Poikien bisnes (Markku Heikkinen, FINLAND)

Poikien bisnes / All Boys, 2009
Czech with English Subtitles

Markku Heikkinen, who made the 2004 documentary “Blue Boy,” is back with yet another affecting documentary. This time his subject matter is boys in porn, especially those from the Czech Republic. The film follows a rather “leader” of the gay porn in Eastern Europe, a middle aged American named Dan Komer. The first thought that comes to mind is “he is exploiting these kids.” As the film unfolds, however, you see a different side of Komer. Yes, he exploits them and so are they. Take, for example, Ruda or “Aaron Hawke,” whom Komer made a house hold name in the USA. The kid was making a lot of money but in the end he is homeless. Then there is the straight guys who openly choose the world of gay porn because they know it pays. But this is not an all sad story. Some of the characters end up in a good life after the porn. Regardless of whether or not you like one or two of the characters in this documentary, it is ultimately the kind of film that leaves you with a feeling.

Quemar las Naves (Francisco Franco-Alba, MEXICO)

Quemar las Naves / Burn the Bridges, 2007 Mexico
Spanish with English Subtitles

This film follows the life of Helena (Irene Azuela) and Sebastian (Ángel Onésimo Nevárez), who are teenagers dealing with the painful reality of facing the last few weeks of their mother’s life. Their mother (played by great actress Claudette Maille) is dying of cancer. But the story doesn’t end there, the way the siblings deal with this tormenting experience is what makes the film. While Helena brackets her life in the presence of her mother, falling for her brother, Sebastian is distracted by a bad boy named Juan (Bernardo Benitez). In the meantime, there is the protector Ismael (Ramón Valdes) who is in love with both Helena and Sebastian.

With a crazy multi-plot, coupled with an amazing soundtrack and the beautiful town of Zacatecas, this film becomes intoxicatingly addictive. The lead actors give memorable performances. The director’s delicate balance of tradition and modern life in current day Mexico makes for not just plausible feast but an enjoyable one. It is a shame that such a great film did not garner the widespread attention that it so deserves!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.