5 Queer Short Films You Can’t Miss in 2025
A collection of bold short films from 2025 that push queer stories forward with humor, heart, and originality.
It’s 2025, and society has gone through enormous shifts over the past few decades, especially when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. We’ve celebrated progress, but we’ve also been reminded how fragile these achievements can be. That’s why it’s more important than ever to bring queer stories to the screen.
And what better format than short films? This is the medium that has been pushing boundaries since the very beginning of cinema. So today, we’re spotlighting five standout queer short films from 2025 with unique stories from diverse cultures and backgrounds that prove just how powerful short-form storytelling can be.
The Space You Need — written and directed by Sam Peter Jackson
Making the rounds at festivals across the UK and beyond, The Space You Need is a heartwarming and refreshingly original romantic comedy. Written and directed by Sam Peter Jackson, it follows Julian, a frustrated sci-fi writer who’s stuck in a relationship rut. When his fiancé Leo embarks on a trip with the world’s first low-cost spaceline, the unexpected distance gives them exactly the space they need to reassess their future.
Sharp, witty, and full of strong performances, this short proves that there’s still plenty of room for fresh stories in the gay rom-com genre. It also highlights Jackson’s mastery of the short film format, showcasing why he’s a veteran worth watching. You can watch it on CenterFrame.
Dead Fish — written and directed by João Fontenele
Dead Fish (Peixe Morto) is a Brazilian short written, directed, produced, and co-starred by João Fontenele. It dives into a tangle of complex relationships with an outcome that’s as dark as it is satisfying. The story follows two truck drivers stranded in the middle of nowhere, who find shelter with Sônia, a charming woman stuck in an abusive relationship. By helping the drivers, she may find her own chance at freedom.
In just 14 minutes, Dead Fish delivers the tension of a feature-length film, full of striking creative choices that showcase Fontenele’s bold vision. It stood out as one of the most original and powerful entries I saw at São Paulo’s International Short Film Festival this year, and it strongly highlights the potential of Brazilian cinema.
Alterations — written and directed by Dana J. Atrach
I was thrilled to watch Alterations at a BFI private screening hosted by More Films for Freedom. This heartfelt drama, blended with a surprising sense of humor, is the directorial debut of Palestinian filmmaker Dana J. Atrach, who has already a long career as screenwriter and professor.
It tells the story of Sam (played brilliantly by Raphael Khouri), a trans man who returns home after his father’s passing. Wanting to honor tradition, he asks to help carry his father’s coffin, sparking conflict with his relatives. The film sensitively explores themes of grief, identity, and reconciliation with estranged families, resonating deeply with queer audiences. Both Atrach and Khouri shine in their debuts, making Alterations one of my favorite queer films of the year so far, and one clearly destined for an impressive festival run.
Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites — written and directed by Chheangkea
One of Sundance’s most memorable shorts this year, the Cambodian Grandma Nai Who Played Favorites (ចៅសំណព្វចិត្ត) is a delicate, humorous, and moving take on family and acceptance. It follows Grandma Nai—already deceased—who sneaks out of the afterlife after learning her queer grandson is about to marry a woman.
Visually stunning and laced with sharp humor, the film feels both claustrophobic and liberating as it examines the expectations LGBTQ+ people face within their families. Anchored by playful, authentic performances, it’s a mature work from writer-director Chheangkea, who has been selected for the Sundance Institute 2025 Screenwriters Lab with his upcoming feature.
We Cool? — directed by Yizhen Hou, written by Hou and Patricia Guthrie
An inventive animated short that began as Yizhen Hou’s thesis project, We Cool? has since grown into a festival favorite and a viral hit on YouTube. The film follows a charismatic gay parrot on a disastrous date that spirals into chaos over one night in the city.
With sharp, naturalistic dialogue and fresh, funny storytelling, the short captures the awkwardness of first dates and the challenges of queer relationships with honesty and charm. Using animal characters adds an extra layer of originality, making We Cool? stand out not only as a queer animation but also as an outstanding piece of cinema. You can watch it on YouTube.
These five short films prove that queer storytelling is thriving in 2025, playful, daring, emotional, and unapologetically authentic. Spanning genres from romantic comedy to animation, and formats from intimate drama to bold satire, they each bring a distinctive lens to LGBTQ+ lives. What unites them is the courage to portray our community with honesty and creativity, reflecting both the joy of queer existence and the challenges we face in a world that can still be combative. Together, they remind us why representation matters and why queer stories must continue to be told, shared, and celebrated.