The Last Summer | LGBTQ+ Short Film (2019)

In Nazi Germany, the young, closeted Ben fears for his own safety as he learns that the world he lives in is about to become even more dangerous for him and the boy he has feelings for, the openly gay Felix.
Starring
Weston Warren
David Benne
Jordan Richards
Jason Paul Tate
Directed by William Stead
Produced in Tallahassee, Florida in February, 2019 as part of my course at the FSU College of Motion Picture Arts

[@billycarroll9153]

This film is a mini masterpiece. It really didn’t need to be any longer. We all know how it ends. Bravo to everyone involved. And thank you for sharing.

[@ericmcmaster1451]

Agreed I was thinking the same thing. So much said in so little time. Brilliant! Bravo!

[@mathiaspoelman1493]

How do you think it ends? Would they leave Germany and migrate to a country where they would be safe(r)?

[@emotionaleagle3435]

​@@mathiaspoelman1493 I'm not expecting any positive end here. I think his father knows abt his identity. Bad end I don't know how bt definitely bad.

[@Vinkovcanka]

@@mathiaspoelman1493 The end seems obvious to me, too, and I reckon it's not a good one. Also, the title kind of says it all.

[@gerardo.noriega.rivero]

The truth is we don't know how it ends. That's the problem with these open-ended snob films.

[@SounderMom31]

As a German, I am so ashamed of this time in our country. I know I wasn’t born or even thought of back then, but I am sorry for what our country did to so many people.

[@Leviwosc]

You were not born yet. No need to feel sorry about anything. I'm Dutch and my grandfather was forced to work in Germany for the nazis. But when he fled from the camp he was helped by Germans to end up safely back in the Netherlands. We as Europeans have to try to never fight with each other anymore. The Germans are our brothers and sisters.

[@SounderMom31]

@@Leviwosc thank you so very much for your kind words and reply. You are 100% right, brother or sister (not able to tell by your screen name 😉😊) 🤗❤️

[@BTURNER1961]

Wow. This is powerful. This is horrifying. Per Wiki " Between 1933 and 1945, an estimated 100,000 men were arrested as homosexuals; around 50,000 of these were sentenced by civilian courts, 6,400 to 7,000 by military courts [de], and an unknown number by special courts. Most of these men served time in regular prisons, and between 5,000 and 6,000 were imprisoned in concentration camps. The death rate of these prisoners has been estimated at 60 percent"

[@stevenglover98]

Really good stuff man, I always love short films where a lot is being said without dialogue. The actors you cast did such a great job! I appreciate that you can sense the looming doom right from the start just by the way Ben reacts to Felix. Really breaks my heart. Hope to see more from you soon!

[@thatweirdbwah_]

the way I would eat this up if it were a full-length feature film

[@PerfQA4Impact]

Well done short movie! As a German it's interesting to see the experiment to let the american acting students speak German. Seems like it was simply trained phonetically, as from how they speak it's obvious they had no extensive German training. Most what was said I could understand well, in some spots the english subtitles still helped.

[@wewenang5167]

NO WONDER I FELT LIKE THE WAY HE SPEAK A LITTLE BIT WEIRD...EVEN THOUGH IM NOT A GERMAN SPEAKER.

[@bumblebee2001]

Yeah shouldve been done in english tbh.. was a bit annoying

[@five-peace]

Considering they probably weren’t German students, I think they great. Sure some words may have been a bit mispronounced but some German words are hard to translate for non native speakers.

[@keanancupido]

Stimmt, ich bin der gleichen Meinung. Am Anfrang hörte es sich ein bssl kommisch an, aber denke es ist schön dass die deutsch gesprochen haben.

[@angelo1962]

​@@keanancupidoendlich eine positive Bewertung ihrer Bemühung, um Deutsch zu sprechen.

[@five-peace]

This is incredible. The acting, the effort to film it in German and the little details on the dad’s poster in German and the accuracy on the uniforms. It really paints a picture of what it was like to live in Nazi Germany knowing you’re actively being persecuted, even by your closest family. That all comes across beautifully, really well done

[@americanitalianisrael4008]

FANTASTIC. THIS SHOULD BE A FULL MOVIE. EXCELLENT FILM MAKING.

