Queer 1: Masc for Masc

Festival
PÖFF Shorts 2020
Programme
Shorts Alternatives

It’s hard to be “masculine” — whatever that means. In the short film collection “Masc for Masc”, stories of a garden variety of men have been brought together from different cultures all over the world. In the centre of their stories are their sexualities, friendships and family relationships, constricting power plays and sometimes beautiful and other times desolate emotional landscapes. Few things are hidden from the camera’s eye and that which is, speaks loudly.

Consisting mostly of the work of female and queer directors, the selection shines a light on “masculinities” from unexpected and sensitive angles. The films make us ask, who is to decide what makes a man and what doesn’t? How do you measure “masculinity”? How much do we leave space for people’s self-expression and how much do we sacrifice to fit in?

Heinrich Sepp

Films

Baltic premiere

The Binding of Itzik

Local title
Itziku köitmine
Director
Anika Benkov
Country
USA
Year
2020

In his online search for bookbinding materials, a middle aged Hasidic bookbinder stumbles across an ad offering 'binding lessons for submissive women.' He responds to it, becoming entangled in an emotionally intense BDSM relationship with a stranger on the internet.

Director
Anika Benkov
Runtime
Language
English, Yiddish

World premiere

The Fans

Local title
Fanatid
Original title
Фанаты
Director
Seva Galkin
Country
Russian Federation
Year
2020

Nikolay and Ruslan roam the streets of Moscow, fraternize with skinheads and hang out in Nikolay’s apartment decorated with Spartak FC insignia. Angered and confused, the guys come united in their desire to inflict a penalty on homosexuals. Based on a true story, the film’s brutal aesthetic is informed by research in court proceedings, social media, and street culture.

Director
Seva Galkin
Runtime
Language
Russian

International premiere

Cosmopolitan

Local title
Maailmakodanik
Director
Moran Nakar
Country
Israel
Year
2020

Jacob goes out, for the first time in his life, to a gay party, but discovers that his skin color prevents him from being accepted into the community.

Director
Moran Nakar
Runtime
Language
Hebrew

Baltic premiere

The Name of the Son

Local title
Poja nimi
Original title
El nombre del hijo
Director
Martina Matzkin
Country
Argentina
Year
2020

Lucho, a 13-year-old boy, doesn't usually share much time with his father. When he goes on vacation with him and his younger sister, the new closeness puts their relationship to the test.

Director
Martina Matzkin
Runtime
Language
Spanish

Query

Local title
Päring
Director
Sophie Kargman
Country
USA
Year
2019

Jay and Alex, roommates and best friends, spend their day verbally jousting over whether it’s instinct or social norms that drives their heterosexual proclivities. As the day unfolds, the barriers slowly fall and the conversation climaxes in a choice that has a profound impact on their evening.

Director
Sophie Kargman
Runtime
Language
English