Leeds Queer Short Film Competition 2

The second of two competition programmes for queer shorts this year includes films from Canada, UK, India, USA, and Aotearoa. Told seamlessly over decades, we watch Hamed grow up and navigate his queer, Afghan, and Muslim identities, as well as a difficult relationship with his father. Beautiful storytelling that does so much with so little; an exultation of the short film genre.Yorkshire Premiere | Alexander Farah | Canada | 2024 | 18 mins | Dari/Farsi, English Blending music, visual poetry, and an emotionally grounded performance, UBIQUITOUS tells the story of a young man battling with internalised homophobia and unrequited love.World Premiere | Masha Maroutitch | UK | 2025 | 7 mins | English The weekly family Scrabble game presents Jo with an opportunity to be open about who she is. With relatable characters and genuine connections that create a real lived-in feel, this charming slice-of-life film is a triple-word score!World Premiere | Vinoo Choliparambil | India | 2025 | 15 mins | Hindi During a night of erotic bondage, Aki begins to recall the story of his grandmother’s disappearance. An “ama,” or “sea woman” of Northern Japan, her gradual descent into the ocean’s loving arms reflects Aki’s drift from the ropes and lover who bind him.International Premiere | Lucas Ikaika Manuel-Scheibe | USA | 2024 | 13 mins | English Taking a 1950’s term for those who could only appear butch at the weekend, this dapper documentary looks at how queer nightlife creates space for butch identies to flourish.World Premiere | Claudia Vogt | UK | 2025 | 13 mins | English Amid the nightlife of a new city, a young Māori trans woman reckons with safety, isolation, and the fragile bonds of old friendships outgrown — as the promise of belonging rises just beyond the horizon.Europe Premiere | Allie Howell | Aotearoa | 2025 | 14 mins | English, Māori Bringing men back to her home at night, Juni’s cannibalistic hunger is satiated. But is her cover almost blown by a hot new neighbour? With plenty of fourth wall breaking nods reminiscent of Fleabag, Sucker, is a sexy thriller rom-com to end our programme.Fae Al-Kalamchi | UK | 2025 | 13 mins | British Sign Language