[@natasjaromain376]

Amazing! Absolutely amazing! It really gets deep under your skin, with the realism of the story and the authentic performance from the actors. I felt truly horrified when Felix was being assaulted. It was almost too real. Very well made!👌🏼⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@robdeathridge5626]

So moving I was holding my breath, such fine acting and direction.

[@scottmena4653]

A beautifully done and moving film. I thought the cinematography and performances were outstanding. Also, great job in directing the actors into not making it too melodramatic but grounded in the reality of the times. I also enjoyed all the small subtexts. A wonderfully made film. Bravo Will!

[@anishsidhantmathur]

It is disheartening to acknowledge the historical and persistent challenges that the LGBTQ+ community has faced throughout history. From systemic discrimination to outright persecution, individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer have endured significant hardships. Despite the progress made in many parts of the world, it is regrettable that a considerable portion of society still grapples with prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. The fact that such mistreatment has endured through the ages reflects a broader societal struggle to overcome deep-seated biases. Historical records reveal instances of persecution, marginalization, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to a legacy of pain that echoes into the present day. The struggle for basic human rights, acceptance, and equality continues to be an ongoing battle for the LGBTQ+ community. Even in this modern age, where society has made strides toward recognizing and affirming diverse identities, there remains a persistent undercurrent of discrimination. Legal advancements and increased visibility have undoubtedly improved the situation for many, but challenges persist, manifesting in various forms such as microaggressions, workplace discrimination, and limited access to healthcare. It is essential for society to reflect upon this ongoing struggle and work collectively to foster an environment of acceptance, understanding, and equality. Education, advocacy, and allyship play crucial roles in dismantling the deeply ingrained prejudices that perpetuate discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. By acknowledging the unfortunate history and persisting challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, we can collectively strive for a future where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve. Overall this short film is a masterpiece great job - Anish Mathur insta: @anishsidhantmathur

[@pyotrtchaikovsky1840]

ChatGPT?

[@MetDaan2912]

Interesting to have non-native German speakers play these roles. You could hear it, but not a bad attempt!

[@NoName-vq3zo]

This is the reason why I prefer these foreign made movies. There are depths to their plots, characters and in their narrative.

[@saschalacma]

this was literally made in Florida

[@Yukiblueviolett]

That’s not German people talking, you can clearly hear that, and it was made in Florida

[@robertburke4603]

Incredible work, Mr. Stead. I rarely comment on anything on KZbin (generally because I'd sound like a vicious old queen), but you really are to be congratulated. It's the perfect length; there was nothing to add. As to the actors language skills, not important. Having them speak in German was a masterstroke; look at Resnais' "Hiroshima Mon Amour". The fact that you could find actors who would be willing to do it speaks volumes about the care and attention to detail that you put into it. And best of all, you allowed a couple of small missteps that allow the rest of us to feel better about the mistakes we make when we're not perfect even if we aren't aware of them. (The other reason I don't generally comment is because, as you can see, I talk too much!) Now that I'm subscribed I'll be looking forward to seeing more of your work.

[@five-peace]

I totally agree (not with the part that you talk too much tho, your comment has a nice length hehe)

[@akbarmirzo]

it ends without any hints but we all somehow know what happens next. excellent work!

[@lutalice]

We know what happens because it’s in the history books

[@Shadow.Phoenix]

What happens?​@@lutalice

[@breadsakuri4270]

I believe that homosexuals got executed during Nazi Germany

[@anderino3780]

@@Shadow.Phoenixhis dad probably denounces them and the got killed

[@Shadow.Phoenix]

@@anderino3780 oh ..thank you.

[@nullnull1150]

I'm speechless. Such a great short film

[@garygearing6595]

I really enjoyed this short movie and its as if you were living in that time. Really well done . Great acting and location.

