Category: Comedy

Don’t miss the award-winning, critically-acclaimed Kanarie

Johan Niemand (Schalk Bezuidenhout) is a fashion-loving gay teen in small-town South Africa in 1985, a time of apartheid, religious conservatism and war – an era when not even his idol Boy George had dared to come out publicly as gay yet. 

When Johan is called up to serve his compulsory two-year military training, he escapes the border war by joining The South African Defence Force Church Choir and Concert Group, known as Die Kanaries (The Canaries), where he discovers his true self through hardship, camaraderie, first love and the liberating freedom of music.

A winner of over 15 different international awards, Kanarie earned rave reviews from critics. It currently has a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Los Angeles Times called it “A rich, poignant and finely observed musical drama.” Michael McNeely in theBUZZ said “Every once in a while comes a film that is filled with so much joy, human connection, and emotional turmoil, you know that as long as it sticks the landing, it is a masterpiece.”

Watch the trailer for Kanarie below. The film is available now on Dekkoo.

Mailman is a mad-cap black comedy, a bizarre musical and a touching coming-out story all wrapped up in one film

Phil (played by writer-director Joseph Baken) is a mail carrier, and though he loves his job, he really wants to be a writer. But how does one become a creative force? Especially when you feel stuck in a rut?

Phil thinks he’s finally found the answer when an old woman on his route dies under very mysterious circumstances. Suspecting foul play, he descends into an investigatory rabbit hole, hoping to land a juicy story that will inspire his novel. But, like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Phil discovers the most important journey in uncovering truth is not an outward one – or a wild goose chase – but a quest for inner truth.

Featuring a hilarious ensemble cast that quickly takes the story in all sorts of bizarre, over-the-top directions, Mailman is a black comedy, an unexpected musical, and a modern coming-out story all wrapped in one.

Watch the trailer for Mailman below. The film is available now on Dekkoo.

New This Week – 11/26/21

Drafted into the South African army during apartheid, a young soldier joins the military’s travelling choir – and a romance on the battlefield causes him to deal with his long-repressed sexual identity. ‘Kanarie’ is a comedy, drama, romance, musical, war movie and coming out story all wrapped up in one film.

While Sebastian lives a pretty standard life with his family, he’s pulled outside of it when he gives into his secret desires on a mysterious and dark hill. A stylish short film from Chilean director Constanza Majluf based on the short story by Pablo Simonetti. ‘Santa Lucia’ is available to stream now on Dekkoo!

***EPISODES 17 thru 20 ARE NOW AVAILABLE***

Scott, a mild-mannered gay writer in Los Angeles, gets wrapped up into a world of bad boys and their crime-filled past after being adopted as their “Daddy Scott”, whether he likes it or not. ‘Bad Boy’ is available now on Dekkoo!

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Coming next week: Sometimes the right path is a circle.

New This Week – 11/19/21

A 13-year-old boy learns to cope with his newfound sexuality and his unrequited love for the coolest kid at school in this lyrical coming-of-age indie from director Cam Archer. Originally released in 2006, ‘Wild Tigers I Have Known’ has been lovingly remastered for its 15-year Anniversary by the cult film label Altered Innocence.

Phil is a postman who really wants to become a writer. When an old woman on his route dies under mysterious circumstances, he descends into an investigatory rabbit hole, hoping to land a juicy story. Along his journey, he uncovers some personal truths as well. ‘Mailmain’ is a black comedy, a musical and a modern coming out story.

17-year-old Nadav wants to serve in a combat unit, even though his mother does not approve. A surprising encounter with his coach changes his perspective. ‘Boys’ is available to stream now on Dekkoo.

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Coming next week: Examining the effects of nationalism on the soul, while also exploring the tender brotherhood among misfits, this musical comedy revels in the discovery of finding your voice and learning to fly.

Now Available: Tucked

A tender LGBTQ drama, Tucked follows an 80-year-old drag queen who forms and unusually deep relationship with a much younger up-and-coming performer. Though the two come from different backgrounds and have wildly different day-to-day experiences both struggle with their own issues of gender identity and mortality – and find comfort, support and much to learn in one another.

Set in Brighton, Tucked is a classic British ‘slice of life’ story that pays homage to celebrated works like Kinky Boots and The Dresser. A story about love, loss and friendship with a great charm and sense of humor, the film earned rave reviews from critics all around the world and spotlights two fantastic performances from lead actors Derren Nesbitt and Jordan Stephens.

Watch the trailer for Tucked below. The film is available now on Dekkoo.

New This Week – 11/12/21

Janik and Samuel, best friends in their final year of high school, are practically inseparable. In the wake of a reckless incident, the pair travel together on a trip to Istanbul. During the trip, they find their friendship tested – and they’re soon forced to examine what they really mean to one another. ‘Blurred Lines’ is available exclusively now on Dekkoo!

