Letting Go
Sex Love Venice: The complexities of intimacy, love, and self-discovery
This Valentine’s Day, the LGBTQ+ romance film Sex Love Venice promises to redefine cinematic portrayals of sexuality and human connection with an evocative and deeply emotional narrative.
Written and directed by Steve Balderson, the film draws inspiration from his own life experiences, as chronicled in his erotic memoir Year of the Whore (Punk Hostage Press). The story explores the complexities of intimacy, love, and self-discovery. At the heart of the film is Michael, a man yearning for meaningful love beyond the fleeting nature of hookup culture. His journey takes him to Venice, where he meets Marco, a soulful and enigmatic local who challenges Michael’s perceptions of intimacy. Marco believes in the transformative power of cultivating desire, maintaining that the things we long for most are infinitely sweeter when savored with patience and intention.
The film’s setting in Venice, Italy, is an integral part of the story. With its unique atmosphere, the city becomes a metaphor for endurance—like love, Venice endures despite challenges. Balderson chose to shoot Sex Love Venice in the very locations where the real-life events occurred, ensuring that the character of Michael walked the same alleyways and past the same buildings.
“We’re so accustomed to watching abusive queer stories like those told in Brokeback Mountain and Call Me By My Name… I really wanted to showcase something else.”
Sex Love Venice stars Daniel Bateman as Michael.
Bateman appeared on Broadway in Wicked and his nuanced acting and ability to embody complex characters make him a perfect fit for the emotionally charged role of Michael.
Alexander Ananasso, celebrated for his roles in The Voyeur and The Embalmer, brings depth and authenticity to Sex Love Venice with his captivating performance as Marco.
Suzanna Akins plays the role of the female best friend and the iconic Mink Stole from John Waters’ Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, and Serial Mom rounds out the cast with her unique charm.
Sex Love Venice is Balderson’s twentieth film and stands out in the landscape of LGBTQ+ cinema by focusing on love and connection rather than trauma. “I think we’re so accustomed to watching abusive queer stories like those told in Brokeback Mountain and Call Me By My Name,” says the filmmaker. “I really wanted to showcase something else.”
Balderson hopes that viewers who experience the film walk away with the courage to find love in everyone they meet, and carry on with a mindset to support that same thing in others.
“My aim is to inspire viewers to let go of judgment, embrace love, and find meaning in every interaction.”
Sex Love Venice debuts in select theaters on Friday, February 14, and will also be available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, YouTube Movies, and various cable platforms.
For more info visit https://www.dikenga.com/sexlovevenice