[@OmarAlKayed1]

Brilliant film & masterful acting. Accomplishes the seemingly impossible feat of telling so much through saying so little.

[@garethedwardking5860]

In the space of an hour I've seen this movie twice. It really is extremely well-made and I like especially the fact that the actors are non-German speakers, despite the comments below! Make your actors work! And I can see that you have! Ich habe mein Deutsch vergisst!

[@yannhollister9091]

This could have been a great movie. Great acting/directing on that short, bravo!

[@sukekawa]

Well Done 👏 I was almost like without air, and when he said: everything will be okay. I could breath again. Sometimes i think this world is the purgatory and leaving is for the best 😞

[@oeleveoleve.7562]

what a filme, !!!, every dialog, every image, every sensation of the carachteres is exactly. the 3 types of time in any dramatic script are well developed , the afraidness of both young males , the brutal reaction of the soldier and at last the father.... emotions are great,

[@GalaxyforEntertainment]

"Love 💗 is Love🏳️" • So, every human being has the right to live with the one he loves (whatever) as long as they are both satisfied. • Be yourself and accept it as it is. You are a special and unique person, so do not change your appearance, characteristics, or inclinations because of bullies, and God will definitely guide you to what makes you happy; In societies with dry feelings, backwards and abusive understanding of religion, special people do not get their right to safety, attention and care, and this contradicts what the true religion calls for in terms of the values of tolerance, love and justice. Every human being has the right to love and it is unacceptable for them to be bullied or abused. They are persecuted because of something that is not their fault, whether they were created with it or acquired it

[@Katha_shrz]

Warum wurde der Film auf deutsch gedreht? Die beiden haben ja eine andere Muttersprache oder?

[@agrant06]

Outstanding Performances. I was truly amazed.

[@johncarroll6847]

I want to see gay movies with men in their 30s and 40s.

[@user-jb5go5pi1i]

Cf Didier Roth-Bettoni ...´books...

[@oceanlover3530]

Great acting! Very powerful story. ✌🏻❤️✌🏻

[@djcrozier]

Beautiful and powerful storytelling by all involved!

[@LordofStormsEnd]

Damn I was ready for this to be a full movie it was so good 😭

[@jamillikan]

Very nice. Write a sequel, please. I want to know what happened next.

[@jakeyboy203]

This was sooo good had me gripped from the start was gutted when it ended i could have easily carried on

[@WilliamAndScout]

Wow my throat closed. Amazing work.

[@johnamstutz]

So emotional,made me incredibly sad.

[@johngolden891]

Fine acting and direction.

[@daneyoshida]

Brilliant, wonderfully done.

[@danaterrell3099]

This needs to be a full movie. dana t.

[@baums8053]

The german really threw me off bc it wasn't that well translated but other than that it was amazing

[@syopongirosyopo3773]

he was the one who started the fight first

[@SomeRandomWorm]

I don’t want to say he deserved it… but like why would you shoot a rock at a soldier

[@sunilkumar_18]

can someone explain what actually happened at the end? I couldn't able to understand!

[@corriemayo2715]

Excellent film,.so much so, I’d like to see more about them, their families, etc

[@alessandroribeiro2954]

Thank you Stead. I'll translate it to portuguese to brazilian people watch it.

[@johanneswohler5476]

Where's the full version of this?

[@pineapplestraws329]

I’m happy those dark days are over nobody deserves to be treated like that

[@joepugh678]

They are not over in the Middle East

[@reynaldoaquino3910]

This should be a full on movie.

[@craigbrush5784]

Beautifully done congratulations to all involved

[@nunsie]

Absolutely amazing 😌

[@1phildefer323]

Touché en plein coeur...

[@FelixIsalittlefruity]

Really good film. I cried. Also my name is Felix too so that’s something

[@06.aishanawal67]

I'm a bit confused can someone please explain this film to me. What did the guy expect to happen after he hit an armed soldier with a slingshot like a little bot. Also is his dad gay as well? I didnt quite understand this film. The acting seemed great tho

[@matthewgordon3281]

I love that this is coming out of a Florida University. Take that Ron D. Seriously, though, we have to fight to keep this (nazis taking over) from happening again.

