The lesbian cinema landscape in Asia has witnessed tremendous expansion, especially in the last few years.
Despite budgetary limitations, the genre features a plethora of notable lesbian short films. The 17 lesbian short films featured in this article came from a wide range of Asian nations, including China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand.
Most of these lesbian short films list have English subtitles, so they are accessible to viewers all over the world. You can also watch these lesbian-free videos mentioned in the article on YouTube.
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1. The Polaris | Short Film (2023)
What a kind, nice tale. Excellent performance! Additionally, the sound quality, lighting, and camera work were all superb.
The cast gives outstanding performances that bring this lesbian short film’s beautifully compassionate and inspiring story to life.
The technical elements—sound, lighting, and cinematography—are all expertly done and improve the entire viewing experience.
2. On Marriage YES I DO！ (2022)
“The Book of Sand” covers a lot of ground in its little 90 minutes. Yu Xi on the ‘Violations Girls’ podcast pointed out this drama is unique among similar genre works since it does not center around gender inequalities.
Gender is obliquely incorporated into the background, avoiding more traditional topics such as bias or discrimination. This method crosses gender lines and represents a major improvement in storytelling.
This play gives a more nuanced perspective than most stories in this genre, which frequently end in tragedy or falsely ideal resolutions.
It highlights the basic qualities of love and marital ties by implying that difficulties in relationships—same-sex or heterosexual—are a universal feature of matrimony.
3. When the Summer Light Pours (2022)
Yoo Jung and her boyfriend are getting ready for an enchanted trip to France. He’s made a specific request that she sing to him while they’re traveling.
In an attempt to mark this significant occasion, Yoo Jung signs up for a month-long guitar training.
A sweet turn of events occurs when she finds out that her guitar teacher is named Hannah—fortuitously, the same name as the muse in the love song she’s dying to learn. Her artistic endeavor has further intrigue from this endearing happenstance.
4. Floating Deep Down Summer (2020)
With their lingering stares, the characters’ affection is quietly expressed throughout this peaceful lesbian short film. They never fully reveal their emotions in their encounters, which are a dance of unsaid truths.
The final lesbian scene, which is set against the backdrop of a lazy summer day, seems to be a quiet vow to reveal their innermost feelings. It seems as though their hearts are rising and sinking with unsaid feelings as they float in and out of the sea.
The lesbian short film ends with a kiss that softly expresses how much their hearts have been hurt.
This movie has a strong resonance with the idea that love gives people courage and power.
The main character, Hui Li, is faced with a difficult decision after receiving an invitation to her ex-girlfriend’s wedding. She meets Ju Yeon, an openly lesbian who is collaborating with her on a picture exhibit, at this uncertain moment.
Hui Li’s path of self-discovery begins with this encounter, as she develops a relationship with Ju Yeon and learns to accept her true self.
The lesbian short film eloquently demonstrates how, on occasion, one person’s strength is insufficient; we frequently require the support and encouragement of another person in our life, especially when we’re about to lose hope in ourselves.
This person becomes our unwavering pillar of support. The movie serves as a gentle reminder to cherish these people when they enter our lives.
5. Pond, Fish (2019)
This movie is devoted to all of China’s LGBTQ supporters who have been silenced but are indestructible.
In this lesbian short film, Yu Qingyan, a high school student, navigates the difficult process of coming to terms with who she is during her turbulent teenage years.
It pays homage to the silent but unwavering LGBTQ activists in China, whose fortitude is evident in the face of adversity.
6. Family Plan (2019)
Perhaps a more precise translation of the title to “Family Plan” would make the less depressing conclusion of the movie more apparent to a larger audience.
The picture is tragically still underestimated, but the director’s talent is clearly visible, especially in the well-executed montage sequence that returns to reality.
The lesbian short film is made more appealing by the characters’ charisma; sequences where they playfully handle IV fluids while riding a bike are especially cute. It is clearly a strong favorite to win the title of greatest Korean lesbian short film!
7. Boss in Love (2019)
‘Boss in Love’s’ stunningly good-looking cast will definitely catch your eye, even if the story doesn’t. They have the same charm as popular dance groups and make the experience even better with their beautiful looks.
Ju Hee looks a lot like Yeri from Red Velvet, especially when it comes to her bright grin in the advertising stills. Yeri has become more attractive as a result of her tasteful facial changes throughout time.
On the other hand, Se Ryeong reminds me a lot of actress Kim Hee-na, especially in profile.
‘Boss in Love’ is an adorable lesbian short film that is ideal for a brief, inspirational viewing. With a 16-minute duration, it’s a simple, family-friendly option that’s sure to make you smile.
8. Don’t Say Sorry (2018)
The storyline is straightforward, encapsulating the subtle complexities and quandaries typical in romantic relationships, hence facilitating viewers’ ability to connect.
Fortunately, the story ends on a positive note with the protagonists reconnecting and averting the sorrow of a broken heart.
9. Kalanchoe (2018)
The lesbian short film is masterfully made, reflecting the wider cultural attitudes regarding sexual minorities in Japan while providing a moving look into the lives of LGBT students.
It captures the deep anguish under a façade of restraint by expertly contrasting situations, like Sakura’s joyful smile in love with the heartbreaking last moments of tears.
