"Chemistry" - a short film, LGBTQ Romance, Drama, student project

Рет қаралды 767,085

Жыл бұрын

"Chemistry" - a collaborative short film project by the Intermediate Film Production class at Diablo Valley College, a community college in the San Francisco Bay Area. Written and directed by Sahra Bhimji. Produced and created by DVC students in FTVE 161, Intermediate Film Production
Starring Garrett Hannigan and Christropher Batres
Winner of the Best Cinematography award at the Aspiring Minds Film Festival
Website and behind the scenes videos: chemistrythefilm20.wixsite.com/chemistry2022
It's been wonderful to see the response and kind comments - thank you for the love!
Just to explain a bit more about my process, I am a filmmaker and professor at Diablo Valley College. I wrote this short film script and then brought it to my intermediate film students as a class project. I directed the project and the students formed the entire crew, from casting to producing to editing. The film was shot on our campus with our college's film equipment. We had no budget and an all student crew, but we did put in a ton of time and energy to this.
I often observe community college students from very different backgrounds and with many struggles, including housing insecurity, mental health, and loneliness. I wanted to tell a story about human connection, and it is been nice to see this film resonating with such a large audience. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement!

Пікірлер: 379

@luismiguelsecuiusilva8513 Жыл бұрын

The first gay short film that shows real people's life and normal genuine connection. Nothing too dramatic, not too fancy, just... real. LOVED IT.

@kyachdistent1301 Жыл бұрын

Utterly great and illuminating comment.

@fkb247 Жыл бұрын

At that age, anything is possible 😮

@ToriBusiness Жыл бұрын

@@fkb247 if I only found someone at this age so genuine and real and truthful

@treme2434 Жыл бұрын

That's bc this is a school film, which doesn't have the budget for a dramatic or fancy plot, which is why they went plain and real cause it's all they could afford to do on such little time. If they had like a netflix budget or hollywood, I promise you that this would be like 10x more dramatic and more out there

@DawidKellerman 9 ай бұрын

Honest

@Rachel88009 Жыл бұрын

‘I’m vegetarian as of today’ had me howling, the commitment to love ❤

@asorneyramsay2864 9 ай бұрын

Me too😂😂

@ryansagun Жыл бұрын

Wow, I can't believe the amount of attention our short is getting! This is incredible!

@billycarroll9153 Жыл бұрын

I absolutely LOVED this film and I’ve seen many LGBT+ short films. Please make more !!!

@geethikapriyadarshini2228 Жыл бұрын

Please do more of them.❤

@marvmoder8628 Жыл бұрын

Congratulations good work

@davidserlin8097 Жыл бұрын

Get used to it ❤️

@Rachel88009 Жыл бұрын

Could you do a part 2 please, this pairing was great 👍🏼 ❤

@davidserlin8097 Жыл бұрын

This is an excellent short film that puts its finger on a major problem: housing insecurity for LGBTQ+ youth. The silences in this film speak volumes about the pain and often the shame of having to negotiate different realities, all the while trying to keep your dignity. Beautifully acted and produced. Bravo!

@SeriouseMate Жыл бұрын

Excellent hhhm another mother f#cker and look at yourself you are grandpa and tells us this f#cking word

@JustARandomFio 11 ай бұрын

Well said.

@HarryFreeHugs_GayInsta 2 ай бұрын

I m even worse, I swear atm I sleep on d trains n park.. homeless... :(

@Cloak21 Жыл бұрын

Can't believe a school film I was camera for got so much attention. Thanks to everyone for watching it!

@olaczyk 7 ай бұрын

It came out very good! Nice job!

@aosilva1032 5 ай бұрын

Talento e simplicidade é uma dupla infalível

@marecku21 3 ай бұрын

I couldn't understand why Liam was so unfriendly, but then I realized he dealt with the shame of poverty and homelessness by keeping his distance from people.

@BrownsBacker Жыл бұрын

Would love to see a sequel on these two wonderful characters and their backstory. Great job!

@mikemondano3624 Жыл бұрын

Just imagine their backstory. On YT, it would have to be under the blankets, anyway.

@gntleproductions Ай бұрын

It’s impressive to see my first ever film score get this many views! Thank you Sahra for the opportunity. I’d love to work with you again soon!

@tetchuma Жыл бұрын

This hit me right in the gut. I was kicked out of my moms house because my Catholic stepdad didn’t want a homosexual under his roof. He sent me back to my dads house, who the authorities had already removed me from once before… Mom didn’t put up a fight because she’s a hoarder, who was more concerned about losing her stuff, than losing her kid. That trauma stays in your bones. Then my stepsister started dating a girl, and he was cool with it. I’ve never gotten over that; probably never will.

