Since entering the European Union at the turn of the millennium, the Baltic states have taken steps toward a more equitable and diverse society, at least in terms of legislation, but with significant pushback. There are still few queer voices ready to tell their own tales, but the community's story grows stronger and more defined with each passing year. In this program, we are confronted with the varied reality of queerdom in the Baltics, which is still inextricably linked to its oppressive history, filled with dread of violence and rejection, but also hopeful and fun in a process of gradual self-discovery, both artistically and in daily existence. These shorts are like photographs from a train, with a destination that's still not that certain.
🎤 Films are screened in their original language, without Ukrainian subtitles.
❗ These films may contain potentially triggering or disturbing elements, such as,
🔞 Recommended Age:16+
Curator: Žulijens Nuhums Kulibali
BIG LOOP, SMALL LOOP
Director: Tomas Vengris, Žanete Skarule
Country: Latvia, Lithuania
Duration: 15
Architecture student Paulius is faced with a moral choice after discovering his beloved professor is one of the creatures wanted by the police and hunted by Paulius’ vigilante friends.
GLITTER KISS
Director: Augustė Gerikaitė
Country: Lithuania
Duration: 19
After discovering a brutally beaten drag queen Klaudijus, in his apartment building, homophobe Rolandas reluctantly takes him to the hospital and becomes his first response. As the police investigate and Klaudijus’ life hangs in the balance, Rolandas is forced to rethink his beliefs.
GRANDMA, MEET MARY
Directors: Kaire Russ, Eve Tisler
Country: Estonia
Duration: 19
The middle-aged perfectionist Virve has done everything so that her mothers 80. birthday party would be traditionally perfect. But with no warning her niece brings a surprise guest – her same sex partner.
MANIVALD
Director: Chintis Lundgren
Country: Estonia, Croatia, Canada
Duration: 13
A hot young plumber Toomas breaks into the harmonious life of Manivald and his retired mother.
CLEANLINESS
Director: Andrejs Brīvulis
Country: Latvia
Duration: 5
A diary of an office worker’s day. A humorous view of his casual homosexual adventures
turns bitter when the viewer realizes that he already has a relationship with a deeply
depressed, alcoholic man.