"Chemistry" - a short film, LGBTQ Romance, Drama, student project
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- "Chemistry" - a collaborative short film project by the Intermediate Film Production class at Diablo Valley College, a community college in the San Francisco Bay Area. Written and directed by Sahra Bhimji. Produced and created by DVC students in FTVE 161, Intermediate Film Production
Starring Garrett Hannigan and Christropher Batres
Winner of the Best Cinematography award at the Aspiring Minds Film Festival
Website and behind the scenes videos: chemistrythefilm20.wixsite.com/chemistry2022
It's been wonderful to see the response and kind comments - thank you for the love!
Just to explain a bit more about my process, I am a filmmaker and professor at Diablo Valley College. I wrote this short film script and then brought it to my intermediate film students as a class project. I directed the project and the students formed the entire crew, from casting to producing to editing. The film was shot on our campus with our college's film equipment. We had no budget and an all student crew, but we did put in a ton of time and energy to this.
I often observe community college students from very different backgrounds and with many struggles, including housing insecurity, mental health, and loneliness. I wanted to tell a story about human connection, and it is been nice to see this film resonating with such a large audience. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement!
![Milo and Oskar | Their Full Story [ Solo ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2y0Y8Hp9FjI/mqdefault.jpg)
The first gay short film that shows real people's life and normal genuine connection. Nothing too dramatic, not too fancy, just... real. LOVED IT.
Utterly great and illuminating comment.
At that age, anything is possible 😮
@@fkb247 if I only found someone at this age so genuine and real and truthful
That's bc this is a school film, which doesn't have the budget for a dramatic or fancy plot, which is why they went plain and real cause it's all they could afford to do on such little time. If they had like a netflix budget or hollywood, I promise you that this would be like 10x more dramatic and more out there
Honest
‘I’m vegetarian as of today’ had me howling, the commitment to love ❤
Me too😂😂
This is an excellent short film that puts its finger on a major problem: housing insecurity for LGBTQ+ youth. The silences in this film speak volumes about the pain and often the shame of having to negotiate different realities, all the while trying to keep your dignity. Beautifully acted and produced. Bravo!
Excellent hhhm another mother f#cker and look at yourself you are grandpa and tells us this f#cking word
Well said.
Why would you even think of imposing such bleak themes as though they're the focus. Young people are always broke - We had the same issues in the 80's. Really really not unique or relevant.
@pm2886 i’m not imposing those themes. I am pointing out what the filmmakers are exploring in the film. There’s nothing bleak about it. It’s actually a very hopeful film.
Wow, I can't believe the amount of attention our short is getting! This is incredible!
I absolutely LOVED this film and I’ve seen many LGBT+ short films. Please make more !!!
Please do more of them.❤
Congratulations good work
Get used to it ❤️
Could you do a part 2 please, this pairing was great 👍🏼 ❤
I couldn't understand why Liam was so unfriendly, but then I realized he dealt with the shame of poverty and homelessness by keeping his distance from people.
Sometimes we use being mean for example as a form of defense mechanism of self preservation... Being out in the world on ur own can be scary and u don't know who u can and cannot trust... Kinda like if abeae appears mean, u will stay away ... I can't imagine living a life when even ur parents can't accept u because ur gay since it's not something u can change or do anything about it, it's who u are and it's such a such reality even today😢
Can't believe a school film I was camera for got so much attention. Thanks to everyone for watching it!
It came out very good! Nice job!
Talento e simplicidade é uma dupla infalível
Would love to see a sequel on these two wonderful characters and their backstory. Great job!
Just imagine their backstory. On YT, it would have to be under the blankets, anyway.
This hit me right in the gut.
I was kicked out of my moms house because my Catholic stepdad didn’t want a homosexual under his roof. He sent me back to my dads house, who the authorities had already removed me from once before… Mom didn’t put up a fight because she’s a hoarder, who was more concerned about losing her stuff, than losing her kid.
That trauma stays in your bones.
Then my stepsister started dating a girl, and he was cool with it. I’ve never gotten over that; probably never will.
... And your story hit me. Feel with you. Coming from a conservative Catholic environment myself, I know the struggles. I left myself, though, at 20yo after my studies. And I know also the other topic, having rescued my godson from the claws of his evil "mother" when he got 15. Protected him as best as I could before she crossed the last red line and I did the final move. He lived over 10 years with me, and it wasn't always easy. As you said, the trauma stays in your bones. I can confirm. In our case, all went well. I hope, you've found your way, too.
