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Accolades:
"A masterpiece."
- Rob Medina NRTW Podcast
"A refreshingly positive view of gay romance.” and "The chemistry between Bateman and Ananasso is palpable delivering an onscreen love that shimmers with authenticity. The film’s richly layered score gives further emotional gravity to the story’s romanticism."
- Instinct magazine
"No doubt the most romantic gay-themed film to be released in years" with "an erotic tension that few films ever had, and the two leads are the reason why. Bateman and Ananasso have enormous onscreen chemistry, both as individuals and as a couple. At times it's hard to believe that these are just two actors playing at being in love because their onscreen love appears absolutely authentic."
- Bay Area Reporter
"Mesmerizing."
- Ambiente Magazine March 2025 issue (Cover story)
"With its evocative storytelling, breathtaking Venetian backdrop, and powerful lead performances by Bateman and Ananasso, Sex Love Venice is a cinematic experience that transcends boundaries and celebrates the courage it takes to embrace love in its most profound and transformative forms."
- The Standard Magazine February 2025 issue
"With its heartfelt storytelling, stunning cinematography, and groundbreaking approach to queer romance, the film is poised to make a lasting impact."
- Newsbreak
"It's a glass steaming, pant tightening and adult thought provoking moment in cinema."- Gurl Global
"An evocative and deeply emotional narrative."
- The Fight magazine February 2025 issue, page 28
"Alexander the Great!" Cover Story
- Gloss Magazine (The Valentine's Day Issue)
Alexander Ananasso “delivers a spellbinding performance.”
- Q Magazine (Cover Story)
"WHAT TO WATCH!"
- Gaydar's MeansHappy
"Profound. Pure beauty."
"The world’s hottest gay love story"
"Two strangers. One magical city. A love story that'll stay with you long after the credits roll. Love, Venezia is coming soon, and it might just change how you see romance. Click to find out why everyone's talking about this film."
“Groundbreaking"
"A beautiful film, gorgeous cinematography, great acting, great script."
- Rated LGBT Radio
"The cinematography is epic”
- Paul Hutnick, The Standard magazine (September 2024)
"Touching, mesmerizing, and unforgettable."
- Cinema Diverse
"Check out the uncensored trailer for ‘sexy, gay love story’ Love, Venezia"
- Attitude
"Anticipation builds for Steve Balderson’s new gay romance ‘Love, Venezia’"
- JAKE
"Sneak Preview of Steve Balderson’s LOVE VENEZIA a very sexy queer love story"
"Captivating... This focus on pure, unadulterated romance is a refreshing take."
- Mark Dawson, Patch Newspaper
"Great performances... Great film!"
- Kevin Thomas, ReelKev
"Balderson is a master of composition, one of the few living cineastes. Filmmakers no longer frame shots in this manner --- with artistic integrity. The image-composition of his films reminds one of Fassbinder and Antonioni.
- Dr. Joseph Suglia
"Triumphant and Astonishing"
- Hubertus W. Zegers, OutBook
Synopsis:
Healing from a relationship breakup, Michael escapes to Venice, Italy, where he unexpectedly finds a love that awakens his spirit and expands his heart, promising to profoundly alter the direction of his life forever.
“SEX LOVE VENICE” is a tender exploration of love, intimacy, and self-discovery, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Venice. This touching, mesmerizing, and unforgettable film will resonate with anyone who has ever longed for a deeper connection, both with others and within themselves.
Principal Cast:
Daniel Bateman (Michael)
Alexander Ananasso (Marco)
Mink Stole (Mom)
Suzanna Akins (Liza)
Zaramok Bachok (Dave)
Marek Probosz (Professor)
Fahad Alhumaid (Dr. Gika)
Pleasant Gehman (Madame Zara)
Jason Caceres (Jack)
Jackson Tropp (The Student)
L.J. Ugarte (Kitchen Island Guy)
Brian Sonia-Wallace (Dining Room Table Guy)
Rocky Vallarta (The Coach)
Ali Kazerooni (Venetian Alleyway Guy)
Director's Statement:
In “SEX LOVE VENICE,” I explore two foundational themes: transcending judgment and discovering the capacity to find love in everyone we meet. These messages are critical, especially in today’s climate where division, blame, and condemnation are rampant, and in a hookup culture where the essence of love is often absent. It’s become a cultural norm to detach feelings from sexual encounters—a misguided notion that devalues the profound connections that define our humanity. This film challenges that norm by presenting sexuality as a deeply sensory experience that’s about connection, not just physicality.
This film is a reflection of my own life—a true story that chronicles an awakening which has profoundly enriched every aspect of my existence. As Marco profoundly states in the film, “With love, you will enhance the outcome of all that you do, no matter what.” This truth guides the narrative of “SEX LOVE VENICE.”
Through a sensorial journey engaging all five senses, the film reveals the forgotten magic of true intimacy and connection, not just with others, but also with oneself. My aim is to inspire viewers to let go of judgment, embrace love, and find meaning in every interaction.
Join me in this sincere endeavor to spread these transformative mindsets. Together, we can remind the world of the beauty of deep, genuine connections.
Let’s embrace these ideals with a gentle hug and have the courage to share them with the world around us. We can do this together.
Love,
Steve Balderson
# # #
SEX LOVE VENICE
Written & Directed by Steve Balderson
Cinematography by Hanuman Brown-Eagle
Sound Design by Sebastian Zunino
more imdB
Patricia West-Del Ruth introduces the World Premiere at the Palm Springs LGBT Film Festival on 29 September 2024: