BARCELONA, Spain — Erika Lust's XConfessions has debuted a new short: “Catboy,” directed by Cristian Sitjas.
“Catboy” highlights the issue of racial discrimination on gay dating apps and “how the ballroom scene provides a space for BIPOC and trans folks to escape white society’s violence towards them and freely be,” the synopsis reveals. “It takes the audience on a journey of queer celebration where community and pride fuel the main character forward.”
The short stars Panterino and Javi des Leon, and features ballroom performers Cacao, Rico Louboutin, Jayce Gorgeous Gucci, Chichi Yang, Evangelina Laveaux, Anouar Merabet aka "Nefertiti," Chap and 32 extras.
The story follows Marc (Panterino) as he scrolls through openly racist and femmephobic profiles and bios on a gay dating app, then receives a message from his friend Cacao, who invites him to join her at a ballroom. Feeling like there's no space for him in the dating scene as a person fo color, he decides to go. Across the crowded room, he spots the attractive Leo (des Leon), a contestant in the Catboy Sex Siren category whom he can't stop staring at. Marc joins Leo on the catwalk, where they share a strong chemistry. Marc falls in love with the vibrant community, a space for political protest and celebration that finally gives him the freedom he deserves.
“This movie captures the essence of a ballroom fantasy with gorgeous aesthetics and a powerful message,” Producer Erika Lust enthused. “The two male performers had such chemistry that, paired with the color, the styling and the space, made it a truly incredible cinematic experience to be seen — a dream come true.”
"Catboy" marks the XConfessions debut of Sitjas, who previously wrote and directed the short films “Violeta,” “Placebo” and “La Muerte de Oso.”
Sitjas said, “With ‘Catboy,’ I wanted to criticize the white normative gay collective and the pressure it exerts on minorities. The most important thing was to find cast and extras who are a part of the community to capture the real actual ballroom scene. I wanted them to be the stars.”
“Catboy” had its exclusive theatrical premiere in Barcelona on June 7 in Cinemes Girona, prior to its online release on XConfessions. All proceeds went to Barcelona-based NGO ACATHI, to support the organization's mission of giving opportunities to LGBTQ+ migrants and refugees.
To watch “Catboy,” visit XConfessions.com.
