FTFF 2026: Firsts (Short Film Package)

A series of shorts exploring first times. It’s the moment when somebody crosses the threshold of something they’ve never done before.

At Fairy Tales Queer Art & Film Festival, we honour the moments that change us forever. This collection of shorts explores the vulnerability, excitement, and transformation of “firsts”—from first love and first risks to first steps into authenticity—capturing the beauty and complexity of becoming.

Salsa!

Directed by: Antonina Kerguelen
Runtime: 14m Country: Colombia Languages: Spanish

In between prejudiced gazes, Margarita, a free-spirited woman and salsa music lover, walks away from her marriage searching for her identity. At night Margarita finds refuge in a seashore kiosk, where improvised salsa parties occur. Her path crosses with Liana’s, a deaf tourist who arrives at the party's peak. Seeing in Liana a world foreign to her own, Margarita finds the perfect company to explore her true being and decides to teach Liana how to dance, understanding her deafness as an opportunity for a different type of communication, tactile and corporeal. Liana and Margarita see in each other the ideal complement to find the freedom they are looking for.

WATER SPORTS (Short Film)

Directed by: Whammy Alcazaren
Runtime: 19m Country: Philippines Languages: Tagalog

The Teacher believes that children are our future. He says to teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Jelson and Ipe, students deep in love, undergo trials of the mind and body as they prepare themselves to survive a world devastated by climate change. Though life may be harsh and unforgiving, They believe what their teacher says in that a strong heart and mind can triumph with an iron will. But Jelson and Ipe soon learn that maybe the best way to survive the end of the world is to simply just live, laugh, and love.

Genres: Comedy, Romance

First Shave

Directed by: Ande Brown
Runtime: 4m Country: Canada Languages: English

Anticipation and apprehension abound as a trans man prepares for his first hot towel, straight razor shave.

Invincible Summer

Directed by: Arnaud Dufeys
Runtime: 19m Country: Belgium Languages: French

One hot summer evening. Alone at home, by the pool, 16-year-old Clément is killing boredom by swiping guys' profiles on a dating app. Determined to lose his virginity, he lies about his age on his date with Naël, a young man 8 years his senior. As the moment of intimacy approaches, Clément is rushing things... But it is by discovering a body completely different from Naël's that Clément will grow up.

Breaking Away

Directed by: Simon Helloco
Runtime: 25m Country: France Languages: French

Noé dreams of breaking away from the countryside. With Tom, his best friend, he spends time shooting whimsical DIY videos. When a real film shoot comes to the area, he sees a chance to escape... And to reveal to Tom the true nature of his feelings.

A Beach

Directed by: Juanqui Soto & Luis Paredes
Runtime: 12m Country: Spain Languages: Spanish

Two best friends visit the north of Spain and one day they woke up at a nudist beach. Pablo feels some strong sexual attraction for one of the naked men but his friend Dani doesn't even know he is gay.

DTF?

Directed by: Jess McLeod
Runtime: 16m Country: Canada Languages: English

Young queer writer, Jonah, is forced to confront his insecurities when he ends up on a date with his former English professor. Through a heated night of laughter, emotion, and vulnerability, the two unpack what it means to be a gay man in search for a real connection.

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Recommended if you plan to attend 6+ films.