Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping’s “Femme” takes a traditionally testosterone-drenched genre and flips it, reimagining the darker edge of London’s nightlife through a queer lens. It was born of their love for the crime-thriller genre, but also – as queer artists – out of feeling excluded from it. This topical film premiered at the Oscar-Qualifying SXSW, alongside the London Film Festival and took home the top prize at the BIFA’s.

Jordan is a femme gay man – a label he wears proudly. But every time he steps out of the house with his lipstick on, he remembers his dad’s stark warning: the world will always be a dangerous place for a boy like him.

After suffering heartbreak at a nightclub, Jordan meets Wes, a drug dealer, out on the street. Wes is flirtatious, masculine, and exactly the kind of boy Jordan’s dad warned him about. Throwing caution to the wind, Jordan gets in Wes’s car, and the night takes a dangerous turn…

Before walking out the house you check that you are happy with the way that you look, especially on a night out! “Femme” is a film that paints a picture of what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a queer male. Jordan (Paapa Essiedu) is on his way out to recover from a heart break with his friends, as he enters the club, he sees his ex-flame who has clearly moved on. As the night goes on his friend goes outside to pick up some drugs to give the night some more flavour, but as Jordan gets into the drug dealer’s car the night takes a frightful turn. 

“Femme” is a film that paints a picture of what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a queer male.

The film stars Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) and Harris Dickinson (The Kings Man). This phenomenal short is directed and written by the BIFA winning duo Ng Choon Ping and Sam H. Freeman. Credit must be given where credit is due, as Ping and Freeman have really outdone themselves with this spectacular short! 

Ping and Freeman have really outdone themselves with this spectacular short!

Whilst watching this film there isn’t a moment you are not on the edge of your seat, the story line although simple is filled with multiple twists and turns.  Paapa Essiedu and Harris Dickinson skillfully bring their characters to life. This is a truly gripping short. 

There isn’t a moment you are not on the edge of your seat, the story line although simple is filled with multiple twists and turns.  Paapa Essiedu and Harris Dickinson skillfully bring their characters to life.

“Femme” deserves to be on the nomination list for the BAFTA’s. If you get a chance to watch this magical film, be prepared to be absolutely blown away!

Regina Mahmood