Community Journalist
The movie is “Orange Cheesecake,” a short film that came out in 2025. It’s a gay short film directed by Sam Liddell, with Harry Jenkins serving as the producer. The story centers around Joe, who gets invited to dinner, and as the night progresses, tensions start to rise as his father’s true intentions come to light. On IMDb, some user reviews describe it as “sweet, sad, and awkward,” capturing the film’s emotional complexity.
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“Boys or Jongens” – A Movie Review
Sieger, just 15, had his eyes glued to the stopwatch and the track, convinced he knew his limits—physically, emotionally, personally. As he trains for the national relay champs, everything shifts when he crosses paths with Marc. A boy as wild and free as the wind, as unpredictable as a summer storm. Through shared laughs and quiet moments of ease, a connection sparks that goes way beyond friendship. When feelings start to deepen, Sieger embarks on more than just a race—it’s a journey into self-discovery, courage, and the true meaning of love.
Gijs Blom plays a particularly nuanced role as Sieger, coming to terms with being gay, whilst being part of the athletic world. As Sieger moves forward, he becomes friends with Marc (played by Ko Zandvliet), and they both enjoy the youthfulness of being in each other’s company. A kiss happens whilst they are at a lake. It has all the tenderness of a first kiss, with the sparcity of sex being thought about.
Boys or Jongens is a wonderful introduction to how love develops, the complexities and the joys.
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Experience the poignant coming-of-age story of SCRAPS, a gay romance skateboarding short film that captures the vibrant energy of skate culture intertwined with tender moments of self-discovery. Set against the rugged backdrop of rural 2003 Montana, this indie LGBTQ+ film follows a closeted teen artist as he falls for an openly skateboarding boy, confronting the fears of small-town judgment and the courage to embrace his identity. Featuring compelling performances by Dorian Giordano and Peder Lindell, SCRAPS echoes the emotional depth of films like Mid-90s, Call Me By Your Name, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. It’s a heartfelt journey of love, vulnerability, and growth during a defining summer in a small town.
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Review of “Reel” by Jens Choong
In “Reel,” director and writer Jens Choong delivers a poignant exploration of friendship, identity, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Set against the backdrop of a city on the cusp of change, the film centres on Victor (Fanny Ketter) and his best friend Robert (Toft Hervén) during the last day before Victor moves away. This timeline cleverly encapsulates the fleeting moments before a significant life transition, making the stakes feel personal and urgent.
The film opens with Victor and Robert engaging in their favourite pastimes—skateboarding, spraying graffiti, and simply hanging out. Each scene is imbued with a palpable sense of nostalgia and youthful exuberance, allowing viewers to reminisce about their friendships. However, beneath the light-hearted banter and carefree moments lies an undercurrent of tension, as the boys grapple with unspoken feelings and the impending distance that will soon separate them.
Choong’s direction is skilful, capturing both the joy of companionship and the struggles of self-discovery. The chemistry between Ketter and Hervén is electric, making their evolving dynamic feel authentic and relatable. As they navigate their day together, subtle shifts in their interactions signify a deeper connection, bringing to light the complexities of love and friendship at this age.
The cinematography enhances the narrative, with vibrant visuals that mirror the boys’ emotional journey. The streets of their city become a canvas for their
expressions, both a playground and a reminder of what they stand to lose. The film’s pacing allows for moments of reflection, giving audiences space to absorb the weight of their impending separation.
“Reel” resonates not just as a short gay teenage friendship tale but as a universal exploration of identity and acceptance. It’s a heartfelt reminder that friendships can be transformative and often come with an intimacy that can be difficult to articulate. As Victor prepares to leave, the audience feels the ache of possibilities unvoiced, encapsulating the essence of what it means to navigate the complicated waters of growing up.
In conclusion, Jens Choong’s “Reel” is a beautifully crafted short film that not only captures the essence of youthful friendships but also delves into the profound realisations that come with them. The performances from Fanny Ketter and Toft Hervén are commendable, and together with Choong’s sensitive storytelling, they create a lasting impression that lingers long after the credits roll. This film is a touching exploration of the ties that bind us and the bittersweet nature of change, reminding us that sometimes, the truest connections are the hardest to leave behind.
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**Exploring Desire and Identity: A Journey into “Sequin in a Blue Room”**
In the throes of the digital age, where meaningful relationships often take a backseat to fleeting encounters, the story of a young boy named Sequin unfolds with captivating intensity. “Sequin in a Blue Room,” co-written by Jory Anast and Samuel Van Grinsven, presents a nuanced exploration of teenage sexuality, obsession, and the complexities of connection in an anonymous world.
Sequin, a 16-year-old high schooler, epitomizes the hook-up generation—constantly logged in but emotionally unavailable. He glides through life in a haze of superficial encounters, ghosting ex-partners without a second thought. Yet, everything shifts during a chance encounter at an anonymous sex party. This exhilarating event unveils a dizzying world of instant gratification and unmoored sexuality, igniting a spark within Sequin that he has never experienced before.
Amidst the pulsating atmosphere of the party, Sequin locks eyes with a mysterious stranger, their connection instant and electric. However, the allure of this encounter turns to frustration when they are abruptly separated. Utterly fixated on the enigmatic man, Sequin embarks on a thrilling yet perilous mission to locate him, plunging deeper into the seductive realm of a hook-up app that threatens to consume his identity.
As he navigates the seductive landscape of no-strings-attached hookups—symbolized by the ever-alluring blue room—Sequin grapples with the risks and thrills of his quest for intimacy. His journey becomes a poignant reflection on desire, identity, and the search for genuine connection in a world that often prioritizes anonymity over authenticity. The film deftly tackles the consequences of his obsession, as Sequin finds himself in increasingly dangerous situations that force him to confront his desires and the emotional fallout that accompanies them.
In delving into these themes, “Sequin in a Blue Room” transcends the typical coming-of-age narrative. It invites audiences to ponder the impact of anonymity on personal connections and the complexities of teenage exploration in an era dominated by digital interactions. The film stands as a breath of fresh air from the Australian independent film scene, bringing forth a story that is both relatable and deeply reflective—a gripping testament to the journey of self-discovery within the chaotic tapestry of modern relationships.
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From Roommates to Lovers – What unfolds when two college roommates—one gay and the other straight—embark on an unexpected journey of love? This touching LGBTQ+ short film tells the story of a dashing junior who finds himself drawn to his straight senior roommate. As the days roll by, feelings intensify, culminating in a surprising confession during a casual game of cards. Just when it seems like nothing could come from it, the straight roommate starts to confront his own emotions and opens up to the possibility of love.
This romantic short film (From Roommates to Lovers) captures the essence of self-discovery, acceptance, and the transformative power of love that transcends labels. Join them as their love story develops over five weeks in a college dorm, brimming with raw emotion, passion, and a profound connection that alters their lives forever.
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Yet again I have found a short movie which hasn’t see much light of day, and deserves a better airing. Anochecer (or Nightfall) is a beautiful written and acted tale about the start of a love affair. Of the journey yet to come, and of a tale in which more is left to our imagination than is explicitly told.
Director: Lucas Mac Dougall
Cast: Leandro Gauto, Juan Yarcho
Argentina | 2012 | 9 min
