Heartland - Gay Short Film

To help out his family a young man returns to his former life on the family farm. Coming from an open and liberal life as a student in NYC who is openly gay, he examines the world he left behind in NYC and the world he left behind to be who he wanted to become.
**Sole ownership of the film are credited to the production and distribution companies. Full credit can be found at the end of the film to adhere to the copy write rules and regulations of KZbin and the laws to which all media and its broadcasting must abide.**

[@axl170]

This little short is more powerful and evocative than many full length feature films I've seen. It captures both the strength and the fragility of rural American youth. The two boys did a fantastic job portraying the sense of tension and uncertainty when their lives are thrown into chaos, and their desperation when they finally seize that little bit of joy they have in front of them. Shows how human connection and love is a powerful force that lets people be stronger than they are on their own, regardless of the sex of the people involved. I want so badly to know more of their story because the film is so great at conjuring the sense that this is only a fraction of a deep and moving tale, part of which has happened and part of which is still to come.

[@TheChaz10]

This really is a jewel, packing so much into those 12 minutes.That scene in the truck when each one of them seems to be resisting, or questioning, the urge to kiss the other is one that is worth the whole film. I found the two guys to be very believable and was totally drawn into that scene. Would love to see more of this story line with the same two guys.

[@Party_party_yeahhhh...7778]

Wouu 9 years ago!!!! 👀

[@billnj2006]

I would love to see this turned into a full length Movie, it was so great it made me want more, the build up, and and tension, the release of emotion and passion and love these two find with each other is very powerful, We want more!!!!!

[@CanadianJewel]

Completely agreed. Much congratulations is very deserved to Mark and the whole team who made this film possible.

[@Soundillusions94xyz]

The boy with the dark hair is..... absolutely... gorgeous... what a beautiful man... mhmmmm....

[@bella-lu9ko]

i have an addiction to these films

[@Denisseinzunza]

Jenna Douglas

[@almohvn33]

ME TOO. And I am straight. air quotes around that... W tf does that even mean????

[@I_love_horses26]

fr my whole yt page are them

[@SounderMom31]

Same here. Been binge watching them since yesterday morning

[@warrenisaac5634]

Me too

[@donaldromp2746]

Love this movie. So many sad stories in it but a happy ending for two lonely young men. Being from a small town not far from Goldfield I know how he felt.

[@AmyNPeace]

This is the absolute best gay short film on KZbin!! I wish it were a full length movie. Ugh, <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="160">2:40</a> am and I am watching it over and over!! It is just that great!! Awesome work with this one!! :o)

[@HectorGarcia1]

Well done! Terrific film. It’s one complete, powerful, believable script, well-acted, and with good production values. The original music is a plus! Keep making films!

[@ricosolo22]

~I'm calling all the faries out there. Please turn this crazy beautiful short film into a movie. Pleeeease!!!

[@randalthor6670]

Agreed. This could/should be a full-length feature film.

[@gilly198]

We're not faries....

[@harrycain3579]

@@gilly198 I am! Neehehehe!

[@christopherrobbins538]

My favorite short film. It really catches the complications of youth that we all tend to forget as we get older.

[@gustavofabricio3130]

Hello!

[@alwaysuseless]

HG has returned to do the responsible thing-stay & rescue the family farm. It's a huge shift in the direction he was headed & in many ways a sacrifice. He & Ryan grew up together & apparently for years longed for each other, but in that rural environment where being gay is fraught with risk neither dared let the other know. Now at last what both have wanted can unfold. Ryan will help HG deal with the farm, & what would've been an emotional desert for both will become an oasis, though hazardous.

[@CutoDracon]

I need more of this! Part 2 or full movie needs to be made.

[@SpiriTaos]

Great job of conveying a complex story in just 12 minutes. Done perfectly!

[@JaclynKovach]

I like how they're acting relatively normal, and when about <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="554">9:14</a> hits it's like oh awkward sexual tension time!

