circle of shame

comedy short, 2024 (19 min.)

Winner

Audience Award - 2025 Chelsea Film Festival

Best LGBTQ Film - 2025 LA Film & Documentary Awards

Exceptional Merit - 2025 LGBTQ Unbordered Int’l Film Awards

Circle of Shame is a semi-autobiographical short film about dating, hookup culture, connection, and kinks. The story centers on Ben, who is rebounding from a rough breakup when he encounters Ty on the apps. Ty is seriously sexy, seemingly perfect, and somehow interested in the somewhat confident Ben. At the urging of his roommate, Pierre, Ben heads to Ty’s apartment in Manhattan with the instruction to say “yes” at every opportunity. Little does Ben know, his “yes” will be put to the test. Twists, turn-ons, and hilarity ensues when Ben learns that Ty has more up his sleeve than a casual encounter…