Leeds Queer Short Film Competition 2

A Summer in M.

In the Swiss countryside, Raphael tries to suppress his attraction to men while working at his family’s tobacco farm. As his desire grows, he attempts to turn virtual encounters into a reality. A tender coming of age adaptation of the award-winning novel by Robin Corminboeuf. World Premiere | Manon Stutz & Margaux Fazio | Switzerland | 2026 | 20 mins | French

The Muscle Knows Better Than To Wait

An empowering vignette celebrating queer and trans strength, power and community inside an LGBTQIA+ weightlifting club in Sheffield. Bodies are built, barriers are broken, and belonging grows stronger. Erica Monde | UK | 2026 | 4 mins | English

Whispers In The Void

In a distant future, Captain Leizu and android Mira board a doomed colony ship and uncover a lone infant tied to Leizu’s past. As a consuming alien AI threatens them, their bond is tested in a haunting story of love, sacrifice and hope. European Premiere | Kevin Geiger | Taiwan | 2026 | 15 mins | Chinese

Chulo

On a trip from New York City to visit their grandmother in Puerto Rico, Gael strikes up an instant connection with Mateo. A touching romance about the push and pull of the different places one calls home. European Premiere | Joshua Hernández | Puerto Rico, USA | 2026 | 15 mins | English, Spanish

Handwoven

A lyrical portrait of Nikyle Begay, a non-binary shepherd and weaver, working to preserve their Navajo way of life through the traditional art of weaving. Yorkshire Premiere | Dasha Levin, Mason Cazalet, Mihika Das, and Matthew Wisdom | India, Ireland, Mexico, USA | 2025 | 9 mins | English

If/When

A surreal, time-bending stop motion animation about love, fate, and what it means to hold on when everything is slipping away. Courtney Westbrook | Australia | 2025 | 10 mins | Dutch, English, Urdu

Choked

Shakona doesn’t always want to be treated so nicely, sometimes she wants to feel like the world does: chaotic. Devoted boyfriend Eddie can’t meet her needs, so she goes to where all good decisions are made: a hookup app. UK Premiere | Travis Alabanza | UK | 2026 | 10 mins | English

Leo Lets It Rain