[@rabbit8312]

I watch so many of these shorts, a great sum of which are fairly meaningless. You have achieved something wonderful in this film, and in such a "short" space of time. Excellent job. I hope to see more of your films, and especially a longer version of this one or another along this theme. Well done.

[@D1Trini4u]

I am quite impressed with this one. I understand that this one was limited in time and probably funding, but I would love to see this expanded into a full feature. It's an amazing film, and intelligently planned. It's not cliche, which was sadly expected. Well done!

[@josepanama7914]

Great story. And great storytelling. It goes without saying that it is about fate - And how everything in life falls tightly together. And it is also about love: We find love in the places where we least expect it and at the exact moment in time, not one minute less nor one minute more.

[@iwtv2007]

Love the chemistry/ tension between those two characters...well done film

[@kbh56789]

Wow, this was really good! The acting was really convincing, very realistic, and the movement of camera...

[@deju1962]

Love this short. As a guy from Michigan, I completely identify with HG, boy from a town that still has dirt roads, just a stop sign, tractors, pickups, long hours, lots of land. Growing up I was the resident "HOMO". HG & Ryan finding each other at the end is actually what it's all about. Finding someone, maybe to, connect in some way, to in some small way, be happy. Along the way fall in love.. Peace!

[@LASnowGuy]

My god that was an incredible film! Congratulations on making it work so well in so little time. Being from Utah originally and living now gay in LA, this resonates with me on so many levels and is incredibly real. Nicely done!

[@HalliwellSon]

ugh! This needs to be a full length film. So good!

[@evaniaendellion6173]

I read the comments and was wondering about the ending but OMFG! You can't just end it there! At least do a sequel! It was just getting really good! I loved it though! Totally worth watching at 2am!

[@christopherrobbins538]

Out of all that I have seen over the years, Heartland remains my favorite.

[@andrewfairey9419]

Beautiful story - lots of long glances and silences filled with meaning - all the more so because the characters are having non-sexual real life changes forced upon them. It seems their intimacy is like a reward for their struggles through life. In truth this is a story about all of us - isn't INTIMACY all we ever crave?

[@Fizzgig57]

ah I think it's a dream to believe you can find a guy who wants you as much as you want him, they sure are both cute guys in this short but sweet film.

[@MissionAbridged]

Guys sitting in car* Me: -eating an apple- ...... o.o *crunch....*crunch* Guys: Glare at each other and attack suddenly. Me: *crunch crunch crunch* ERMEHGERD YUS!!!

[@NESCIO45]

Thank you for your service to our community. We all still struggle and feeling the pains that society imposes upon us but every day gets easier and better. You are a hero.

[@Ezeddinne4321]

GAY love is strong ! Stronger than a straight couple, believe me

[@markymark8458]

How do you know that?

[@peterwy874]

Very true... 👌💯

[@peterwy874]

@@markymark8458 You wouldn't understand If you're not gay...

[@mandagrammy]

The possibilities for a full length feature of this short are huge. But as for a 'happy' ending...I don't quite see it. I see 3 decent young men who all deserve love and one or more of them is going to be hurt after what just happened. The only real 'happy' ending would be for all 3 to find and keep the love of their lives. But this is a great film because the actors have real talent and the story is beautifully and simply told. Bravo to all involved in the making of it.

[@unclesamkababayan3711]

I just found this movie amongst the thousands of typical Coming of Age/Out/Romance KZbin movies. But this one hits close to home for me, as I return back to the rurals of CA's Central Valley to take care of my aging parent. @the Producer's and Director, I think you need to Kickstart this movie. It's a viable story, and I don't know if this is fiction or autobiographical, but there has to be a better end to the story - love found, love lost, love misunderstood, love tragedy, rags-to-riches...whatever. And, yes, there's nothing wrong with the American flag and fading to credits :) lol!. Like the KZbinrs before me, I was drawn into this Short and only wished it was longer. Bravo!!!

[@remiarnold8408]

very intense at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="561">9:21</a> and <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="599">9:59</a> ... I never tire of reviewing these two moments again and again

[@kiarram36]

rémi arnold 9:59 for me rewind it so many times

[@johnp.mccartney2556]

I love the American flag decal in the truck's back window as the final image of the film. They are in the Heartland of America. Their two lives, their time of passion, is a part of the American experience.

