Every Wednesday, we’ll be sharing short films that illuminate queer life. Welcome to #HumpdayShorts.
In Hole, Toronto filmmaker Martin Edralin illustrates the universal desire for intimacy, even from those that society would rather ignore.
Born with arthrogryposes, a debilitating joint condition, Billy (Ken Harrower) lives a lonely life in which mundane tasks require the help of his caregiver, Craig (Sebastian Deery). Billy develops a crush on Craig, but can only find release in the local glory hole.
Incorporating long silences and uncomfortable moments, Hole forces us to confront our own prejudices and reminds us that desire is not dependent on the function of our limbs.
Edralin says he was immediately impressed by Harrower’s attitude.
“He came to set with a Pride flag hanging at the back of his wheelchair,” he told Short of the Week. “I thought it was really badass that this guy, who likely faces all kinds of prejudice because of his disability, was publicizing his sexuality.”
Hole has received wide acclaim and screened at both Sundance and the Toronto International Film Festival.
“For me, the main message of the film is that disabled people are sexual human beings just like anyone else,” says Harrower. “And like sexual human beings, we are as horny as anybody else. We are all human, and humans have a desire to be loved, and to have intimacy with another person. Hopefully, this film will help society understand this and make clear that disabled people are sexual human beings too.”