@JustARandomFio 11 ай бұрын

... And your story hit me. Feel with you. Coming from a conservative Catholic environment myself, I know the struggles. I left myself, though, at 20yo after my studies. And I know also the other topic, having rescued my godson from the claws of his evil "mother" when he got 15. Protected him as best as I could before she crossed the last red line and I did the final move. He lived over 10 years with me, and it wasn't always easy. As you said, the trauma stays in your bones. I can confirm. In our case, all went well. I hope, you've found your way, too.

@theharshtruthoutthere 11 ай бұрын

@@JustARandomFio LOVE ALWAYS JUDGE! And RIGHTSEOULSY thereof. LOVE IS RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT. And BIBLE never banned it: John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Matthew 7:2 - For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. The whole BIBLE is loving, because it RIGHTEOUSLY judging us and calling us all to REPENTANCE.

@afishcalledwanda 10 ай бұрын

Yea, every idiot can have kids, make babies, without a license. Your parents seem one of those. I'm pretty much convinced that America will be dying from stupidity. Sad story.

@floraleslienokam1573 9 ай бұрын

@@theharshtruthouttherekeep dreaming

@MW-ci3oz Жыл бұрын

This was WAY too short these two have great chemistry and I wanted to see more, especially as both their situations have scope for exploration.

@Tomy_Yon Жыл бұрын

I was like "Liam, help him with the assignment already... " 😊 I enjoyed this little gem very much.

@emjaayfxster Жыл бұрын

The chemistry. The interactions. The realism. Holy. Cow. This was an insanely good film guyssss

@BIgDaddyJ62 Жыл бұрын

WOW! You captured my attention and my heart! Within less than 11 minutes, I'm completely invested in both Lee and Liam. The background of both characters is very fresh and current and you've presented a wonderful foundation for a full-length feature film! Make it so! 🙂

@StewNWT Жыл бұрын

very well done - perfect short film it gives us a taste of their personalities, their worlds, but doesn't overreach or go for cringe.

@sahrafilms Жыл бұрын

I always try not to "go for cringe" and so totally appreciate you noticing x

@chetanvinayak6799 3 ай бұрын

@@sahrafilms I really enjoyed your film was very interesting their both suite each other amazing film I am gay myself he really slept 🛌 in car 🚗 nice to meet you my name is Chetan

@gilles5974 Жыл бұрын

We should never judge others before having walked in their shoes. Thanks for this beautiful short film.

@oceanlover3530 Жыл бұрын

This was one of my favorite short films. These characters are like-able and they have a nice chemistry between them. I hope we can see more of them and how the relationship evolves. Thank you! ✌🏻😉✌🏻

@sahrafilms Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your sweet words, it is really encouraging!

@chetanvinayak6799 Жыл бұрын

@@sahrafilms hi how are you I am fine thank you 🙏 my name is chetan from England 🏴 I am gay too it was a lovely story very interesting and such a cute couple they certainly had a great chemistry 🧪 are they both gay in real life

@redjupiter2 Жыл бұрын

I am 64 years old and I find fantastic satisfaction watching foreign, as well as indie films and wonderful shorts on KZfaq. This is absolutely one of the best I have seen. It is wonderful that it is a student project because it speaks so loudly to the situation so many young people find themselves in today… Abject Poverty, trying to get an education amidst a conservative agenda to destroy not only LGBT rights, but also women’s rights. Banning books, and speaking nothing but hatred couched in religious dogma. This was beautifully photographed, very well acted, the editing is superb, and both of the characters are beautifully developed rapidly. This is an absolute gem of a piece of film. The artistic creators and all involved deserve a standing ovation and a grant or two!

@pardonalpha1407 Жыл бұрын

Feels like I just watched an incredibly interesting trailer, guys there is so much to explore with this story and characters, please consider a full film. EPIC!

@cedricbrown8822 Жыл бұрын

Not sure how exactly I stumbled upon this short but it is soooo amazing! The story and these actors are stellar, very heartbreaking yet heartwarming reveal at the end! BRAVO! Stories like this help me have more hope and optimism for my own love story! P.S. Definitely strong romantic chemistry between these two characters they are sooooo cuteee & sweet! 😍😊

@marvmoder8628 Жыл бұрын

This came up in my KZfaq feed good old algorithm

@michaelgask Жыл бұрын

This is super sweet. Great short film.

