The Dirt Between My Fingers - LGBT Short Film

The Dirt Between My Fingers - A Gay Themed Coming of Age Short Film
An unlikely friendship forms over the fall when two boys meet under strange circumstances.
A coming (out) of age short film about first love.
Written and Directed by Joshua Chislett
Starring Jack Parsons and Shawn Vincent
Original Music by Matt Bukaty
FROM THE DIRECTOR:
This small film was a personal and experimental piece made with practically zero budget and almost no crew over a few days. I wanted to make this feel like watching a fleeting memory from a young gay man's past as he recalls his first love. My hope was to make a film with almost no dialogue to see if we can share a quiet experience with these two as if we are watching from a distance, observing this small piece of the world they live in.
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Gear used:
Panasonic GH4 w/Metabones Speedbooster
Helios 44-2 58mm F2
Vivitar 28mm F2
Rokinon 12mm F2
#GayShortFilm #GayFilm

[@faye9441]

The best representation of the term ‘fleeting memory’ I’ve ever seen. I was expecting a story, felt a little unsatisfied until I read the director’s description. It was lovely.

[@jeffmarano1579]

It was Beautiful even though i was hoping to see another kiss! You could feel the Love!

[@stevewilliams4999]

@@jeffmarano1579 Totally agree.

[@devjeetsharma658]

This movie reminds me of my first love, how and where I met him. Unfortunately, he is not in this World anymore. I still think about him, from time to time and misses him, that's why may be I am still single? I don't think I can love anyone like I do for him 😔.

The first time I saw "Poerrait of Jenny" a picture from the late 1940s , I was under ten years old, and coming out of the tbheater, I said out of nowhere,"It was a poem.:" This isas a poem.

[@AbdulRahman-ir5zn]

Dear Devjeet Move on. Life is painful. Dont take more of it.

[@ira8267]

Oof dude.

[@devjeetsharma658]

@@AbdulRahman-ir5zn I am trying but something is always missing.

[@AbdulRahman-ir5zn]

@@devjeetsharma658 I'm from India too. I can understand the pain of a closeted gay man. In my case, more of a religious man. Dear, our past will haunt us. Try to erase em from your memory gradually saying to your mind that you don't remember it much or that you can't remember it. Our memories about the most cared nostalgias evolve so tiny in later life. Similar is this too. The more you say to your inner mind about forgetting, the deeper you can erase memories of pain. Yes, I know you're alone. So are we all. We are borne alone, we will die alone. Accept loneliness without seeing it as a risk. Try to make more meaningful good gay friends to share your pain. Btw I'm from Kerala. All the best:-)

[@waynemclaughlin96]

It's a pity that this short film wasn't longer, I would of love to see what the relationship between the two of them will develop into.

[@stevewilliams4999]

ABSOLUTELY......

[@almohvn33]

I like they left you hanging!

[@gossimer3]

I wish everyone was free to love whomever they love, no guilt, no shame, no hate. What a truly wonderful world and life this would then be. We all deserve to experience such happiness. 🫂❤️🙏

[@mikeclayton4022]

I think that just about anyone, when they watch a movie, they're expecting it to be like a novel, or a short story. This film is not a novel or a short story - it's poetry. I think that almost no one, when they watch a movie, is expecting it to be like a poem. Personally, I didn't really enjoy it the first time I watched it. Because I was looking for a story that isn't there. If you watch it again, but think of it as a poem, instead of waiting for a story, it's much more appealing. Kind of beautiful. Very unsettling too.

[@billycarroll9153]

Mike Clayton Beautiful observation. Makes much more sense now. Thanks.

