South Korea Director: Yoo Ha
Set in 13th-century Korea, this sweeping epic tells the unconventional story of a taboo love triangle between the king of Goryeo, his male guard, and the queen. In the midst of nobles plotting to dethrone the king, the distraught commander of the royal guards must decide where his loyalties lie. This bold and provocative tale of blossoming desire is laced with bloody battles and betrayal, lust and forbidden love.
Korean, Mandarin with subtitles, 133 minutes
Greece Director: Panos H. Koutras
Taboos of love, sex, and family are defiantly and happily broken in A Woman's Way. Following a love affair between an ex-con and a transsexual hooker, the film has a shocking twist echoing the classic tragedies of Greek theater. Vibrant colors and sensational costuming balance the deep-dark storyline, propelling this melodrama to sensational heights.
Greek with subtitles, 113 minutes
Germany / Israel Director: Haim Tabakman
Jerusalem's ultra-Orthodox community offers the comfort of belonging, but the conformity can be suffocating. Aaron, a devoted husband and father, is well respected in this world. Then he meets Ezri, a charismatic 22-year-old, who quickly steals Aaron's heart. Soon he's choosing this taboo love over his family. Guilt, torment, and pressure from the community will lead him to make a radical decision…
Hebrew, Yiddish with subtitles, 91 minutes
France Director: Pascal-Alex Vincent
The journey is more important than the destination in this beautifully meditative film. Twin brothers—one gay, one straight—travel to the funeral of a mother they never met, equipped with only their rucksacks. Theirs is a close if combative relationship, but it is threatened by sexual entanglements and betrayal as they progress through the European countryside.
French with subtitles, 80 minutes
Mexico Director: Julián Hernández
This strangely hypnotic tale follows a young man's quest for love through the seediest spots in contemporary Mexico City. Named best gay-themed feature at Berlin, the film creates a deeply sensual atmosphere by blending intense eroticism and arresting monochrome visuals. For art film lovers, the rewards are worth the challenge.
Spanish with subtitles, 191 minutes
Philippines Director: Charliebebs Gohetia
This celebration of a singular family of drag queens follows a hapless group of beauty pageant contestants who leave the big city in search of fame, glamour, and adoration out in the rural provinces. This lighthearted, brightly colored romp draws us in—past the girls’ glamorous façades to their destructive everyday habits—as they tear through the Filipino countryside.
Visayan with subtitles, 105 minutes
