The Boys on Film series returns with Boys on Film: Happy Endings this month

The short film series has pulled in 11 international short films from across the world into the 24th edition of the long running anthology series.

From queer priests to sexy fuelled saunas, Boys on Film once again boldly explores where no man (or many men in some cases) has come before. 

Just what we were all hoping for then really…

It’s a pivotal time for BoF. As pivotal as the eye opening encounters the characters go through, usually resulting in a life changing revelation or epiphany – a crucial point in a gay man’s life that the viewer can relate to and hopefully find their own clarity. So in spirit of this, it’s worth noting that Happy Endings is the last Boys on Film DVD release – so from here on out they are embracing the digital world.

One of the shorts, You Like That, captures the cultural shift to digital as works of art transition into the seductive pics of a uni students Only Fans account, raising the question of how traditional art and digital media cross over and whether they can co-exist.

Like it’s predecessors, Happy Endings blends very realistic moments with the classic surreal short film tone that gay shorts invariably come with. With that said, Happy Endings certainly seems a bit steamier than some of the previous releases; so you can expect to enjoy lots of lingering stares that traverse the shadows and curves of typically toned young men.

L’Homme Inconnu is a visual display of just this sort, as a middle aged writer cures his writing block with a few chance glances at the guy on the next towel over. Think Call Me By Your Name meets Stranger by the Lake and you’ve got a tale of what ifs dipped in lust and desire. 

From intimidate first times to late night hookups BoF has never been afraid to challenge social norms, and after years of representing minorities has done so again. 

One of the most notable entries in the Happy Endings list is S.A.M, where a playground friendship between two teenagers slowly blossoms into something more. With Coronation Street’s Sam Retford and George Webster, the first CBeebies presenter with Down’s Syndrome starring, it’s a heartwarming us against the world sort of feel.

Over the years Boys on Film has explored deep into queer and gay identity, bringing the insights and experiences of its writers and directors to its viewer’s screens and letting them know that they aren’t alone in the world. Whilst Boys on Film: Happy Endings may be the last edition to be released on DVD, it certainly won’t be the last we hear from the series. 

Want to see what all the fuss is about for yourself? Take a look at the Peccadillo Pictures website to see where you can view.

If you’re a big fan of gay cinema, then this is the link for you.