@@JustARandomFio LOVE ALWAYS JUDGE! And RIGHTSEOULSY thereof. LOVE IS RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT.
And BIBLE never banned it:
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Matthew 7:2 - For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
The whole BIBLE is loving, because it RIGHTEOUSLY judging us and calling us all to REPENTANCE.
Yea, every idiot can have kids, make babies, without a license. Your parents seem one of those. I'm pretty much convinced that America will be dying from stupidity. Sad story.
@@theharshtruthouttherekeep dreaming
I was like "Liam, help him with the assignment already... " 😊
I enjoyed this little gem very much.
The chemistry. The interactions. The realism. Holy. Cow. This was an insanely good film guyssss
This was WAY too short these two have great chemistry and I wanted to see more, especially as both their situations have scope for exploration.
very well done - perfect short film it gives us a taste of their personalities, their worlds, but doesn't overreach or go for cringe.
I always try not to "go for cringe" and so totally appreciate you noticing x
@@sahrafilms I really enjoyed your film was very interesting their both suite each other amazing film I am gay myself he really slept 🛌 in car 🚗 nice to meet you my name is Chetan
WOW! You captured my attention and my heart! Within less than 11 minutes, I'm completely invested in both Lee and Liam. The background of both characters is very fresh and current and you've presented a wonderful foundation for a full-length feature film! Make it so! 🙂
It’s impressive to see my first ever film score get this many views! Thank you Sahra for the opportunity. I’d love to work with you again soon!
We should never judge others before having walked in their shoes. Thanks for this beautiful short film.
This was one of my favorite short films. These characters are like-able and they have a nice chemistry between them. I hope we can see more of them and how the relationship evolves. Thank you!
✌🏻😉✌🏻
Thank you so much for your sweet words, it is really encouraging!
@@sahrafilms hi how are you I am fine thank you 🙏 my name is chetan from England 🏴 I am gay too it was a lovely story very interesting and such a cute couple they certainly had a great chemistry 🧪 are they both gay in real life
Feels like I just watched an incredibly interesting trailer, guys there is so much to explore with this story and characters, please consider a full film. EPIC!
Great short film…would love to see more like this. Homelessness in our community is so prevalent. Thank you
I am 64 years old and I find fantastic satisfaction watching foreign, as well as indie films and wonderful shorts on UA-cam. This is absolutely one of the best I have seen. It is wonderful that it is a student project because it speaks so loudly to the situation so many young people find themselves in today… Abject Poverty, trying to get an education amidst a conservative agenda to destroy not only LGBT rights, but also women’s rights. Banning books, and speaking nothing but hatred couched in religious dogma. This was beautifully photographed, very well acted, the editing is superb, and both of the characters are beautifully developed rapidly. This is an absolute gem of a piece of film. The artistic creators and all involved deserve a standing ovation and a grant or two!
This is super sweet. Great short film.
Thank you so much!
@@sahrafilms hi my name is chetan from England what a beautiful movie how romantic they both make a cute gay couple I am gay too I have never seen anyone sleep in a car 🚗 before I can’t certainly understand how difficult it is to rent or buy a house 🏡 or flat these days keep up the good work are their both gay in real life how romantic when they both went to dinner 🥘 it’s very difficult to come out to your parents and family and friends when I came out it was horrible and very nasty etc
I need a whole movie now. This was amazing.
Not sure how exactly I stumbled upon this short but it is soooo amazing! The story and these actors are stellar, very heartbreaking yet heartwarming reveal at the end! BRAVO! Stories like this help me have more hope and optimism for my own love story!
P.S. Definitely strong romantic chemistry between these two characters they are sooooo cuteee & sweet! 😍😊
This came up in my UA-cam feed good old algorithm
Thanks for this! I was very touched by the "twist" in the film, and, indeed, we need more good work to show how it is for so many of the young folks in the LGBTQ+ community. Congratulations to everyone who was involved in this film.
Very good short!! The two actors had great chemistry! This definitely deserves a part 2. Good backstory for both guys. I want to see how this relationship develops. 😊
The broke up the next day . . .
So glad I stumbled upon this film, because I love it! It's so honest, sweet, and touching. Its truth is on so many levels, and it's all done in under 11 minutes. Bravo!
Wow wow wow. This short should get an award or something.
So professional! And profound in its simplicity. I support the call for a full-length film!
This comment section is a proof that this short film is worthy ❤
Amazing short film. Reminds me of my University years. Watched it three times...I hope there will be part 2 and 3 and beyond. Great chemistry between the main characters. ❤
I didn’t want it to end. Would love to see a sequel to this! 💜
What a lovely short film, bittersweet but without the depressive mood that pervades some gay dramas. The acting is great, and the lead characters do indeed have a nice "chemistry" between them.