A man heading to jail entrusts the care of his beloved German shepherd to his gay lover, who becomes enamored with the dog and wants to keep her at all costs. Gary Oldman and Alan Bates star in this heartfelt gay drama, originally released in 1988 and now available again on Dekkoo! Stream ‘We Think The World Of You’ now on Dekkoo!

Ang, a transgender sex worker with a pretty, feminine voice is assigned a special mission as an undercover spy. She disguises herself as a cisgender man to enter into a romantic relationship with Jit, a belligerent yet idealistic student activist with an evil voice. ‘Red Aninsri; Or, Tiptoeing on the Still Trembling Berlin Wall’ is streaming now on Dekkoo!

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Coming next week: Cam Archer’s angst-fueled experimental classic coming-of-age film.

Workplace paranoia gets out of control in the short horror comedy The Office is Mine

A short dark comedy about workplace horror, writer-director Michael Varrati’s The Office is Mine tells a 13-minute story about the competitive nature in all of us.

Despite the corporate monotony of his job, Zac (Ben Baur) feels like he’s got it all figured out. As “the only gay in the office,” his penchant for hot gossip and in-the-know recommendations have assured his place as the most fabulous employee in an otherwise dull landscape… or so he thinks.

With the arrival of a new hire, the ultra-chic Tristan (Chris Salvatore), Zac suddenly feels like the very thing that makes him stand out is in jeopardy. What’s more, Zac finds himself increasingly convinced that Tristan is intentionally trying to replace him.

Though Owen (Navaris Darson), his loving boyfriend, assures him that all is fine, Zac can’t help but slip further into a world of paranoia and self-doubt. As Zac’s world begins to unravel, it sets him on a collision course with Tristan… who may or may not be all that he seems.

As the two men propel toward a violent and unpredictable confrontation, only one thing is certain: The office isn’t big enough for the both of them!

Watch a special Q&A with director Michael Varrati and actors Ben Baur and Chris Salvatore from the Frameline Film Festival below. The Office is Mine is available now on Dekkoo.

The wild Icelandic horror-comedy Thirst comes to Dekkoo for Halloween!

The wild new Icelandic horror-comedy Thirst has already earned an enthusiastic cult audience internationally, as well as rave reviews from genre-savvy critics.

Directed by Gaukur Úlfarsson and Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, the film takes place in a small town where evil is lurking around and strange crimes and brutality frequently occur.

Drug addict Hulda (Hulda Lind Kristinsdóttir) is suspected of having something to do with her brother’s death and is being investigated by the police. After being released due to insufficient evidence, she crosses paths with Hjörtur (Hjörtur Sævar Steinason), a lonely, old gay vampire who helps her bring her brother back to life.

This brings unforeseen consequences, in addition to their ongoing battle with a bunch of televangelists who want them dead.

Watch the trailer for Thirst below. The film is now available on Dekkoo.

Short Film Spotlight: If I’m Good

A brand-new Dekkoo Films original short film from director Jonathon Pawlowski and screenwriter Madison Hatfield, If I’m Good is a touching short film about grief and finding a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sam (Jono Mitchell) isn’t in a great place. He lost his husband, unexpectedly, only twelve days ago. As anyone who has been through the grieving process knows, it takes a while, and Sam is at just about the point where the reality of his loss is beginning to sink in. Though his sister (Jordan Blair Mangold Brown) wants nothing more than to help, there isn’t a whole lot she can do to mend her brother’s broken heart.

When Sam takes a trip to the pharmacy, he meets Jorge – pronounced “George” – (Daniel Annone). Self-described as “the worst pharmacy associate,” Jorge breaks the rules and decides to flirt with his cute new customer. While Sam is nowhere near ready to start a new relationship, Jorge’s attention brings him just a tiny glimmer of hope – and a reminder that, no matter how difficult things may seem, there are always new opportunities around the corner. The two end up spending a little time together, and Sam soon turns an important corner.

A sweet, smart and gently emotional short film, If I’m Good is now available on Dekkoo.

Short Film Spotlight: Gentleman Spa

Hao is a lonely and romantic young janitor who works at a spa for gay men. He dreams of finding a loving, committed relationship, but lacks the confidence to make it happen.

When he meets Kai, a customer, and has an opportunity to become his masseuse, an unexpected bond begins to grow and Hao suddenly sees a chance to make his dreams come true.

A short comedy-drama from Taiwanese co-writer Bon An and co-writer/director Jhi-Han Yu, Gentleman Spa is filled with awkward sexual tension, but also packs a positive message about feeling comfortable in your own skin (especially when it’s coming into contact with attractive strangers).

Watch a short trailer for Gentleman Spa below. The full 18-minute short film is now available on Dekkoo.