The 6 Queer Short Films at Sundance 2026
Of the 28 total films I watched, just six of them were queer or featured queer characters in some way.
The Perfect Mother (1997)
Since self-made immigrant Nico Podaras's death, widow Elenie runs his lucrative garage, with an illegal side business, generously using the profits to keep control of their three sons' lives. Simpleton Dan is happy to sire the crucial heir without hesitation to keep unruly, immature wife Charlene in line, but goes to far, so she absconds pregnant. Firstborn John gave up his dream, fishery, to work in the garage. When he marries Kathryn, she starts questioning and resisting Elenie's matriarchal manipulation, but bares her a grandson. The conflict escalates, leaving John torn between loyalties.
- / 5
PopScore
Representation
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Movie Information
Since self-made immigrant Nico Podaras's death, widow Elenie runs his lucrative garage, with an illegal side business, generously using the profits to keep control of their three sons' lives. Simpleton Dan is happy to sire the crucial heir without hesitation to keep unruly, immature wife Charlene in line, but goes to far, so she absconds pregnant. Firstborn John gave up his dream, fishery, to work in the garage. When he marries Kathryn, she starts questioning and resisting Elenie's matriarchal manipulation, but bares her a grandson. The conflict escalates, leaving John torn between loyalties.
Rating:
Genre:Drama, TV Movie
Written By:Karen Clark
In Theaters:2/18/1997
Box Office:
Runtime:92 minutes
Studio:Citadel Entertainment, Gimbel-Adelson Productions, New City Productions, CBS
Cast
Peter Levin
Director
Tyne Daly
Elanie Podaras
Ione Skye
Kathryn M. Podaras
Louis Ferreira
John Podaras
Tuesday Knight
Charlene Podaras
Melanie Angel
Police Officer (uncredited)
David Cubitt
Dan Podaras
Gwynyth Walsh
Joy Pigeon
Dee Wallace
Gina Mitrou
Johnny Cuthbert
Frank Podaras
Jennifer Clement
Sarah
Karen Elizabeth Austin
Irene
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