[@dbona4445]

I must have watched this six or seven times now. It's so good.

[@bradfordlandrum29]

This is an amazing film I like to enjoy about once a year.Always wonderful! I can't believe how they completely convey two people and two cultures in one short film.I love it!

[@alikasvision7794]

This is the 'best' encounter of them all. Something that you least expected. A memory that will last a life time. Don't you agree???.

[@iseektruth64]

This definitely needs to be a full length feature...!!!!

[@sablehuskey]

Man by the end I was hoping this would magically turn into the length of a full movie..

[@tywilliamnash5078]

I keep coming back to this, because it's just so beautiful. I lived in a rural community for fourteen years, and this very same scenario happened to me on several occasions. Alone in the middle of nowhere. Moonless night, the milky way stars across the sky. Drinking beer with my buddy. The next thing you know, we're all over each other......... milk and honey! Then, the bomb gets dropped, explosion, *BOOM*, I can't see them anymore because I'm messing up their head. Pisses me of something fierce. I need to leave these so called 'straight' boys alone, damn it to hell!

[@steveapplebaugh2200]

I wonder how many stories like this one are evolving across the country and around the world. This was cool because of the truism contained in a love story. Thanks. Happy Valentine's Day..... love in all colors and varieties .... that's the best part of the human story!

[@ComeliaO7]

So wish that was longer! Loved it!

[@YankeeGirl226]

I know. This is one of the better shorts I have seen on here.

[@ronmigatz5913]

A fine film, evoking true emotions from different lifestyles..........Definitely leaves one wanting for more.....................

[@OppositeofHATE7]

This was so unbelievably awesome.

[@alwaysuseless]

As soon as I saw Ryan McGonagle (Lachlan Nieboer) shirtless I thought he's gay. As improbable as that might be in real life, that had to be where the story was taking us. And of course, he would have to be such a sweet, responsible lad, taking care of his family, even if he had hooked up with a hundred girls, not to mention outrageously beautiful. I guess staying on the family farm may not be such a hardship for HG after all. Good premise. I'd like to see this turned into a feature-length film.

[@alwaysuseless]

If you think, in contrast, that straight men never overvalue physical beauty or certain anatomical parts of a woman, you must be living on a different planet. If there's a problem here, it has nothing to do with being gay but with being a man. The "countryside guy" is Ryan, who besides being gorgeous is raising his younger siblings & helping out on the Gudmanson farm, a godsend to HG now that his dad is drinking again. These lads have a lot in common & probably pined for each other since age 12.

[@titovgro]

Please tell me that in the sequel the Ryan brings his little family over to the farm to work (where the punk kid learns to straighten up). The two men get together, Martin is left in New York. The now little family proves to the father that homosexuality is just as good as heterosexuality. Boom, happy ever after...you welcome :)

[@oli.2844]

In your WILDEST DREAMS UHAAA UGHH

[@joseantonioorenes6308]

is beautiful

[@michaelgiffey5108]

Very well done. The acting was good, and the film makes one think, which is rare in cinema these days. I think it was complete and needed to go no further.

[@AndyMHB]

they will be nice pair of dads together helping/needing/loving 👨‍👨‍👧‍👦👨‍❤️‍👨this short needed to be continued

[@TREMENDOFILO]

the acting in the final part specially by the blond guy is AWESOME

[@nouka1957]

Très beau court-métrage..Un approche intense de la part des acteurs et une fin merveilleuse.....

[@donaldlampert331]

I live in a rural community in southwest Wisconsin. It's difficult meting gay men here - there aren't any, or they're so far in the closet, that it can be very lonely. This is a beautiful movie, and speaks to the rural lifestyle! Yeah, where's the sequel??

[@IntoJoutsen]

Thanks for this incredible movie. With love from Russia❤

[@joeowens6180]

Pretty decent - but you knew it was coming. Nicely told and beautifully acted.

