There are dozens of LGBTQ shorts screening at this year’s Chain NYC Film Festival, dedicated to “personal stories, original ideas, and new work” by a diverse group of first-time and experienced directors. Many of the films are incorporated into two specific queer-themed blocks, with a handful of shorts playing in other programs. Here, in chronological order, is a rundown of 15 LGBTQ shorts to catch at this year’s festival. Juan Cálix’s short, “Surviving Myself - Part I: Powerless” in the "Seeking the Light" program (August 7, 6:00 pm), has Brandon (Alex Puette) hooking up with Chad (Evans Enslow) to get drugs. However, Alex’s trip experience ends harshly with his partner Jorge (Sebastián Treviño) returning home and confronting him. Intense, and artfully made, Cálix’s short suggests a Part II is coming, and viewers will want to see how Brandon’s story continues. “Final Frame,” in the “Showbiz #1” program (August 8, 2:00 pm), is a thoughtful short about Carlos (Alejandro Alba), a film editor, who is being pressured by his boss to deliver a file while also needing to get to the hospital where his partner Ben (Anthony L. Williams) is about to undergo surgery. Twin writers/directors Adrian and Andrew Nuño emphasize Carlos’ frantic mindset in the first act with an anxious voiceover, claustrophobic camerawork, and rapid-fire editing, but a dialogue between Carlos and Ben at the midpoint is touching, leading to a poignant ending. The filmmakers deftly use footage of the couple to create a sweet film about the demands and rewards of a relationship. [caption id="attachment_64486" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Carlos (Alejandro Alba) and Ben (Anthony L. Williams) in "Final Frame."[/caption] “Morning Vigil,” in the "Relationships" program (August 9, 4:00 pm), is based on a Guy de Maupassant story and has Sister Eulalie (McLean Peterson) and her brother Henry (Nick Doolan) making an unexpected (and perhaps unwelcome) discovery when reading their late mother’s (Blanche Baker) letters as she lies on her deathbed. The performances are solid, and the tone is appropriately airless, but this short ultimately feels a bit slight. “This Is the Way the World Ends” in the "Connections" program (August 12, 6:00 pm) is a fabulous short about Alya (Janie Haddad Tompkins) and her partner Eveline (Monica Wyche) spending their last 8 hours together. The women talk and eat, play games, and have sex, waiting for the end of their lives. (The title gives that conceit away). Writer/director Jeremiah Murphy maintains a light, playful touch that revels in the quotidian. Viewers will enjoy spending time with these women, and their love for each other and their last moments together are palpable. “Boy Mom” in the “Grindhouse” program (August 13, 8:00 pm), is a broad comedy about a young man (Carter Williams) who hopes to expose his mother’s (Michael Bogardus in drag) mistreatment of him when a lesbian journalist (Mary Kate Abner) comes to interview her. The actors give committed performances, but writer/director Reese Carmen Villella’s film feels too undercooked to be impactful. [caption id="attachment_64488" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Writer/director Reese Carmen Villella’s film, "Boy Mom," will screen on Aug. 13.Chain Film Fest[/caption] The “LGBTQIA #1” program (August 14, 6:00 pm) includes six films, half of which were available for preview. “Peter” is a nerve-wracking short about the titular character (Ryan Cassata), a young transman anxiously trying to meet a friend after a night at a bar. He is followed on the city’s empty streets by Dustin (Aaron Joshua Perra), a stranger who may or may not be threatening. Writer/director David Anderson ratchets up the tension with music, editing, and some visual effects that make this an effective — and affecting — short. “Welcome Home, Jeremy Diaz” has Landon (Joel Oramas) preparing for the opening of his Pride Center, which is being hosted by his ex, Jeremy Diaz (Alain Lapinel), who is now a celebrity. But what starts out as a friendly reunion eventually becomes an opportunity to clear the air. This bittersweet film captures the genuine emotions both men feel and their efforts to move on from their past and possibly find a way forward. “Why We Stay” is a love letter to the city featuring a handful of New Yorkers, several of whom are LGBTQ. As they cross paths during a hectic, frustrating day, they make or miss connections. While the short feels like part of a larger mosaic, its strength is that viewers can piece together the various narrative strands and backstories for each character. Director Chloe Dulac keeps the pacing lively and gives each of the performers a scene in which to shine. If the film feels unfinished, viewers can decide what happens next for each character. The “LGBTQIA #2" program (August 15, 4:00 pm) features five shorts. “How You See Me” is an excellent documentary about Raemond, a trans teenager who creates artwork to “make their gender dysphoria visible.” In a voiceover, they articulate what inspired them to create various works — from wire wings to masks and more — that illustrates their emotions about their body and being trans. “Infinity Girls” is a sensitive drama about Jess (writer/codirector Alexandra Nedved) who has just finished a stint in rehab. She tracks down her bestie, Andi (Kat Reeve) who is camping, to make amends. But Andi is reluctant to let Jess back into her life; besides, Andi now has a girlfriend. Over the course of a weekend that involves hiking and canoeing, Jess and Andi hash out their complicated feelings. “Infinity Girls” is a terrific short about trust, love, and forgiveness, nicely acted by both leads. “Meet Me at the End” is a well-meaning short about Sawyer (Abby Smook), a lesbian teenager who has not come out to her mother, Marie (Kathleen Wilce). When her childhood friend Eli (Alexander Teixeira) learns that she is dating Carys (Eve Guttman), he warns her that she will burn in hell. Sawyer must reconcile her faith and sexuality, as well as her relationship with both her mother and her girlfriend. Writer/director Natalie Mahoney’s film is a heartfelt student film. [caption id="attachment_64487" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Carys (Eve Guttman) and Sawyer (Abby Smook) in "Meet Me at the End."Chain Film Fest[/caption] “The House of the Seven Gables,” is a queer reworking of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel. Phillip Pyncheon (Mike Pratt, who penned the screenplay) shares some flirtatious banter with Holgrave Goode (JD Robinson). However, Philip’s cousin, Hepzibah (Liz Bishop) has some concerns about Holgrave. When she expresses her thought to him, Phillip seems inclined to ignore her. The film, which is the first of a projected web series, ends before anything of consequence happens, which makes it a fine proof-of-concept film, but unsatisfying as a standalone episode. “You Don’t Like Cake?” is about Kyle (Bradley Beachum), a young man who has never had cake. On a date with Joyce (Hannah Sulak), Kyle tries some, but he does not like it. When his brother Jake (Coby Larinde), who is engaged to be married, visits, Kyle expresses his emotions leading to a profound moment. “You Don’t Like Cake?” operates as a metaphorical coming out film, but it somehow feels underbaked. Lastly, “Won’t Be Displaced” in the “Immigrant Experience” program (August 15, 5:00 pm) is a topical short about Orisa (Uzunma Udeh) a lesbian from Nigeria who has just received her refugee status in the UK. Living with Alice, a lesbian singer who is estranged from her mother, the two women find connection while battling their respective traumas. This admirable short highlights the importance of queer refugees finding a safe space. For tickets and more information, visit

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