Most people might be looking forward to over-indulging in Easter Eggs and sweet treats this coming Easter weekend, but there’s an even better treat coming your way – a new instalment of NQV Media’s ‘The Male Gaze’ series. This Friday ‘The Male Gaze: Naughty Boys’ arrives, featuring six short films that focus on men and boys that are wayward, mischievous and just downright naughty. These films take viewers to Spain, France, Germany, Australia and even Afghanistan, promising an eclectic collection of observations on gay men.
Felix Hertneck’s ‘Status’ is a jaw-dropping opener for this collection. The German filmmaker opens his short with two young men having sex, with one of them facing towards the camera and looking disinterested in what’s happening. The hook-up takes a dark turn when a conversation over protection, rather the lack of it, leads to a panicked exchange between the two men. With casual sex rampant in the gay community, Hertneck touches upon most gay men’s fears and tackles a very important subject in a confronting way. It certainly grabs your attention.
Speaking of gay men’s worst fears, Spanish director Carlos Jiménez Lucas focuses on two men who run into each other unexpectedly, that have a history together in ‘A Fuckboi Story’. Ulises (Nacho Zorrilla) is walking home at night in Madrid when he happens upon David (Sergio San Millán), an old hook-up. With residual feelings still there, at least on Ulises’ side, the short shines a spotlight on the inability for some gay men to change and the tendency for hook-ups to fall into old patterns quickly.
Perhaps the most shocking short on this collection is ‘The Invisible’ by Léa-Jade Horlier. Set in Kabul, the short tells the story of Zaid (Sadaf Asgari), a young girl who is living life as a boy in the tradition of the bacha posh – an Afghan practice where families raise daughters as a boy. Caught between her own desires and the expectations of her family, Zaid is told by her mother that she is expected to marry, which causes conflict. The short raises questions and discussion that many viewers won’t have considered before, and it’s a shocking look at how gay people are treated in other countries where rights aren’t as liberal as they are here.
‘The Squirrel’ from French filmmaker Thomas Buisson is one of the highlights of this instalment. Adrien (Adrien Casse) is in training to become a firefighter, and he quickly realises that he can’t be open about his sexuality among his peers. Things are complicated when he develops feelings for Damien (Yann Bella Ola). As Adrien tries to fit in with the other trainees, he fights to keep his feelings under check and his sexuality a secret. The theme of this short is a common one, and all gay men at some point have had to hide their sexuality. A lot of people will resonate with this short.
Penultimate short ‘Lumber’ from Australian director Harry Sabulis takes us to Queensland for the story of a lonely lumberjack (Jeremy Johnstone) who goes to a gay bar for the first time. This short packs a lot in over its 11 minutes and it’s surprisingly sweet. The central character’s decision to go to a gay bar is a bold one, for him, and when ensues is completely unexpected. Sabulis highlights unexpected connections that can happen if you push yourself outside of your comfort zone.
‘Big Boys Don’t Cry’ from director Arnaud Delmarle brings this release to a close. Lucas (Rod Paradot) has his summer turned upside down when old friend Hicham (Wyssem Romdhane) returns to Marseille after three years away. Old feelings stir in Lucas and his group of friends all react different to Hicham’s return. A little like ‘A Fuckboi Story’ earlier on in the collection, this short showcases what happens when men are forced to confront feelings that they’ve pushed to one side. Lucas is ‘one of the lads’ to the rest of the group, but his attraction to Hicham starts to affect how he’s perceived. It’s an interesting meditation of masculinity and sexuality, ending the collection on a strong note.
‘The Male Gaze: Naughty Boys’ doesn’t disappoint and it delivers six films that are all worthy of your time this Easter (and beyond). This collection remains NQV Media’s strongest and the shorts highlight the breadth of talent that’s out there, if you know where to look for it. There’s plenty to enjoy here, lots of food for thought, and plenty of guy candy – what more could you want?
Cast: Cino Djavid, Jonas Kaufmann, Nacho Zorrilla, Sergio San Millán, Sadaf Asgari, Setia Asadi, Alice Rahimi, Behi Djanati Atai, Adrien Casse, Yann Bella Ola, Victor Poirier, Jeremy Johnstone, Christopher O'Leary, Trent Owers, Rod Paradot, Wyssem Romdhane, Mathis Sonzogni, Emmanuel Rol Directors: Felix Hertneck, Carlos Jiménez Lucas, Léa-Jade Horlier, Thomas Buisson, Harry Sabulis, Arnaud Delmarle Certificate: Duration: 96 mins Released by: NQV Media Release date: 3rd April 2026
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