The difficult task of juggling one’s identity and desires during the tumultuous teenage years is discussed in the movie.
It also illustrates the protracted and challenging process of accepting the reality that other people don’t like you.
10. 꽃잠 (2017)
Korean filmmakers are masters at telling tales that, despite appearing peaceful at first glance, have a complex web of emotional undertones.
The stories enthrall with their profundity and poignancy even in spite of their simple graphics. What’s especially impressive is the way in which emotions are subtly portrayed, alternating between intensity and restraint.
This can be seen in everything from small gestures to the symbolic meaning of items like hair ribbons to sincere admissions based on recollections from the past. The emotional story is developed step by step, with clarity and purpose, in each scene.
The characters are designed to fit into these stories with ease: the lady, accustomed to a life of obedience, hides her genuine sentiments, while the maid’s emotions are open and apparent.
‘Reluctant to part’ is a powerful emotional message that is delivered with startling intensity in what could otherwise appear like a somber 12-minute segment.
This subtle yet meaningful narrative displays a remarkable level of Korean refinement in even the slightest elements.
11. An Algorithm (2017)
The unique way this short film stands out is that it uses a camera to record conversations and scenes.
Handheld shots and flashbacks are skillfully mixed into the main plot of writing the script and practicing, making for an interesting story that works especially well in a lesbian short film format.
It gives a true picture of the pain of being young, with touching times of sensitivity. The movie is about the complicated and often bittersweet emotions associated with same-sex attraction. . It is set against the strict school system in East Asia.
Min-ya is a wonderfully unique character, so it makes sense that she would become the center of a young girl’s journey to figure out how she feels about herself.
12. First Love (2017)
Within the uncommon category of movies that examine the life of elderly gay people, there is a brutal but profound honesty.
These stories frequently address society’s callous apathy as well as the unwavering character of human indifference. Such stories, especially ones that are based on real events, make me feel even worse.
They powerfully show how a bond not recognized by the law is denied even the fundamental right to agree, sometimes tragically preventing partners from saying goodbye to one another after more than 40 years of companionship.
I came to the moving revelation that this genre represents: “First Love” is more than just an initial romance; it’s a profound, long-lasting love.
13. Are We Really Done? (2017)
I was initially taken aback by the film’s unrefined and unfinished look, which somewhat took away from the experience. But as the novel progressed, its unvarnished quality grew to be part of its allure, dragging me more into the story.
I eventually started crying because of the film’s great emotional depth and developing beauty.
Luckily, this picture is both quick-paced and deeply touching. It’s not as depressing as my previous description might imply, but it still has a strong emotional impact.
The lesbian short film is excellent despite a few technical glitches, such as a few poorly filmed moments or subpar lighting. Its strength is in the amazing acting and compelling story, which together provide for an overall better watching experience.
14. Five Steps to Accept Farewell (2016)
Ye Joo and Eun Min’s relationship took a drastic change after two years of dating. Ye Joo decided to end their relationship because she felt that she needed a change.
Eun Min was shocked and perplexed by this, and she began to wonder whether there was someone else.
Ye Joo’s shocking admission that she had begun seeing someone put an unanticipated spin on their breakup.
15. Alice: Crack of Season (Short 2016)
The movie tells a heartfelt story with nuanced touches that say a lot. One character demonstrates her attention and affection in the scene where she gently protects the other from the sun.
The way they connect, especially when they wake up and hold hands, gives the scene a subtle ambiguity. There may be more going on in this connection than meets the eye—the girl with the ponytail seems to be expressing her feelings.
“Let’s start tomorrow” is a last statement that suggests a desire for more frequent and intimate communication as well as a desire to spend more time together.
The intricacy and intensity of unsaid emotions are captured in this subtle portrayal, especially in a situation where sympathies might not be freely returned.
The video deftly examines the contradictory emotions of having a secret crush, encapsulating the seductive blend of optimism and doubt that typifies the circumstance.
16. Kanamewo- (2015)
The character of the tale is a young woman who, overwhelmed by her rigorous work, encounters a severely weakened tree spirit one rainy night.
Even though the lesbian short film is only five minutes long, its engaging visual style and calming soundtrack make it stand out and provide an immersive experience.
17. Ordinary Family (2014)
There was ‘Talking About Love’s’ outstanding precursor before it. Watching the movie is enjoyable because it has an interesting storyline.
Its climax is like a scene from a famous painting: it shows the disloyal wife and her lover sitting carelessly on the ground, while the daughter, who has just come out and is proud of herself, is happily swimming around in the water with her naive but endearing partner.
The charming single father continues to observe, determined to enjoy life to the fullest in spite of the mayhem all around him.
Compared to lengthier, 120-minute Asian lesbian movie features, lesbian short films have a certain charm.
It is an amazing directorial achievement to pack a gripping story, abundant details, and an emotional soundtrack into a brief structure. I’ve compiled a list of 17 excellent Asian lesbian short films that you really should see.
Please feel free to leave further suggestions in the comments. Let’s collaborate to create the ultimate guide to Asian lesbian short films.
Also, keep an eye out for my next compilation of American and European lesbian short flims!
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