[@warrenabeshouse1230]

Two goodlooking guys, thrown together on a farm, both lonely, both sort of looking for something, then one night, sitting in a truck together, drinking beer, there arises a sexual tension too hard to resist and suddenly, they kiss passionately. This could have been the first part of a full movie involving the two of them and their future lives together with an existing family.

[@Jack1946geboren]

In this instance, 'tribal' loyalty soundly trumps others, including those related to background and place. Really good directorial values, acting quality and camera work. The guys are both pretty & the plot reasonably believable.

[@mannyespinola]

Please, someone, have this rare gem expanded to a full-length feature through crowd-funding.

[@alwaysuseless]

I don't usually comment on a video after it has more than 200 comments, but I was the 2nd to comment in Nov 2012 & thought I'd return to see how it was doing. Wow, almost a million views! Besides re-watching it, I wanted to click Like now that I've changed my privacy settings to share that information. Duh, you can't click Like on a video you've already Liked! ㋡ Thanks CanadianJ & congratulations on the well deserved popularity of Heartland to Mark Christopher & everyone connected with the film!

[@JakeSmith-vi4ur]

Excellent film. It really hit home with me as a similar situation happened to me last year. I had to move back home to farmland u.s.a. from Phoenix to help take care of my aging parents. Although I am happy to help out a large part of me wishes I could just go back to the city.

[@almohvn33]

This is incredible. I am taken into the farm world and family and... things I have no idea about. Wow!!!!!!

[@kovo1968]

That would make an awsome full movie !

[@bamb1beach]

hi coming from a small fishing & farming village growing up had a great time but everyone knows your business this film while only short (shame) conveyed this very well hope to see more keep up the good work x

[@NyxieMayn]

The storyline could have been better but I love the settings. And the casts is very good looking. Great shrt film

[@kcorb882988]

that is eerily my teen years too! we kept it going until freshmen year of college, he is now married and has kids too, and I'm openly gay, feel like we missed out on something so raw and real. I'm terrified I'll never feel that way again!

[@jvsonic2468]

Hey man. I hope you find what you're looking for.

[@2gebster]

to thomas bolton I like you have held that flame high for 71 of my 73 years Knew I was gay at 2 but didn't know then what it was just knew I preferred being near males rather than being around my aunts and female relatives at that time. My mother would get so angry when I would only go to men. Later in my life she realized and allowed me to be the person I was. I shall always love her for that .alwaysuseless thank you for all your kind remarks

[@juanvelez8564]

It's a beautiful short film--thanks, Canadian Jewel

[@alwaysuseless]

It's kind of sad that a misunderstanding /misinterpretation of this story as something so superficial as horny guy cheats on boyfriend gets 62 thumbs up. HG has known Ryan longer than his NY bf. He doesn't even know what kind of Kennedy he is. It looks like HG won't be returning to Columbia anytime soon. For now at least it's the family farm & exploring love with the guy who'll help & may have been HG's first crush. We hope HG completes his education & envy /rejoice in his 2nd chance with Ryan.

[@DA1RYBOY]

This clip made my day ... I'm starting to open about my sexuality and it feels great ...

[@joseluisgalvezmartell7892]

I´ve enjoyed this video several times, I like it very muchh. Thank you!!!!

[@bradberwick]

Yes, both lines are the essence of this wonderful film. Have you seen "Yossi and Jagger". You'll enjoy it. Liked "Starcrossed" and "If You Need Somebody..." Thanks for suggesting them. There's a whole world of new Gay filmmakers with lots of talent out there, and KZbin seems to be the best place to see their work. Your English is fine. Brad

[@TheTruth4free]

That was awesome...tender and true...please do more like this...longer movie would be good...but thankful for this...

[@melchorangelllamascolino4515]

Me ha encantado todo, precioso film, rematado con la maravillosa música que lo ha elevado al cielo!! ❤❤!!.

[@trempegp]

Great ending! Can't believe a gay film with a good ending! Tanks! there's hope!

