Films

ETHAN MAO
(United States/Canada, 2004) Dir./Scr.: Steve Mallorca

18-year-old Ethan has been kicked out of home because he's gay, and has had to make do with a lonely life on the street hustling, and selling his body to older men. Things change when he befriends fellow hustler and drug dealer, 19-year-old Remigio. Whilst Ethan's father and stepmother have disowned him, he stills keeps in touch with his younger brother who tells him that their parents will be away from home for Thanksgiving, giving Ethan the opportunity to return home to pick up some of his belongings, including a necklace which belonged to his dead mother. In what turns out to be a life-changing decision, he persuades Remigio to help break into his parents home. When Ethan's parents return home unexpectedly, he turns a bad situation into a worse one by taking them hostage. In the ensuing drama Ethan, his family and Remigio are forced to confront unresolved conflicts and feelings long kept secret. This coming of age tale successfully blends elements of family drama, romance and thriller into one tightly wound package.

35mm, 88 minutes