@sahrafilms Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@chetanvinayak6799 9 ай бұрын

@@sahrafilms hi my name is chetan from England what a beautiful movie how romantic they both make a cute gay couple I am gay too I have never seen anyone sleep in a car 🚗 before I can’t certainly understand how difficult it is to rent or buy a house 🏡 or flat these days keep up the good work are their both gay in real life how romantic when they both went to dinner 🥘 it’s very difficult to come out to your parents and family and friends when I came out it was horrible and very nasty etc

@bradcolby3624 Жыл бұрын

Great short film…would love to see more like this. Homelessness in our community is so prevalent. Thank you

@scotzer Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this! I was very touched by the "twist" in the film, and, indeed, we need more good work to show how it is for so many of the young folks in the LGBTQ+ community. Congratulations to everyone who was involved in this film.

@rodriley4132 Жыл бұрын

Very good short!! The two actors had great chemistry! This definitely deserves a part 2. Good backstory for both guys. I want to see how this relationship develops. 😊

@savioartwork Жыл бұрын

The broke up the next day . . .

@marvel-shinobi Жыл бұрын

This comment section is a proof that this short film is worthy ❤

@josephsmith5410 Жыл бұрын

So glad I stumbled upon this film, because I love it! It's so honest, sweet, and touching. Its truth is on so many levels, and it's all done in under 11 minutes. Bravo!

@victorseddy2580 Жыл бұрын

Wow wow wow. This short should get an award or something.

@levinsand7845 Жыл бұрын

I need a whole movie now. This was amazing.

@nucderpuck Жыл бұрын

What a lovely short film, bittersweet but without the depressive mood that pervades some gay dramas. The acting is great, and the lead characters do indeed have a nice "chemistry" between them.

@christophertran8896 4 ай бұрын

Amazing short film. Reminds me of my University years. Watched it three times...I hope there will be part 2 and 3 and beyond. Great chemistry between the main characters. ❤

@xaulmando Жыл бұрын

I didn’t want it to end. Would love to see a sequel to this! 💜

@davidcoberly9240 Жыл бұрын

So professional! And profound in its simplicity. I support the call for a full-length film!

@christopherhalstead7255 Жыл бұрын

Great job and good story. Yes!!! We must have more. Please remember without new voices and talent like yours nothing, including entertainment would ever change. So again, WELL DONE🎉🎉❤

@lesewener5729 4 ай бұрын

❤ 1:40 Bravo!! So well done!! I loved it!! Les, Victoria, BC

@meryposts3035 9 ай бұрын

Okay am I the only one who feels like this video is way too short. They have sooooo much chemistry (pun intended). They bond so great. We have the golden retriever and the scarly cat vibe, they are both drop dead gorgeous. Come one, why only 11 minutes. 😢

@sukekawa Жыл бұрын

We need more 🙏🙏🙏 Such a sweet short film. Cheers from Brazil ❤

@thanos8107 9 ай бұрын

This short film was AWESOME and easily one of the best I’ve seen

@nerdwiththetech Жыл бұрын

This is great! I need more from these characters. I would love a tv series of them.

@savioartwork Жыл бұрын

That would be wonderful, indeed !

@Kraiikraiitaytay Жыл бұрын

to really be honest this should be turned into a series id love to see this played out episode by episode ❤❤❤ amazing job

@arthurcrunden6107 4 ай бұрын

Would love to see this go forward there’s a lot of depth in the short both past and future

@JonSchmidth-vn5to 11 ай бұрын

This movie is beautiful!! It’s the perfect example of how many people live their life-Pretentiously. We all d it in some way, no judgement. It wasn’t until they both had the courage to be themselves, the truest form of themselves, that they got the chance to see their similarities. If only life, and we as people and the ordinary course of living life was this easy. This movie should be the example for the perfect reason for bringing down those pretentious walls that we build up so that others cannot see our flaws. Their is true beauty in imperfection too if one allows themselves the chance to see it.

@tomjardine100 11 ай бұрын

My friend put his arm around me on the sofa and later on hugged me. I actually enjoyed it

@ZeitloseEinsicht Жыл бұрын

I hate it... only because it's too "short" lol. I'm sure I speak for others as well when I say you guys need to make a Part II... or an actual series maybe. I subscribed just in case. 😀 Good job guys. More power. 🔥

@jimbrown7226 Жыл бұрын

Yes please do it make more

@MIMIC8801 Жыл бұрын

Haha Waleed is adorable. Really let’s a guy know how he feels

@danielpullman Жыл бұрын

for sure need to see Chem 2.0

@rajeevdutta9236 Жыл бұрын

One of the best shorts i've seen, but this definitely deserves a part two there's a lot of scope of exploration.