[@garethedwardking5860]

Hamas are the new 'Nazis' and their supporters are well-represented in elite USA universities.

[@sudyJ788]

Really nice would like to see an extension of it really interesting

[@clankerbeater8178]

Does Weston Warren have socials?

[@JoFourie]

Excellent!!❤

[@alexr3987]

Interesting idea, but a lot of questionable decisions: 1. What's the point of casting only non-German-speaking actors for a movie you know will be entirely in German? 2. More time should have been spent on researching the fashion of the time and region. As it is, the two young men look (and sound) incredibly British. 3. Why does the Nazi commandant's son have a Jewish name (Ben)? That would have been very unusual.

[@josephwest124]

Wow. I never thought of that. Ben Affleck is an Episcopalian (that's a Christian denomination). Benjamin Franklin was so not-Jewish that his Congregationalist (another Christian denomination) father wanted him to become a minister. US President Benjamin Harrison was a Presbyterian (another Christian denomination). The father of English poet and playwright Ben Jonson was such a Protestant that, under the reign of the Catholic Queen Mary I, he was imprisoned; Ben himself was a Protestant as well, although he converted to Catholicism for more than a decade before returning to the Church of England. Names are not an identity. The name "Joseph," for instance, is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and history (a little story about a kid being sold off into slavery by jealous brothers, for instance) and, yet, did anyone accuse Joseph Goebbels, the leading Nazi propagandist, of being "Jewish?" (And Hitler would've never entered a "non-aggression treaty" with Joseph Stalin if he entertained any ideas about Stalin's possible Jewishness.) For the record, "Benjamin"--in the Bible--was Joseph's younger full brother (through their mother, Rachel).

[@phuttyyt]

I wanted to ask the same about the language aspect - it's a well-made and well-acted short, but the fact they're obviously not German native speakers is very distracting.

[@billycarroll9153]

Sorry, but these actors were perfect in every way. Not speaking German myself I didn’t notice the difference in dialect. It was amazing short film.

[@alexr3987]

@@josephwest124 You're missing the point of what I wrote. Ben Affleck was born in 1972 in the US, Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706 in what would become the US. Benjamin Harrison was born in 1833 in - you guessed it - the US. Ben Jonson was born in 1572 in England. My comment was not about identity but about fashion, which is different between regions and decades. And the fact remains that with non-Jewish Germans in 1920s/30s Germany, the name Benjamin was not very popular at all.

[@vivicohen199]

@@josephwest124 Very good information and certainly to be appreciated by viewers who recognise an outstanding achievement by a filmmaker at student level, irrespective of the quibbling of a know-all.

[@theblackuy]

I really love it especially these cute couple but why don't they continue doing another parts from this that's the saddest thing for me 🥺

[@qwertyuiop-qy6hb]

Nice. I wonder though, if he had not thrown the stone against Hennrich, they would have been listening to music zu hause.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

People just don’t understand.

[@Stella_Le2772]

Why wasn’t it filmed in the first language of the actors? It would have made it easier for everyone. 😅But I loved the acting!

[@garethedwardking5860]

It was set in Nazi Germany and using non-native speakers has been carried off very well. In English it wouldn't've necessarily worked. If I recall correctly: 'Bunker' was in English but with actors with strong German accents! It works just as well. 'Tierra y Libertad' set in 1937 in the Spanish civil war by Ken Loach leans heavily on Spanish, in fact, I can't see how it couldn't've been so. To be purist about it the film should really have been in Catalonian! Being as it was set in Catalonia and then many more people in that region spoke Catalonian and not Spanish. But we quibble.

[@Tomy_Yon]

Very emotional. ❤️

[@idk-hv6zn]

actors names ؟ please

[@yoseki6793]

this is so good

[@llegorgodovikova]

I need a movie. 😍😍😍

[@garethedwardking5860]

Very powerful indeed. The anti-Schwüle legislation didn't come off the BRD's statutes until well into the 1980s; in fact, it might've been the DDR till its collapse in 1989 which might've been better for gays then.