[@1Hugi1Channel]

I totaly get what you mean by this being more like a poem. It is a verry specisl way of making a movie and I understand that people find it difficult to conect because it is diffrent to what we are used to. Mybe it is, because I am a poetic person myself and already watched movies like that and read storrys like that alot, that it doesn't iritate me at all. It has its own beauty and we need to take a step back and take a breath, give us time to enjoy and take a rest from the speed of the world and the movies we are used to. I get what you mean by not really finding a storry, but there IS a storry, a very sad, siland, quiet storry and it is full of open ends. Yeah there isnt much going on on the surface but this move is not about the obvies things. It is about the unsaid, antold, unseen things, it is about the things we cover in silence and dont talke about because we dont have words to realy tell. This boys are struggling with life, violance, alcoholic parens, abandans, neclact, sexually confusions and frustration. This movie is full of silend storrys. It is a poetic film, it is diffrent but there is a storry! It's just a diffrent way of telling it. The storry this film is telling is on a whol diffrent level than we are used to, because it is not based on actings and words but on a deep emotion that is transported by music and pictuas, looks and facial expreshions. There is so much going on, what isnt transfert into words. I love this kind of movies because it shows, how life really is. There are so many things we dont talk about, dont show dont alow to come to the surface and sometimes we just need to stap back and really see and feel what is going on to understand each other

[@theogofnotcaring3518]

Really? Many others seem to agree. But I think its more of a poetic dialogue than a poem.

[@johig4378]

Straight boys make a pass at a girl, she says no, and he goes on to the next girl. With gay boys, we take a great risk approaching a stranger. It can become like a dream or it can become a nightmare.

[@Budnbuf]

@@1Hugi1Channel It is difficult to share the unsaid but felt. This video short captures much.

[@kennyaman7100]

When he said "Want one" I don't know why but I cracked up

[@vbrekk]

You fucking kidding me was even more funny

[@Isabella-pi2pz]

Same, I think it’s because it was supposed to be a serious moment

[@Benzyl_Penoxide]

This is beautiful, I’m glad that there wasn’t that much dialogue, words weren’t necessary.

[@escanor7938]

Beautiful scenery. The main character is cute too.

[@d.j.7069]

Everybody is "cute" at that age. It's when nature wants humans to BE attracted and find a mate to make new humans. A persons ability "to make new humans" doesn't change the attraction at all. Gay, straight, bi, etc. , It's all natural!

[@BTURNER1961]

We have a lot of experiences like this in our youth. They don't have to go anywhere, or have large significance to stay rooted in our memory. Those two boys will remember these encounters and this brief friendship and that is why this matters. It seems to me that is really all this short is about. Its really very well done.

[@mdrnlevi]

For having no budget, this was very well made.

[@Dan-tk5zs]

Phrases like "strange circumstances" and "unlikely frienship" were used to describe this short movie. I think you can say that. It is what makes it so tangible, so real. We (the audience) do not know much about their backgrounds.. but I see their lives are not easy, and I'm not talking about their sexuality. You know how poor peolple are treated around the world, right? That forest by the river is a safe place, hidden, far from everything and everyone, where they can look at the stars and dream about love and new possibilities. It is beautiful and sad.

[@Budnbuf]

That place by the river, is a safe home for them. Lucky for them. It is a luxury not every one has.

[@soph7957]

LOVE IT! very different from what i’ve seen before. WE LOVE A CHANGE IN SCENERY

[@washo2222]

This film should win some awards. Everything is carefully put into play from the story, to directing, cinematography, and the simple score. I expect great things coming from this director in the future.

[@HectorGarcia1]

Beautifully done! A perfect short film. You definitely achieved your goals as stated in the notes FROM THE DIRECTOR. Keep making films.

[@smhough17]

Excellent! This really was lovely! The performances, story, and the cinematography were stellar! Kudos

[@idilannagi]

stunning cinematography! good work guys! 🙌🏼

[@jeremyud]

I like that this film takes the "less is more" approach because it allows us to draw our own feelings and interpretation to it. Personally it makes me think of fleeting but memorable moments you had with a casual acquaintance you felt attracted to as a teenager. As an adult you can barely remember their names but you still remember the excitement you had being around them. It's like crystallized Amber of a perfect short relationship that remains uncomplicated precisely because it was fleeting.

[@hannahc2599]

Okay so this is such a rare short film that I wish I could forget I saw this so I could continue to watch it for the first time over and over again. It had such a simplistic beauty that made me so happy after watching it.

[@nedmarc]

Where was this lovely film set? The scenery was lovely.