Great job and good story. Yes!!! We must have more. Please remember without new voices and talent like yours nothing, including entertainment would ever change. So again, WELL DONE🎉🎉❤
Cute narrative, good acting, cute guys.
❤ 1:40 Bravo!! So well done!! I loved it!! Les, Victoria, BC
We need more 🙏🙏🙏 Such a sweet short film. Cheers from Brazil ❤
This is great! I need more from these characters. I would love a tv series of them.
That would be wonderful, indeed !
Merecia uma continuação ❤❤ ou sla, virar um longa. Eles têm MT quimica
Beautiful, would love to see more great chemistry from the guy's
Yep, almost soul mates, as long as they move in the same direction and focus on their lives, they seem to now have honest communications. My sons were in the position of being homeless after they aged out of the foster care system, they now have advanced medical degrees, families, and a stable life. Just takes the right person to lead them. enjoyed the urging of to submit the assignment on time. Mazel
Great job DVC students! REPRESENT!!! I loved it. It makes me want to see the continuation of their story. Hoping for a sequel 🙏
Very sweet and unasuming. Congratulations! Keen them coming!!! I see this was made at Diablo. I'm a professional classical singer and sang a few times with a chorus & orchestra a long time ago. Working with a broad range of cultures and encouaging young people is a noble cause!
This movie is beautiful!! It’s the perfect example of how many people live their life-Pretentiously. We all d it in some way, no judgement. It wasn’t until they both had the courage to be themselves, the truest form of themselves, that they got the chance to see their similarities. If only life, and we as people and the ordinary course of living life was this easy. This movie should be the example for the perfect reason for bringing down those pretentious walls that we build up so that others cannot see our flaws. Their is true beauty in imperfection too if one allows themselves the chance to see it.
What a wonderful movie. Thanks to all who worked on it for bringing this story alive.
to really be honest this should be turned into a series id love to see this played out episode by episode ❤❤❤ amazing job
Would love to see this go forward there’s a lot of depth in the short both past and future
This short film was AWESOME and easily one of the best I’ve seen
One of the best shorts i've seen, but this definitely deserves a part two there's a lot of scope of exploration.
brilliant!!! excellent!!! wonderful story!!!..awesome casts..BRAVO!!!!
That was really good. Doubly so because it was a student production. Authentic and real. My compliments to everyone involved. Well done.
Wow... this is a great film. Nothing else matters much when you've got a strong story and talented actors. I wish you all the best and am looking forward for the next projects.
many a times a situation is never as simple as it is and could be as complicated as it is...teenage college students have lots of adapting from the by gone days of high school... great awareness to bring forth the struggles of LGBTQ students finding suitable room mates and finance....waleed comes across as an adorable leech who never let go once he clung onto someone he likes. Liam the conservative shy reserved private would slowly open up to his struggle. Excellent ending with perfect title -chemistry... is it covalence bond or ionic bond as the professor was asking...regardless if two gay boys finding their true selves and someone to share the journey with - two supporting each other is always better than One struggling on his own. Sahra you have a unique spelling but more so you have great insights and creativity. Enjoy your fabulous movie making and story telling...one day we shall see you getting an Oscar so keep that dream ALIVE & WELL
Love this! Great work folks. 👏 👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you for enlightening folks like us who are van lifers
Very cool short, three thumbs up !!
Thanks a lot!
Excellent storyline and well executed. Nice job
Very sweet. For a while I thought oh no more drama. Then it took a nice turn. These boys will figure it out.
What an EXCELLENT short!
It touched my heart
I love the Waleed's personality. It's so charm and nice. :)
Okay, I'm going to need multiple parts. They are adorable and the story is great!
wow, that's a great project, I bet the students learned a lot, I think it represented well some students realities, I've never thought about a student that hadn't a place to live
I wish it was this easy and fast asking out a stranger in class 😭
GREAT work, guys! This short is really well-done and well-acted for a school project. LGBTQ theme is so subtle and believable!
I loved the Waleed character, so funny and so high spirited!
Loved it so much!! I got too sucked into the film didn't realize it comes to an end!!
Excellent work. I loved it.
My friend put his arm around me on the sofa and later on hugged me. I actually enjoyed it
Aww Man I didn't want it to end it was getting so good 😩 😫 ❤❤ i love how the relationship didn't felt forced I love how It just happened naturally
This was cute and I loved the twist there at the end with both of their situations! Well done!
