Reality doesn’t always match up with fantasy, instead manifesting in even stranger ways. Whether a fleeting brush past an enigmatic stranger at the chime of a clock, or a belief that having sex with unattractive people yields good karma, mixed signals and scrambled meanings can complicate the path to love. In this atypical programme, unfulfilled encounters and crushes are just as transformative as romance itself. (Various languages with English subtitles).

Goodbye First Love
The director and his first love reflect on their memories together. Dir. Shuli Huang | China, France, USA | 2024 | 13min

Saigon Kiss
Two women meet during rush hour in Saigon. Dir. Hồng Anh Nguyễn | Vietnam | 2024 | 22min

Flesh Offer
A teenager sleeps with unattractive men for good karma. Dir. Chung Che Hung | Taiwan | 2024 | 13min

One to Ten
Four high schoolers perform a ritual to make their wishes come true. Dir. Kun-Hou Teng | Taiwan | 2019 | 35min

The 5 O’Clock Chime
Seiji meets a stranger who mysteriously disappears. Dir. James Cooper | Japan | 2024 | 15min

A special price Queer East double-bill ticket is available for £15/£8 which includes access to Heartbeats and Hiccups and Edhi Alice.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions — Read more — Read less