Fleabag’s Ben Aldridge gets hot and steamy in gay short film collection: ‘Boys On Film 22’

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Peccadillo Pictures

Ben Aldridge stars in Peccadillo Pictures’ latest collection of gay short films, Boys on Film 22: Love to Love You. 

Showcasing new and emerging queer filmmaking talent BoF 22 features an exciting selection of gay short films offering fascinating and insightful perspectives of the gay experience.

Aldridge, a former Attitude award winner, stars in Thrive, which sees two men engage in a steamy encounter before getting to share a more tender and emotional moment. 

Have We Met Before?, Dir. Oliver Mason

Prepare for a kitschy, kinky voyage via the homosexual gaze from the 1970’s to the present day. The internet may have changed the way gay men meet, but as always, some things never change.

The Act, Dir. Thomas Hescott

It’s 1965, the eve of decriminalisation for acts of male homosexuality. We meet Matthews, a young gay man at odds with the world and his own sexuality, as he discovers love, sex and a family in the back alleys of Soho.

First Position, Dir. Michael Elias Thomas

In 1980’s San Francisco, aspiring dancer Zachary fights to keep his dream alive after falling ill. Meanwhile, a fleeting romance with fellow dancer Jamie provides brief respite.

Winter, Dir. Luis Pacheco, Rafael Ruiz Espejo

Out of the blue, cabaret performer Nico receives a call from their estranged father who is coming to visit them. Keeping their queer lifestyle under wraps, Nico soon realises that they and their father are much closer than they previously thought.

The Suit Weareth The Man, Dir. Mitchell Marion

Maciej suppresses his sexual and cultural identities in order to climb the corporate ladder, struggling with the conflicting wishes of his conservative mother Marta and the orders of his handsome yet ruthless boss Christopher.

Infinite While It Lasts, Dir. Akira Kamiki

At a party, Danny and Seiji fall in love. While those around them think their relationship is doomed to fail, Danny believes the differences between them can prove stronger than their feelings.

Melon Grab, Dir. Andrew Lee

An uncertain future dawns upon two young best friends as one of them is moving away from their coastal hometown. Their way of dealing with it is skateboarding as the descending sun marks a new point in their lives.

Thrive, Dir. Jamie Dispirito

Joe and Alex enter into a mobile phone hook-up conversation that leads to a physical meet-up. The attraction between them is evident, but it quickly becomes apparent they’re looking for different things. Nominated for Iris Prize 2020.

Boys on Film 22: Love to Love You will be available on most UK video on demand platforms and on PeccadilloPOD.com worldwide from 27 June.

The Attitude May/June issue is out now.