Love is love. GREAT short film. I see the beginnings of a great scripted series and a great future for the two leads.
Okay am I the only one who feels like this video is way too short. They have sooooo much chemistry (pun intended). They bond so great. We have the golden retriever and the scarly cat vibe, they are both drop dead gorgeous. Come one, why only 11 minutes. 😢
I was so hoping that Liam would invite Waleed into the car so that they could have a "cozy moment" together. Very well done on hitting current and important issues of the day. Everyone did such a great job. I know I would have given you an "A".
Just starting to really get in to this and it ended but loved every minute of it thank yiu😊
Please i need to watch more episodes.Its a great work.
So cute! The title says it all between those two
What an amazing short film! Very high quality! Bravo! Also, very sweet storyline.
I loved this short movie, very impressed ❤❤ lovely cute simple real 🥰🥰🥰
Nice film! Entertaining, great setting, a charming theme, and handsome actors. The humor is infectious and, most importantly, relatable.
Thank you for the short. It's really cute. The guys did a great job! 👍🏾
😱 mega cute! I need more!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭
Awww, thanks!
Who do I thank for this touching, well-written, well-acted piece? So simple yet poignant. I am sharing with all my friends. Sequel please!
Thanks for sharing!
These two are so cute ❤ I hope there's a second part
Best words to describe this film is cute and sweet! With an obviously lower budget film than most lgbt films I’ve seen you guys made the most of what you had and made something…cute and sweet! This is a great film. The constant nods Liam made when first talking to Waleed was cute, the kinda awkward and invested nod. Just a small detail I really liked, but I like how kinda opposite our two leads are. Liam being a slacker in school and Waleed is ontop of things and Independent. And we get a background on their households, it’s sad but I think it works really well. However if I have anything negative to say the dialogue could be polished to be more realistic, especially with Waleed’s lines and his tone of voice. Speaking of Waleed I’m still split on his character, at the start of the film he comes off super focused on getting his work done he seems to not be into Liam at all. And until he had dinner with him he suddenly feels some romantic feelings for him. Maybe if we got more scenes of them doing more things it wouldn’t be an issue. The ending is very sweet however. Overall this is a good film I enjoyed myself 🥹
Nice one waiting for next
Excellent short film. Bravo.
Fine short film, understated, endearing characters. Congratulations for a fine work Ms. Bhimji and DVC production staff.
I hate it... only because it's too "short" lol. I'm sure I speak for others as well when I say you guys need to make a Part II... or an actual series maybe. I subscribed just in case. 😀 Good job guys. More power. 🔥
Yes please do it make more
It is a gem that stands on its own. Tentative then abrupt. Guys a bit confused but not really. Insecure yet generous. Glad the assignment did not turn into a back seat fumble.
Wow. I forgot it was a short! Excellent job! 😊
I know when it ended I was like, oh no because I wanted it to continue. Great story!
Love it, waiting for next episode 😁
So unreal, but just two people living their lives as best as possible.👍🏾
This is adorable. Thanks for this!
Such a sweet story! It brought a smile to my face. Thanks.
Please make another part😭. I remember watching this while I was still happy with my mom but now she's dead and I feel so empty
We would love to see this short film become a feature film! Very beautiful.
Sahra, I pray all the success you ever dreamed of. Keep doing the honest, heart-felt work you show here. American cinema needs you. This was very well written, production was excellent, your camera work was better and more natural than a lot of what I've seen out of Hollywood the past few years. Garrett and Christopher show real talent, and I hope they find a sustainable career if they choose to continue in film/theatre. Thank you for bringing magic to an all too real set of human circumstances.
Kudos
Haha Waleed is adorable. Really let’s a guy know how he feels
Awwwww, I loved the ending. So sweet! 🤩
Wish they kissed, they look so cute together ❤
Ooh, maybe in part two…
Okay, part 2 then !! ❤️
@@sahrafilms 👍🏻❤👍🏻
@Jess Wise - I too was waiting for it.... I think Liam was almost about to kiss Lee when they were both standing outside the restaurant, when they slowly felt drawn to each other, first one pair of hands locked and then the next, and their magnetic chemistry was getting the better of Liam, and his lips were less than a couple of inches away from Lee's until his inability to host him and attendant loss of dignity made him withdraw. They could have still had a kiss on the end though but would have complicated the plot.... Sweet story though and cute young men....
@@kanishkk6531 I know, I would’ve loved to see them kiss
make a part two🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾please so good