Trailblazing Gay Short Films Before 2000

SHORT FILM

What Can I Do with a Male Nude?

1985 Comedy

Explores censorship, self-expression, and desire through a male model's poses and a photographer's narration.

SHORT FILM

Little Death

1995 Drama

Paul's family confronts tensions as he deals with his dying father and personal insecurities.

SHORT FILM

Back Room

1999 Drama, Romance

A back room in Barcelona's gay club hosts a complex web of desires and emotions among patrons, revealed through introspective voice-overs.

SHORT FILM

Just One Time

1998 Comedy, Drama, Romance

In a provocative twist, a man encourages his girlfriend to explore a one-time encounter with another woman, unraveling complexities of desire, trust, and intimacy.

SHORT FILM

Waves (Bølgene)

1998 Comedy

The evolving relationship between two teenagers, blurs the lines between love and friendship as they navigate the complexities of youthful emotions and self-discovery.

SHORT FILM

Fishbelly White

1998 Comedy, Drama

A rural gay man begins exploring his sexuality under a bridge with a supportive friend.

SHORT FILM

Billy Turner’s Secret

1991 Comedy

Billy navigates coming out to his homophobic friend Rufus, triggering unexpected consequences and a journey of self-discovery.

SHORT FILM

The Kiss on the Cliff

1993 Drama, Romance

In 1980s Wyoming, Steve navigates unrequited love for his best friend Mark.

SHORT FILM

Truth or Dare

1995 Comedy, Drama

Two girls and two boys, play a game of truth or dare. It's innocent and harmless, but at each turn, each youth tries to raise the ante.

SHORT FILM

Twilight of the Gods

1996 Comedy

After rescuing a wounded European soldier following a pitched battle, a Maori warrior must navigate cultural clashes and unexpected alliances during wartime.

SHORT FILM

Fairy Tale

1998 Drama

Gay man brings his lover to meet his homophobic parents.

SHORT FILM

The Absolution of Anthony

1997 Comedy, Drama

Follows the life of a young gay man who lives with his Catholic grandfather in the Bronx, New York City.

SHORT FILM

Smear

1998 Drama

A gay teenager is in love with a straight friend.

SHORT FILM

Front Room

1997 Drama

A close up of a man.

SHORT FILM

Flames of Passion

1989 Romance

A doctor falls in love with a man after discovering a photograph in a train station.

SHORT FILM

Anything Once

1998 Comedy

Joey and Mike confront personal boundaries, experiencing new challenges together.

SHORT FILM

Gayniggers from Outer Space

1992 Comedy, Sci-Fi

Extraterrestrial beings travel the galaxy to liberate men oppressed by females and establish an entirely homosexual society.

SHORT FILM

The Place Between Our Bodies

1975 Drama, Romance

This pre-AIDS film offers an explicit exploration of gay male sexuality. Dealing with sexual love and sexual hunger this film shows how tenderness can enter into the male sexual act.

SHORT FILM

Alger la blanche

1986 Drama

Farid, a teenager of Algerian descent, causes bad reactions within his family and friends, including his partner Jean. Farid's entanglement with the police leads to an explosive outcome.

SHORT FILM

The Dead Boys’ Club

1992 Comedy, Drama, Fantasy

Toby, wearing the shoes of his cousin's deceased lover, experiences visions of New York's pre-AIDS gay scene, grappling with newfound confidence and identity amidst lingering grief.

SHORT FILM

My Friend Rachid

1998 Comedy

A young boy is obsessed with his older friend.

SHORT FILM

Just Out of Reach

1998 Comedy, Drama

A younger man attempts to slip away after an unexpected night with an older man.

SHORT FILM

Yellow Fever

1998 Comedy, Drama, Romance

Monty, a gay Chinese man in London, only dates white men until his East Asian neighbor invites him to dinner, prompting Monty to confront his preferences.

SHORT FILM

Frank’s Cock

1994 Comedy

A short film uses four frames simultaneously to explore a gay man's memories of his deceased lover, Frank.

SHORT FILM

The Blue Boy

1997 Drama, Romance

Matt, a 20-something aspiring actor, becomes increasingly confused about his sexuality. When he meets a wealthy older benefactor, he starts trading favors for a small taste of the finer things in life.

SHORT FILM

Michael, a Gay Son

1980 Documentary

By following one young man through the process, this documentary attempts to give the audience an idea of the expereinces and feelings involved in that most uncomfortable of coming of age processes... Coming out.

SHORT FILM

Nunzio’s Second Cousin

1994 Drama, Romance

A masculine gay cop confronts homophobia head-on, teaching a transformative lesson to a group of young homophobes, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding in his community.