[@1109films]

Thank you! This was shot in Southern Ontario, Canada. :)

[@randomdude1053]

1109films which city? :)

[@Gamepablo]

Didn't expect less from you. As always, this is work is profesional, looks cinematographic as fuck and it totally has your vibe in it. It gave me Cirus Quell vibes too. I'm gay and obviously I have seen many LGBT short films and they always have the same tragic ending and it gets old after a while but in here its almost like a nostalgic feel, it feels so bittersweet. I wish I could know more about the characters and the outcome of this but I guess that's beautiful too, not knowing everything.

[@1109films]

Thanks for such a nice comment! It was important for me to make something that I would have wanted to see as a young gay teenager that didn’t involve tragedy yet was still realistic. While this film was more experimental in terms of its silence, I think everything that we needed to know about them in this film that was relevant to their stories is what is there and the rest is up for the viewer’s interpretation. I did aim for the nostalgic memory feelings, and I think in remembering those moments, it’s not about the words said, it’s about the feeling of being there. I have been writing this as a feature film, which differs in that it has full characterization and complete story, and if I ever get the chance to make that film, then all will be answered. :)

[@richardwhitehouse8762]

@@1109films I watch a lot of gay films, many from the far east, just because... Yesterday I saw one called Between The Seasons, which I Ioved mostly for the slow pace and the quiet, minute observations and the refusal to find cliched answers to difficult emotional questions. I think you have made a great start with this short film. I wish you well.

[@ernestorivas2495]

It's the feelings we keep inside. Bravo!

[@nicolasvillanueva3000]

Leaves me wanting more ... so this was a success! Excellent - thanks for sharing.

[@sdennisthompson]

Breath taking visuals ..... excellent cinematography ....... dreamy storyline ..... Consider yourself very gifted🙏🏼!!!!!!

[@kephalopod3054]

Don't expect poetic moments like this to happen in the today's world, everyone being busy checking their cell phone every minute...

[@htimsid]

It's already problematic that people are constantly occupied by a stream of content. Even animals 'stare into space', contemplating, musing...it's restful.

[@Trienekata]

I loved this short film. Can’t completely make out what I love about it. It’s just really well executed. Mostly enjoyed the colourgrading. How long did it take to make this short film?

[@1109films]

Thank you! We shot this film over the course of two and a half days and it was edited on and off over about two months. Most of the editing was redoing nearly all the sound design from scratch.

[@Trienekata]

1109films thank you so much for your quick answer! The result looks amazing! Looking forward to more of your projects

[@kaelsalvz312]

This guy said the hell with a cinema camera.....Im gonna shoot with this GH4 dslr....And still made it like a movie industry film.....Wow dude....seriously wow....

[@harlemwoodstudios]

Outstanding short film!

[@johnamstutz]

Very emotional film, enjoyed it very much.😊

[@michaelolivero1626]

Im not going to gush over what a good story this was, how it would potentially make a compelling full length film, how attractive the leads are. Everyuelse is already doing that. I am going to ask, where in the world are these forests people in film always seem to find where you can lie on the ground and not get covered with bugs? It drives me nuts. 😂

[@arlitosolanojr.6222]

Very well made Director! Bravo!

[@colinejayne]

The cinematography is amazing. Some shots were simply beautiful. I love how sweet and short the story is. You can interpret and imagine both of the character’s life on your own. Thank you.

[@sann5146]

Well damn I wish I had the light-haired artist dude as my bf 😕

[@tonyspinnelli730]

Beautifully done!!!!

[@nikoniksi]

this is such a beautiful film

[@d.j.7069]

This was sweet in many ways that touched me. You're on to something with the quietness and the awesome music and color of the film. The dudes are handsome, too.

[@pacoreguenga]

I really loved this one! Congratulations! Seems you're the greatest GH4 filmmaker I've ever seen! (I've already shot 4 full features with mine but you are achieving even greater results) Keep these films coming! I really wanna watch a full feature movie made by you! Greetings from Mexico!

[@1109films]

Thank you! :) Hoping to get one off the ground soon.

[@noni_the_deaf_taurus]

@@1109films have faith! Be positive! Also one of my best friend loves saying this.... Expect the Unexpected! Much love from Minnesota!

[@LikaLeLion]

I wish this was longer!!! It’s amazing 💕💕

[@rafaelguerra3433]

Nice job! Good acting and, as usual, wonderful cinematography.

