Watchlist: Modern Discontent
The complexities of today’s world can take a toll on our mental well-being, and cinema often reflects these struggles. Queer films also have the space to delve into difficult themes such as mortality, insecurity, unfulfilled desires, and the search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world. The Modern Discontent watchlist brings these stories together.
Willy and Jojo are best friends. They share a passion for motocross - whereas Willy uses it to honour his deceased father, it is only by excelling in the sport that Jojo’s father will notice him. Also the masculine world or racing is perfectly suited to suppress their own insecurities. Yet when Willy one fateful night discovers the hidden love life of Jojo, he will be forced to take sides in the wave of homophobia that follows.
The exhilarating camera work and magnificent performances of the young leads make this tale of friendship, rebellion and grief come to life.
Tickets for 'Block Pass'
March 24th | 16.00 | click here
March 26th | 18.30 | click here
16-year-old Tobias is forced by his absent mother to spend the summer with his grandparents where he falls in love with the slightly older Aron. However, inner demons prevent Tobias from accepting anything other than fleeting affection and when a tragedy strikes, he plunges into a dark hole of self-harm, lust, and loneliness.
Tickets for 'B.O.Y - Bruises of Yesterday'
March 20th | 21.00 | click here
March 21st | 16.00 | click here
Pablo and his younger sister Apo are left to fend for themselves, with an ever-absent father. While Apo is still in school, Pablo is selling drugs in the hard-knuckle town of Le Havre. They escape reality in their shared obsession for DarkNoon, an online world. When Pablo flees from an attack by a rival criminal gang, he is saved by the mysterious Night. Soon, the two men embark on both a sizzling sexual relation and a partnership in crime. However, disaster draws closer as it is announced that DarkNoon’s servers will shut down forever, and Pablo and Night get drawn into a turf war on selling pills. A visually stunning, intriguing and genuinely genre-bending experience.
Tickets for 'Eat The Night'
March 26st | 21.00 | Click here
March 29th | 18.30 | Click here
A pay date unfolds as an intense darkly comedic meditation on mortality and loneliness.
'Lisbon' is part of the collection of short films: Sweet & Savoury
Tickets for 'Sweet & Savoury'
March 21st | 21.00 | click here
March 27th | 16.00 | click here
Ignoring calls, a sex addict battles against one last temptation.
'In Heat' is part of the collection of short films: Finger Food [For Thought]
Tickets for 'Finger Food [For Thought]'
March 24th | 18.30 | click here
March 30th | 16.00 | click here
Thought-provoking film that discusses a complicated taboo subject with a daring approach: Ever since 15-year-old Gabo found out about his pedophile tendencies, he has tried to control and hide his needs. He doesn't confide in anyone, (the fear of the reactions is too great. He finds support and a hearing in online chat forums and there he also meets the much older Dave. However, he takes advantage of Gabo's insecurity and a toxic power dynamic develops. When Dave is suddenly arrested by the police on suspicion of abusing minors, Gabo has to make a decision.
Tickets for 'No Dogs Allowed'
March 23rd | 16.00 | click here
March 30th | 13.30 | click here
When a Literature teacher is confronted with a teenage student's complaint of inappropriate behavior, he is called upon to fight to protect his name, his position in the school, and his longtime gay relationship, which no one knows.
Tickets for 'Pas de Vagues'
March 20th | 10.30 | click here
March 23th | 13.30 | click here
Matthijs investigates why he has been burdened all his life by the paralyzing uncertainty about the size of his penis. Matthijs avoids places such as urinals and changing rooms and does not dare to walk around in swimming trunks on a hot summer day. He only wears loose clothing, abstains from all dating apps and always gives a disclaimer in advance during sexual contact. How did this insecurity come to play such a decisive role in his life and more importantly, how does he get rid of it?
After years of fear and shame, Matthijs finally wants to look the beast in the mouth. The measure is full. In an ultimate attempt to accept his body, Matthijs undergoes treatment with a psychologist, relives memories that contributed to his insecurity, and seeks confrontation. Matthijs gradually discovers that the problem is much bigger than himself. And no matter how fragile his quest is, this film may be the last disclaimer he ever has to give.
Tickets for 'Short Dick Man'
March 22nd | 18.30 | click here
About Roze Filmdagen
Roze Fimdagen is a twelve-day film festival with feature films, short films and documentaries with LGBTQ+-related themes. There is also a side program with an exhibition, VR, podcasts, online talk shows and more. The 28th edition of Pink Film Days will take place from Wednesday, March 19 to Sunday, March 30, 2025 in Het Ketelhuis in Amsterdam.