[@ambarpal70pal2]

I'm curious. What's the name of the actors. The blond hair guy looks cute

[@elisabethlandier9539]

Wouah!!!!!!!!et merci

[@DennisCambly]

He leaves his friend bleeding in the bedroom.

[@Moosedog9]

a powerful 7:39 minutes que cortometraje más genial

[@thomas-mq3rr]

Good movie, but too short, without some the end. Maybe there is any feelings between boys, maybe it's only friendship...hard to say.

[@philliphadathought1537]

What did the one guy think would happen when he hit the other guy with the slingshot?

[@user-jb5go5pi1i]

Liberté, déterminismes , nécessité , contingence, ... ? ... What's else ? ...

[@ronsmith2365]

So sad what we humans have to deal with in life..... the dark head young man should not have hit the shoulder with the slingshot.... unfortunately, so many never learn self-survival.... Well filmed, great actors, and great script.... sad times, and the world just keeps getting sadder......

[@iwannabeadored69420]

Are you a native English speaker?

[@helenaonu7391]

Do they know if they have feelings for each other or no?

[@lblooml]

Well, in the description it actually says that Ben (the boy who doesn't get hit) has feelings for the other boy. But I think they both like each other

[@AiAi-gb3lm]

THAT STUFF IS SOO FINE

[@jowah360]

guess skinny jeans were popular then too....

[@user-jb5go5pi1i]

Pour x ou y raisons ... revoir " the celluloid closet " ... et le terrible " paragraphe 175 " , ...

[@edward.____]

They deserve a happy ending :(

[@andrewxavier9902]

I'm so scared

[@Cel_fon]

💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@user-uh4dv2zn5m]

nice

[@juwen7908]

Good try, but they really need a teacher who trained them german pronounciation. Especially the actor of Heinrich was just not understandable without subs, even for me as a german native speaker.

[@FernandoVinny]

So he slings a stone to an armed nazee

[@fantasy1714]

Wtf he bully the guy when cant fight lol

[@CyrilYoutube]

I love them

[@user-vs7nv8mo4e]

great acting but FELIX did start it by hitting the GERMAN with an object....so what did he expect to happen?????

[@luigic6729]

I can't believe that , after nazi camps , Gay people was still in jail !

[@dmsnickmoore]

I’m gay to i am in his shoes i am scared outside of house everyday in public is more scary i have boyfriend he from Saudi Arabia he is Saudi his home country family finding out about us they piss off of us because together that’s my bigger fear people judge us in public me and him together out public holding with him make faces and homophobia comments and if someone attacks us what we are we sitting on chairs in park baby don’t let that got to you you are strong person and brave person I love my boyfriend my brothers and sisters from LBTIQA community please don’t lost hope ok I promise you find love I know I you in shoes before yet god sending handsome guy or beautiful girlfriend god he sending my boyfriend to me I love him so much they have problem with it fuck them you don’t like walking away

[@trollehast1413]

Aaaaah As a German native speaker, ðeir pronounciation is a crime!

[@alanlado1602]

Man... MAN!

[@TrysttamDyamantts]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🥰🤳🏻🥰🤳🏻🥰🤳🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🌈🌈🌈🌈👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@wxtersokka]

oh my f🎀cking god..

[@rsweety1726]

Sogar auf deutsch 👍

[@devroombagchus7460]

Not very convincing. At least, the actors spoke IN German.

[@neindanke3916]

Ihr Deutsch aber lässt zu wünschen übrig.

[@whuangjaison6931]

Their German is pretty awkward. Pity.

[@EverAppl14]

Shattering.

[@Alex281088]

man the german pronunciation is awful 🙈 they should have better made it in English

[@northofhereBerlin]

Great acting. But you should have gone for English rather than trying German with non native speakers. If you speak the language it ruins it for you.

[@ahmedsheikh98]

He deserved it...