Sebastian

TIFF65: Greek Premiere

25-year-old Sebastian meets up with men and has sex with them in exchange for money. Though in reality Sebastian is nothing but a character, the hero starring in the first novel of the aspiring author Max, or rather the guide in a world the author wishes to become further acquainted with prior to putting it on paper. His ambitious and daring experiment, the search for an authentic literary voice, will evolve into something much more complex, pushing Max to question his true unspoken motives, and discover unexpected truths not only regarding sex work, but also himself. Thus, the film transforms into a carnal, emotional, and spiritual journey of self-discovery, a story about the adventure and the anxiety surrounding artistic creation, an unapologetically queer and sex positive parable in which stereotypes have no place, and where the lines between good and evil, moral and immoral are often – as in the real world – quite blurry and ambiguous.

Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.

Direction: Mikko Mäkelä

Script: Mikko Mäkelä

Cinematography: Iikka Salminen

Editing: Arttu Salmi, Mikko Mäkelä

Music: Ilari Heinilä

Actors: Ruaridh Mollica, Hiftu Quasem, Ingvar Sigurdsson, Jonathan Hyde, Leanne Best, Lara Rossi

Production: Bêtes Sauvages

Producers: James Watson

Co-production: Helsinki Filmi, barry crerar, Lemming Film

Co-producers: Aleksi Bardy, Severi Koivusalo, Ciara Barry, Rosie Crerar, Erik Glijnis, Leontine Petit, Dries Phlypo

Format: DCP

Color: Color

Production Country: UK

Production Year: 2024

Duration: 111'

Contact: Levelk

Awards/Distinctions: Honorable Mention - OUTshine Film Festival 2024

Mikko Mäkelä

Mikko Mäkelä is a Finnish-British writer/director based in London, named by IndieWire as an LGBTQ Filmmaker on the Rise. Their microbudget feature A Moment in the Reeds screened at almost 100 festivals worldwide, including BFI London FF, Göteborg FF, Seattle IFF and was nominated for best debut feature at Frameline, also earning nominations at both the BIFAs and Finnish Jussi Awards. Mikko’s second feature Sebastian had its World Premiere at Sundance in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition. Mikko is an alumnus of Berlinale Talents as well as the inaugural BIFA Springboard Programme sponsored by Netflix. He is the co-founder of Bêtes Sauvages and also produces alongside partner James Watson.