Pillow Chocolate
2023 · 9m · UK
Directed by Charlie Tidmas
Tones: contemplative, melancholic, tender
A trans man named Jamie spends the night with Vince, a closeted celebrity, only to be asked the next morning to leave through the hotel's back door — not for being a man, but for being trans. The film follows Jamie's journey from that moment of quiet shame to a small but powerful act of self-reclamation.
Picked by Margot
The scouts
Closeted-celebrity-and-trans-man morning-after drama, produced democratically by and for trans men. Tasteful, important, the page says "this video isn't available." Not the swing I'm looking for either.
BFI Network-commissioned, democratically produced with trans men at every creative layer — the methodology alone deserves attention, and the Weekend comparison is honest. That the Vimeo link is currently unavailable is unfortunate; the film's intent is clear.
The Vimeo file is currently unavailable but the credit block survives: BFI NETWORK commission, full creative crew, story commissioned for and by trans men. 9 minutes of trans-centered queer drama with that production rigor matters — though I'd want a working link to confirm.
Reviews
The short is centred around a very specific situation, providing important insight into the casual transphobia that can easily become normalised in society, but it's also hugely relatable thanks to its universal themes.
Festivals
- Norwich Film Festival 2023