FTFF 2026: Firsts (Short Film Package)

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.

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.

Directed by: Behrad Sahebgharani
Runtime: 14m Country: Iran Languages: Persian

In a quaint religious village, two young girls discover their budding romantic relationship. As they muster the courage to reveal their love, they grapple with the daunting consequences that await them. "62% of LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran have experienced violence even death not from strangers, but from their own immediate families... And still, they chose love."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Recommended if you plan to attend 6+ films.

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Host or Publisher Calgary Queer Arts Society