[@craigbrush5784]

Beautiful film. Nuanced and subtle. Congrats to all involved

[@MEVMontana]

Above all it was fun and relaxing to watch this short film. It was like in a museum, just watch! ... and I like that a lot. At some time I expected him to answer the question are you following me with a simple yes. Both young man seem to be pretty well-connected to themselves. I like that too.

[@allanfriend7783]

Good job boys !

[@byealex7607]

I love the details, the understatement. Well done. Make more.

[@tryitpodcast6411]

me, missing my boyfriend, watching short gay films about love: 👁👄👁

[@johnjohnson4702]

A truly enjoyable short film. This film does not have the usual cast or settings. For me this movie was able possibilities. The river location reminded me of Missouri, although with the lack of bugs I know that it was not Missouri. The cast was perfect. Thank you for making it.

[@ivanhugh5372]

Cinematography is quite good...

[@ava130]

The story is great and the cinematography is fantastic! Great job!

[@Kendallllh8]

The dirt between my fingers* Me: -stupid brain comes in-

[@one087]

Am not an expert.. but.. to me.. this is very well crafted. ❤

[@hassaanahmed23]

What a fascinating plot Amazing keep up the good work A change of scenery was indeed wanted

[@Andy6969ful]

An absolute MUST WATCH!.. Brilliant! You peeved Joshua Chislett.. we can't wait to see what you come up with next! Kudos from the #JRLCHARTS Crew

[@AndersBu]

Excellent

[@_claudiogrilo]

It's soul... It's poem... It's wonderful!

[@m-pjoanis4667]

Oh Wow, it's great! Loved it, as it's so simple in a way but so much of a well woven story telling by being so effective not much dialogue other than emotions, looks + reflecting about life! Very well shot, mostly outdoor and that moonlight scene with the two guys in the forest! Bravo to the whole team, so well executed. This is what we need to see more in gay shorts! M-P J. :)

[@DamienKazanFilmmaker]

LOVED IT. It looks absolutely stunning and I love the atmosphere.

[@TsahayluFa]

Beautiful film. It's like an impressionist painting. What a lovely point in time to capture.

[@ShadowGalaxyYT]

This is so beautiful 🥺 I’m in love with this short film

[@goldroger6151]

Splendid story , thank you 😊💐

[@lukehaugerud562]

Shawny Depp will never let me down

[@davidgrantsmith3561]

Poignant and beautiful. Bravo!

[@skeng4440]

I WANT A PART TWO SO BAD

[@msem6136]

Cool vid, the trees were awesome... ....definitely a great place to escape, think and accept your gay! 👍

[@haristeen1629]

I felt that when he touched his hands

[@robertoalvidrez5003]

The short film name?[ is are you following me or something]

[@copman109a]

Beautifully filmed - I wish there was more of a story, but nice effort. Can't wait to see your future endeavors.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Cool.

[@VegasFilmCritic]

Beautiful film - really enjoyed it.

[@joshuapradhan8658]

Y don't u try for features film Joshua u hv good sense of storytelling ...

[@hellorandomperson4384]

We Need Part 2

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Very cool.

[@aj6002]

I love watching LGBT Short Films without looking in the description or comments so its a surprise which letter I get :)

[@billybilly6574]

I love that

[@soop266]

Im telling my kids this was Evan hansen and Connor Murphy

[@Jessebadga]

Oof 😂😓

[@Paulinrnke]

Hmm. Not sure that works.

[@Jessebadga]

@@Paulinrnke I can see it in an estranged sort of way

[@ar-jv5fc]

same 😂

[@Paulinrnke]

In the theatre play the story only works if both Connor and Evan are not gay. It is clear they are straight. And the relationship between them was made up on the spot for the benefit of connors parents to make them feel better. There was no connection between them. At all. Connor was a bully. Evan was a crippling introvert.

[@swae236]

FINALLY

[@ralphlyda4545]

Beautiful film!

