When Ben meets Sam in a bookshop in Brooklyn, all he expects is another fleeting one-night stand. But while walking through New York City and talking about everything and nothing, not only does love arise between them, but also the trust in each other to share their intimate memories. This personal drama from first time writer-director Matthew Fifer combines a heady romance set in New York with an intimate account of overcoming psychological trauma. Cicada was selected as the opening film of the prestigious BFI Flare 2020 festival.

Kieran Mulcare, Matthew Fifer

Born in New York, Matthew Fifer began working as an editor, cameraman and production assistant, and later also as actor and short film director. His work draws largely on autobiographical experience. His feature debut is co-directed with another first-time director, television actor Kieran Mulcare. The film has won awards at several major queer film festivals.