@vanlifeembracingdiversity5431 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for enlightening folks like us who are van lifers

@GarryD Жыл бұрын

Great job DVC students! REPRESENT!!! I loved it. It makes me want to see the continuation of their story. Hoping for a sequel 🙏

@teew7862 Жыл бұрын

Beautiful, would love to see more great chemistry from the guy's

@yaderjaime2763 Жыл бұрын

I love the Waleed's personality. It's so charm and nice. :)

@inzanity490 Жыл бұрын

I wish it was this easy and fast asking out a stranger in class 😭

@markspano3468 4 ай бұрын

Excellent work. I loved it.

@AttendingBlind 5 ай бұрын

I loved the Waleed character, so funny and so high spirited!

@daviswade340 Жыл бұрын

Kudos

@nicolealexis8527 Жыл бұрын

Okay, I'm going to need multiple parts. They are adorable and the story is great!

@ParvaizRaja Жыл бұрын

Wow... this is a great film. Nothing else matters much when you've got a strong story and talented actors. I wish you all the best and am looking forward for the next projects.

@riccardo50001 8 ай бұрын

Very sweet and unasuming. Congratulations! Keen them coming!!! I see this was made at Diablo. I'm a professional classical singer and sang a few times with a chorus & orchestra a long time ago. Working with a broad range of cultures and encouaging young people is a noble cause!

@JonSchmidth-vn5to 11 ай бұрын

Waleed was adorable and showed the benefits of persistency.

@chaoyoong9987 Жыл бұрын

many a times a situation is never as simple as it is and could be as complicated as it is...teenage college students have lots of adapting from the by gone days of high school... great awareness to bring forth the struggles of LGBTQ students finding suitable room mates and finance....waleed comes across as an adorable leech who never let go once he clung onto someone he likes. Liam the conservative shy reserved private would slowly open up to his struggle. Excellent ending with perfect title -chemistry... is it covalence bond or ionic bond as the professor was asking...regardless if two gay boys finding their true selves and someone to share the journey with - two supporting each other is always better than One struggling on his own. Sahra you have a unique spelling but more so you have great insights and creativity. Enjoy your fabulous movie making and story telling...one day we shall see you getting an Oscar so keep that dream ALIVE & WELL

@rudolfburggraaf 10 ай бұрын

What a wonderful movie. Thanks to all who worked on it for bringing this story alive.

@darebear2001 10 ай бұрын

That was really good. Doubly so because it was a student production. Authentic and real. My compliments to everyone involved. Well done.

@marcusanderson-yeager6740 Жыл бұрын

Yep, almost soul mates, as long as they move in the same direction and focus on their lives, they seem to now have honest communications. My sons were in the position of being homeless after they aged out of the foster care system, they now have advanced medical degrees, families, and a stable life. Just takes the right person to lead them. sounds like one was showing how to submitt the finished assignment on time. Mazel Tova

@laranjafox2383 10 ай бұрын

wow, that's a great project, I bet the students learned a lot, I think it represented well some students realities, I've never thought about a student that hadn't a place to live

@MommieDammit 10 ай бұрын

Sahra, I pray all the success you ever dreamed of. Keep doing the honest, heart-felt work you show here. American cinema needs you. This was very well written, production was excellent, your camera work was better and more natural than a lot of what I've seen out of Hollywood the past few years. Garrett and Christopher show real talent, and I hope they find a sustainable career if they choose to continue in film/theatre. Thank you for bringing magic to an all too real set of human circumstances.

@drakusw.2183 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the short. It's really cute. The guys did a great job! 👍🏾

@d.j.7069 Жыл бұрын

GREAT work, guys! This short is really well-done and well-acted for a school project. LGBTQ theme is so subtle and believable!

@jesswise1863 Жыл бұрын

Wish they kissed, they look so cute together ❤

@sahrafilms Жыл бұрын

Ooh, maybe in part two…

@MusicBear51 Жыл бұрын

Okay, part 2 then !! ❤️

@oceanlover3530 Жыл бұрын

@@sahrafilms 👍🏻❤👍🏻

@kanishkk6531 Жыл бұрын

@Jess Wise - I too was waiting for it.... I think Liam was almost about to kiss Lee when they were both standing outside the restaurant, when they slowly felt drawn to each other, first one pair of hands locked and then the next, and their magnetic chemistry was getting the better of Liam, and his lips were less than a couple of inches away from Lee's until his inability to host him and attendant loss of dignity made him withdraw. They could have still had a kiss on the end though but would have complicated the plot.... Sweet story though and cute young men....

