Today Frameline Voices premieres the short Valentine, which is part of its 11th annual short film program, highlighting the voices of LGBTQ+ people and communities today, featuring several short films that — appropriately — focus in particular on queer love and relationships.
Valentine, directed by Beck Kitsis and Chris McNabb. In the short, a couple grapples with identity and gender when one partner begins to explore what that means to them. Or as the official synopsis describes it, “with gender and identity in flux, Corey and Mia struggle to redefine their relationship.”
It's a story that many queer people in couples have experienced and yet a story that is so rarely told — and even rarer yet, told well. Which makes Valentine such an exciting and moving watch.
Valentine is one of several shorts which make up the Frameline Voices program. Here’s what other exciting shorts comprise the list:
Courtesy of Frameline
Dir. Nyala Moon | 2022 | USA
How Not to Date While Trans is a break-the-fourth-wall, dark comedy that follows the dating life of a Black trans woman and the problematic men she meets along the way. Andie searches for romance and self-love but ends with heartbreak.
Available now on frameline's Instagram
Courtesy of Frameline
Dir. Snowflake Arizmendi-Calvert, Roberto Fatal, Xav S-F | 2022 | USA
Inspired by the sacred and ancient relationship between Chaac, the Mayan deity of Rain, and Yum, the Mayan deity of corn, this short erotic drama tells a story about two queer, Mayan-descended Two-Spirits who meet at a queer San Francisco bar. Upon touching and dancing with one another they realize their connection is ancient.
Premiered: February 10th
Courtesy of Frameline
A non-monogamous queer couple grapples with a pregnancy test after one of them has an unprotected one-night stand. Knocked Up but if Seth Rogan was pregnant.
Premiere Date: February 17th
Courtesy of Frameline
Dir. Emily May Jampel | 2022 | USA
Two Asian American teenagers meet in the bathroom of a Chinese restaurant while having dinner with their families.
Premiere Date: February 24th
All film descriptions are courtesy of Frameline.
Valentine is available to stream now on Frameline’s Instagram. For more details on when and where to see the rest of the Voices program, visit Frameline.org
