There’s all sorts of sex and kink between straight, gay and trans people in the first part of the 2024 HUMP! Film Fest. But it’s safe to say that no matter how jaded a viewer can be, there’s likely nobody who will ever look at a water cooler the same way again. Ever.
Boasting a bonanza year of submissions, HUMP! is screening more films than ever before, but divided into two slates. Part one screens at The Broad Theater April 25-27.
Easily the most lighthearted and funny film is “Table Top Tango,” a sort of stop-motion animation using hardware and fruits and vegetables. Submitted from Spain, it’s a clever and minimalist fantasia of moving nuts and bolts, horseshoes and bananas, paperclips and pears.
Just about every other film is graphic in its sexual acts or body imagery, including the lone animated film, “Blue Balls.” There are sex toys and tattoos galore. And most films don’t let too much plot get in the way of the sex, like the alluring trans couple in “Transit.”
HUMP! was created nearly 20 years ago by Dan Savage, author and sex and advice columnist for the Seattle’s weekly newspaper, The Stranger. The original idea was to invite people to make and submit films about what they fantasized about or liked to do. Originally, the short films were screened in theaters only, and not posted online.
The festival has changed with the times. While it was conceived as a cheerier alternative to porn, now many of the films come from people who create content on platforms like OnlyFans. That may help explain the banner year in submissions. The festival drew more than 500 films, but the real change was in quality and the number that made it to the final round of cuts, organizers say. Most films in part one came from the U.S. and Canada, but there are a few films from Europe as well.
One of the more endearing films, “Dirty Old Man,” is by Jallen Rix, a gay man who started filming his sex practices decades ago. Making his film became a reflection on sex and aging, and he explains that perceptions change a lot. The title refers to his sense that flirting and expressing desire as an older man can draw negative responses. He’s candid about his use of sexual enhancers, but it’s his charm that keeps him going.
The lightly humorous “Boy Toy” has a fictional premise, but its narrator revels in finally achieving orgasm after years of experimentation and frustration.
A few films seem like cinematic achievements. “The Kettle” is a beautifully filmed portrait of two women making tea. “Human Chandelier” involves rope restraints and suspension as well as copious amounts of hot wax, but by the end of the ritual, it’s got a mesmerizing quality.
Many of the films feature restraints and bondage, from the duct tape and latex mummifications in “The Reward” to the dominatrix party in “Girl Dinner.” On the humorous front, “Beat It” revisits the relationship of Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, and it’s ambiguous whether she finally gets her man, or gets her revenge.
There may not be something for absolutely everybody, but the slate of 23 films touches a lot of niches, some of which definitely aren’t for everybody. “Let’s Get Messy” features a lot of smashed pies and food. “Happy G Day” is more of a free-for-all and the protagonist sings throughout. “Not Safe For Church” is partially a comedy and outrageously sacrilegious. “Bubblecum” is a bubblegum pink romp questioning and inverting gender roles.
“Extra Credit” goes above and beyond, with what may be the funniest if not happiest ending.
HUMP! screens at the The Broad Theater. Find tickets and information at thebroadtheater.com or humpfilmfest.com.
Keep up with the latest at calendar.gambitweekly.com.
Festin' Around the Fest