@jesswise1863 Жыл бұрын

@@kanishkk6531 I know, I would’ve loved to see them kiss

@user-jm6mt1en2c 6 ай бұрын

Aww Man I didn't want it to end it was getting so good 😩 😫 ❤❤ i love how the relationship didn't felt forced I love how It just happened naturally

@gratiaplacenti Жыл бұрын

Wow! I think there really was chemistry between these guys 😊 Parents suck!

@sahrafilms Жыл бұрын

Haha, it was pretty electric

@KC-rd6en Жыл бұрын

Very cool short, three thumbs up !!

@sahrafilms Жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot!

@clefnoteproductions6695 Жыл бұрын

I've had to live and sleep 😢in my van. It's no joke😢

@kharmaiz 3 ай бұрын

This was so good! ❤

@starrio713 Жыл бұрын

Loved it so much!! I got too sucked into the film didn't realize it comes to an end!!

@simont9833 Жыл бұрын

Excellent storyline and well executed. Nice job

@williamarndt9465 10 ай бұрын

Very sweet. For a while I thought oh no more drama. Then it took a nice turn. These boys will figure it out.

@anthonydiaz2185 9 ай бұрын

This was cute and I loved the twist there at the end with both of their situations! Well done!

@jorgezayas8299 Жыл бұрын

Love this! Great work folks. 👏 👏👏👏👏👏

@lawrenceharris7369 10 ай бұрын

So unreal, but just two people living their lives as best as possible.👍🏾

@terrylampard3892 Жыл бұрын

Just starting to really get in to this and it ended but loved every minute of it thank yiu😊

@NewUlm_T 10 ай бұрын

Make this into a show PLEASE

@planety2021 10 ай бұрын

Best words to describe this film is cute and sweet! With an obviously lower budget film than most lgbt films I’ve seen you guys made the most of what you had and made something…cute and sweet! This is a great film. The constant nods Liam made when first talking to Waleed was cute, the kinda awkward and invested nod. Just a small detail I really liked, but I like how kinda opposite our two leads are. Liam being a slacker in school and Waleed is ontop of things and Independent. And we get a background on their households, it’s sad but I think it works really well. However if I have anything negative to say the dialogue could be polished to be more realistic, especially with Waleed’s lines and his tone of voice. Speaking of Waleed I’m still split on his character, at the start of the film he comes off super focused on getting his work done he seems to not be into Liam at all. And until he had dinner with him he suddenly feels some romantic feelings for him. Maybe if we got more scenes of them doing more things it wouldn’t be an issue. The ending is very sweet however. Overall this is a good film I enjoyed myself 🥹

@molokoid Жыл бұрын

What an amazing short film! Very high quality! Bravo! Also, very sweet storyline.

@panchobarnes Жыл бұрын

Love is love. GREAT short film. I see the beginnings of a great scripted series and a great future for the two leads.

@brygram Жыл бұрын

Excellent 'slice' of real life.

@alexanderlee3569 Жыл бұрын

this was too short,.. it needs a part two

@v_productions05 8 ай бұрын

We would love to see this short film become a feature film! Very beautiful.

@eros4434 Жыл бұрын

Great short, congratulations to everyone involved! I enjoyed how grounded in reality this felt, and the two leads are sweet. ❤

@infinity-gs4mq Жыл бұрын

Nice one waiting for next

@hendrickmanenga9213 Жыл бұрын

Please i need to watch more episodes.Its a great work.

@makhzanabdullah1689 Ай бұрын

brilliant!!! excellent!!! wonderful story!!!..awesome casts..BRAVO!!!!

@corfan99 Жыл бұрын

Fine short film, understated, endearing characters. Congratulations for a fine work Ms. Bhimji and DVC production staff.

@drgdvcmath1630 Жыл бұрын

I LOVED this! Thank you Sahra and Students!

@mickyflynn635 Жыл бұрын

Such a sweet story! It brought a smile to my face. Thanks.

@accessdenied3350 Жыл бұрын

These two are so cute ❤ I hope there's a second part

@billbrown4698 Жыл бұрын

what a beautiful, wholesome story. very realistic.

@ScottRedstone Жыл бұрын

It is a gem that stands on its own. Tentative then abrupt. Guys a bit confused but not really. Insecure yet generous. Glad the assignment did not turn into a back seat fumble.