[@MP-yz6sb]

Just watched this again. I wish they would do a part 2 or something. Like others below say, showing the two guys running the farm and raising the kids together.

[@mannyespinola9976]

Jesus I've seen this a hundred times, it never gets old

[@alwaysuseless]

Yes, thanks to the courage-to-come-out of so many that came before us, by now nearly everyone knows someone who is gay or at least knows someone who knows someone who is. Once being gay became personalized as your son or daughter or your best friend's brother, the ignorant demonization of homosexuality began to crumble. Acceptance (of reality) is never complete, but in this area there has been a lot of progress.

[@talkinbway]

Excellent directorial work. Professional actors, lighting, and the sound intrigued me. Good script which could be expanded upon if made into a full-length feature. Bravo!

[@NorthStarPNW]

Excellent! Great story, acting, music and photography.

[@eddieperrone8734]

Great short film !! It is fumy how he found what he was looking for right back where he came from.

[@Arnold3135]

A beautiful film that reminds us the tribal relationships really do matter as they teach us how to see the world and our place in it.

[@aramax1001]

This film is so sweet, tender, touching.

[@unimelove9449]

I loooooove the song at the end and the story to☺☺😍😍😘😙

[@10Bryson52]

This has the makings of a full length feature film. Good work!

[@boyybar]

the guy in the beginning when he is in college is just a fling not his boyfriend...remember in the beginning he said that 'he was a Kennedy or something"...he does not actually know him...its the guy on the farm that he actually connects with

[@suzawilo]

Agree 100%- Glad for the opportunity to see it :)

[@kevinhernandez-li2tb]

ES UNA HISTORIA MUY BELLA HAY QUE AMAR AL AMOR Y NO DESAPROBECHARLO ES UNA FLOR MUY RARA GRACIAS POR EL CORTO FILME

[@djr1953]

I really loved this and I understand the poignancy of duty to family. Beautiful film

[@meddlesomepriest]

"Dawn is both intelligent and Evangelical. I never could figure that one out." LOL

[@fennekinflames7095]

Right? Intelligent Evangelical is an oxymoron.

[@marcastacio6169]

I've seen a lot of theese but this is the best one yet!

[@mannyespinola]

Lachlan Nieboer, who plays Ryan McGonagle (the handsome hired hand) was in Downton Abbey, as a soldier blinded in the war and taken to Downton Abbey when the place was temporarily converted into a military hospital.

[@pettergusten]

No, he did suicide and after that we saw Thomas Barrow crying.

[@AlvaroGoncalves67]

Loved. Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful short film.

[@derikdeanl]

Ok this was like a teaser...now when are you going to come out with the full length movie featuring the rest of the story? Great one!

[@lilsister2]

damn, that's where it ends?? lol That was a good one. Both boys have a lot to struggle with.

[@woody5551]

Dawn is both intelligent and Evangelical. I never could figure that one out.

[@ddrissel]

I really enjoyed the flick. It has a very nice vibe and story-line; not to mention some beautiful men. I just noticed that it was directed by Mark Christopher, an openly gay screenwriter/director originally from Iowa. I first saw Mark's work several years ago in a segment entitled "Akali Iowa" in the movie, Boys Life 2. Of course, one of Mark's best known films is 54. He also directed the more recent indie comedy, Pizza.

[@bruceomlor7761]

That was sooooooo NICE!!

[@stonker123]

I very nearly didn't watch this but I'm glad I did!! Excellent!!

[@SeanLTobin-qr8bm]

I've seen this before. And when I saw it again, I wondered how many young people from different tribes find themselves having to make decisions just as these two young men did. It is scary, and not without its problems when one realizes that he is not part of the tribe he was born into and that in order to be true to himself or herself and their personal fulfillment, they must adopt another tribe. Reaching out to someone in the new tribe is perhaps, the scariest action anyone will ever take.

[@CanadianJewel]

That user has been blocked and flagged for inappropriate comments. Thank you for your comment, its not acceptable nor is it tolerated on my channel or (Personally stating) in current society anymore. Thanks for catching this before I got a chance. :D Cheers.