[@jivanvasant]

SOCIAL ALIENATION Two lonely, young lads, an artist and a goth-type, randomly cross paths. The goth lives in a mobile home with his mother, and the goth appears to be homeless. Both lads evidently have suffered neglect and abuse trauma. The artist awakens the goth asleep on the ground near a river and kindly inquires about his well-being. The goth is fearful and runs away. The next day, the goth follows the artist into the nearby woods where they silently lay on the ground side by side and head to head. In the darkness, the artist touches the outstretched hand of the sleeping goth. [5:01] The goth awakens, lightly kisses the artist on his lips and silently slowly inexplicably walks away. [5:20] The bewildered artist digs the fingers of his left hand into the soft dirt and clutches it. The dirt between his fingers represents the goth who slipped away and the intimate physical, sexual and emotional contact that he hungered for. The artist returns to the same place in the woods day after day futilely hoping the goth would return. The artist later sees the goth sitting by the river, sits beside him, chews on a red licorice rope and gives one to the goth. The goth is mistrustful of the artist's goodwill but chews the red licorice rope as they eat the candy together. Throughout the film, the artist repeatedly initiates attempts at physical contact with the goth and is repeatedly rebuffed. The artist and the goth suffer from "Social Hypnotism" and "The Social Game" as described by philosopher Alan Watts in two, very short, KZbin videos by those titles.

[@luiscavalcanti3431]

This is so pure ❤️

[@carlosalbertomarin.carvaja8565]

Similar situation happend to me at beach. At Virginia beach...

[@TheWhore2culture]

Sweetly poignant; love is love💥👊❤💯🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Kudos to yourself & others involved👋💙💙✌

[@rsmith7912]

so now I'm waiting for the adverts and part 2 to start.....

[@joeljunior.official]

Beautiful

[@AntonioRaffaele-f2q]

I think the kid made the other guy up in his mind... teenage years can be lonely and confusing.

[@Georgeparkerfilm]

what camera was this filmed with

[@clefnoteproductions6695]

I love the premise, but it seems incomplete. Unless it was just the awakening that was the point. They never formally introduce themselves, they have very little dialogue. I'd love to see the characters fleshed out more. Know their back stories. There's a beautiful scene in the woods with purple hued clouds, would love that as a screen saver

[@1109films]

Hi, thanks for your comment! I've touched upon this in a few responses as well as the video's description, but yes, the feeling of being incomplete was deliberate as I wanted it to feel like watching a series of broken up memories with most of the words removed. It was definitely experimental, but I wanted the viewer to be able to interpret their own version of the story without having expositional dialogue thrown in constantly. You're right in the awakening really being the whole point for the main character. While not a lot is explained in words in the ten minutes, I put enough visual cues for the viewer to put together a back story that makes sense. I think a lot of viewers who leave this short film wanting more is exactly how I think the main character would recall these moments in the future.

[@danpop1500]

Dope short film bro

[@Autisticanimeatheist]

Who else liked the premise but thought that there were way to many unanswered questions?

[@joeowens6180]

Well, whatever that meant went over my heard.

[@Zoe-es2wl]

Omg when he tried to hold his hand I sarcastically said ArE yOu GuNnA KiSs ToO welp um

[@mtw1234]

What does this have to do with the movie. Come on ... Everyone has loved and lost. Move on... The love you had was special, cherish it and have another special love, and another till it's time to say good bye. Then at the end you will know your life was full of love. ❤

[@jasonl.7037]

Better outdoors than indoors. I understand.

[@RICHMOND94114]

such loneliness.

[@kjohns5139]

A bit to bare-bones of a storyline. I am sure the writer understood it completely. i wish he had shared a bit more for the viewers. The "coming out" facet was way to UNDER stated.

[@everythinkpost8734]

Interesting

[@VinceHarttrup]

super dope man!

[@inspiroqoutes8564]

He can draw that's for sure

[@jorgeluizbarros3472]

Filme "besta"!

[@BFTPOSTS]

38 people lack taste

[@foxart1784]

Dear Evan Hansen, but gay.

[@michaelstory2512]

some of the best things in life are to quick.

[@stevewilliams4999]

THAT'S for sure.......lol

[@ScottPothan]

Perfectly paced poignant and aching with awakening.

[@heyrod59]

Sometimes, if you're observant, the character's movements/body language tell you what you need to know and feel as they do.