Women filmmakers are redefining what intimacy and relationships may look like in the future — not through making tired critiques of dating apps, but rather by offering expansive interpretations of technology’s role in pleasure. The following short films and web series explore the intricacies of desire in the modern era.
Fatimah Asghar’s “Got Game?” imagines polyamory as a video game; Izzy Shill’s “Face to Face Time” introduces a web cam to a potential sexual encounter; Sophie Koko Gate’s “Slug Life” presents a world where the creation of pleasure is at your fingertips; and Amie Darboe’s web series “Do Better” highlights the sex lives and relationships of a ragtag group of friends.
Here is Women and Hollywood’s latest round of VOD and web series selections for June.
VOD
“Got Game?” (Short) – Written and Directed by Fatimah Asghar
Fatimah Asghar reimagines the future of sex and dating through video game imagery in her short film “Got Game?” After a long sexual drought, Khudejha (Kausar Mohamed) goes to a sex party with her best friend and wing-woman Natasha (Aasia LaShay). The film is littered with split screen visuals and arcade-style animations, including power meters and relationship status indicators for each participant.
“Got Game?” is a fresh look at dating in the future without hinging on tropes of online dating — instead, it imagines a new, fully fledged world where tech and sex are intertwined.
Watch “Got Game?” on Vimeo.
“Face to Face Time” (Short) – Written and Directed by Izzy Shill
Getting ready for virtual dates has become a new normal, which is why Izzy Shill’s “Face to Face Time” has so much resonance. Claire (Izzy Shill) initiates a FaceTime date with a guy she’s been seeing (Sean Patrick McGowan), only to find out that his feelings aren’t reciprocated.
“Face to Face Time” is a film suited for our current moment, reflecting one of the many ways in which we now navigate our casual relationships online.
Watch “Face to Face Time” on Vimeo.
“Slug Life” (Short) – Written and Directed by Sophie Koko Gate
Sophie Koko Gate’s short “Slug Life” is both a humorous look at pleasure in the future, and an ambitious achievement in animation. The short follows Tanya (Jeanette Bonds) who 3D prints her perfect partner.
“Slug Life” features a wide range of character styles, and showcases a mastery of the artistic form. It manages to be both crude and liberating, painting an unconventional portrait of modern sexuality.
Watch “Slug Life” on YouTube.
Web Series
“Do Better” – Created and Written by Amie Darboe
Amie Darboe’s web series explores the life and times of six Black and Asian friends, from sex and relationships, to their careers. In “Do Better’s” pilot episode, Brenda (Lucy Nguyen) introduces her friends to her white boyfriend, which quickly becomes a point of controversy. The series is charming and poignant, featuring a delightful ensemble with natural chemistry while exploring parts of life that don’t always get the platform they deserve.
Watch “Do Better” on YouTube.
