BEST FEATURE FILM
(W/HOLE) by Mahx Capacity, AORTA Films, The A.O. Movement
For exploring new ways of shooting porn, and mixing it with dance, performativity and intimate self narration, we selected (W/HOLE) by AORTA Films, the A.O. Movement and Mahx Capacity as the best feature film. At the same time raw, tender and hot, its collective nature and the various portrayal of different identities, sexual practices, bodies that goes beyond the normative standards of society, we think this film delves into unknown territories of visual pleasures.
BEST DOCUMENTARY
NARCISSISTER ORGAN PLAYER by Narcissister
For telling an intimate story about identity and loss through the performative use of one’s own body, we selected NARCISSISTER ORGAN PLAYER as the best documentary film. A self-narration that intertwines topics as wide and important as race, gender, sexuality, family and immigration, this film is an intersectional investigation back to the ancestral roots of a POC artist that uses her body as her primary tool of espression.
BEST ITALIAN SHORT FILM
BONDS by Marileo
For its playful approach and unique insight into BDSM relationships, we selected Bonds as the Best Italian Short Film. We loved the way that the film explored the very real taboos of jealousy and shifting affections within BDSM with a light and humorous approach, its beautiful drag, and gender–and species–fucking.
BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM
LAMENTO DELLA NINFA by Matock
For its incredible chemistry between performers and its clarity of vision, we selected Lamento Della Ninfa as the Best International Short Film. We loved the performer’s power dynamic and clear pleasure in performing it, their playful lightness while still enacting to serious BDSM dynamics, and the film’s creative vision.
SPECIAL MENTION
BIXA TRAVESTY by Kiko Goifman, Claudia Priscilla
For presenting an explosive portrait of an artist that truly embodies the concept of NO GENDER NO BORDER we want to give a special mention to BIXA TRAVESTY. A truly political manifesto against the rise of new fascisms, the words and songs of Linn Da Quebrada make us look beyond gender stereotypes and deep inside the infinite possibilities of a non-conforming body and personality.
SPECIAL MENTION FOR ANIMATION
THE WRONG END OF THE STICK by Terri Matthews
For using stunning and inventive filming and animation techniques to convey deep tenderness, we selected Wrong End of the Stick for a Special mention for Animation. We appreciated the film’s ability to address the difficulties of shame around kink in way that was at once humorous, respectful, lighthearted, and deeply felt.
NO GENDER NO BORDER PRIZE
DEAR BABE by Ethan Folk, Ty Wardwell feat. Layton Lachman and Ace
For presenting a joyous romp where fantasy and reality blurred into borderless desire, we selected Dear Babe to win the No Gender No Border prize. We loved the film’s genuine hotness, unconventional structure, grossness and absurdity, as well as its expansive sense of how gender and sexuality can operate across kink and fantasy.