-exposure and desire. Noa tries on a costume, alone, away from the gaze of others. He adjusts it, looks at himself, tries again. When Robin walks in, Noa is no longer just trying on clothes, but showing himself, without knowing if Robin will look at him. This LGBTQ+ short film explores queer identity, intimacy and self-discovery.