Shelter
Jonah Markowitz/90min/USA/2007

It’s finally happened. A really good gay surfer movie!

Already year out of high school, Zach is still stuck in San Pedro, California – forced to give up his dreams of art school to help his sister, Jeannie, raise her five year old son. Zach spends his days working as a fry cook, surfing, stenciling guerrilla artwork on abandoned buildings, and hanging out with his best friend, Gabe, who lives on the wealthy side of town. When Gabe's older brother, Shaun, a confident man with a troubled past, returns home to San Pedro, he is drawn to Zach's selflessness and talent. As the two men bond over hitting the waves and shooting the breeze, days spent on the beach soon give way to all-nighters in Shaun’s bed. While Zach falls in love with Shaun, he struggles to reconcile his own desires with the needs of his family.

Zach’s slow awakening to desire is at the heart of this gritty, romantic debut from talented writer/director Jonah Markowitz. With a pitch-perfect emo soundtrack, picturesque shots of the cityscape and plenty of guys in wetsuits riding waves under gorgeous sunsets, Shelter is a satisfying, sensory treat.

Winner
People’s Choice Award for Best Feature Film – Out on Screen Vancouver Queer Film Festival 2007
Special Award for First Time Director - Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2007