Shank

Drama

This gritty, coming-of-age drama follows Cal, a troubled British teen wrapped up in a violent gang.

Cal is attracted to his best mate but must keep his sexuality hidden from his fellow gang members or be shunned (or worse) for it. What starts off with shame-filled, drug-fuelled Internet hook-ups with strangers, turns into much more when he meets Olivier, a new gay student in town.

When Cal’s gang gay-bashes Olivier, Cal is forced to save him and deal with the consequences. Cal follows Olivier home and into his bed, where they start a passionate love affair that will prove explosive if his gang family finds out, but also provides an escape from his demeaning and depraved existence.

This brilliant debut from 21 year-old director Simon Pearce is compelling, completely unique, and full of energy.

Official Selection Gaze, The 17^th Annual Dublin Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 2009
Official Selection Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival 2009

Directors         Simon Pearce
Country           UK
Year                 2009
Duration          89mins

Warning: This festival contains films that are unclassified and therefore the entire festival is rated R. Films in this festival are legally restricted to people 18 years or older.