They said it was just a phase, but what if it’s everything? Not That Kind of Phase explores the twists, turns, and surprising truths of growing up queer. With humour, heartbreak, and honesty, these films chart the journey from uncertainty to self-awareness - one awkward, emotional, unforgettable moment at a time.
Curated by Kyle Marshall - Fairy Tales Film Festival Programming Committee
The Ick
- Country of Origin: Canada
- Year of Release: 2024
- Run Time: 6:51
- Language: English
- Synopsis: Two young men meet for a first date. Things are going well until a revelation is made.
- Director: Kyle Marshall
I Had Sex But…
- Country of Origin: England
- Year of Release: 2025
- Run Time: 14:44
- Language: English, Mandarin Chinese (with subtitles)
- Synopsis: How would you define intimacy and how would you find it? The filmmaker tried to find it by having his first sexual experiences with strangers. The film shows the interactions between them before and after sex. And after these encounters, the filmmaker had some new thoughts about intimacy and sex.
- Director: Ang Li
Su Twice
- Country of Origin: Switzerland
- Year of Release: 2024
- Run Time: 19:00
- Language: French, Italian (with subtitles)
- Synopsis: Su, a young Italian gardener, works in Switzerland. One morning she is summoned by her boss to defend herself against an accusation of theft at work. Su recounts the day's events, in which she became familiar with her older and mysterious colleague Lore. As the interview with the boss proceeds, Su realises that in order to protect herself she has to tell a different version of the actual events.
- Director: Agnese Làposi
Dandelion
- Country of Origin: United States
- Year of Release: 2025
- Run Time: 19:59
- Language: English
- Synopsis: In 1970s Los Angeles, rebellious queer teen MAX navigates a hot summer of parties, bike rides and growing pains while finding love and heartbreak in the queer punk scene.
- Director: Fiona Obertinca
Kotowari
- Country of Origin: France
- Year of Release: 2024
- Run Time: 25:00
- Language: French (with English subtitles)
- Synopsis: A poignant exploration of cultural identity and personal boundaries, Kotowari follows a young woman's journey as she navigates the complexities of tradition and self-expression.
- Director: Coralie Watanabe Prosper
Theo’s Friend
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
- Year of Release: 2025
- Run Time: 10:48
- Language: English
- Synopsis: A heartfelt narrative that delves into the dynamics of friendship and the challenges of growing up queer in a conservative environment.
- Director: Josh Black
