At the Heart of LGBTQ+ Films: Places, Emotions, and Itineraries

After exploring the wide-open landscapes of queer road movies, our journey through cinema and territory continues with a selection of LGBTQ+ films where movement is often more internal than geographical. These are stories that unfold over just a few days, yet traverse deep and powerful emotions. Even in these more intimate narratives, locations play a central role, becoming true characters in their own right—amplifying silences, glances, and desires.

Here are five films that portray the journey through the lens of love, loss, and self-discovery, accompanied by itineraries for those who wish to walk through the very places that made them so unforgettable.

Call Me by Your Name (2017)

In the heart of the summer of 1983, amid the countryside of Lombardy and the faded charm of northern Italy, love blossoms between Elio and Oliver. Luca Guadagnino’s film is a declaration of love to slowness, to the discovery of the body and emotions, with cinematography that captures the full sensuality of an Italian summer.

Those who wish to relive the magic of the film can start in Crema, the town where many of the urban scenes were shot, and then explore the surrounding villages such as Pandino and Moscazzano, where the Perlman family’s villa is located. Cycling along country roads, stopping in a piazza for a gelato, or getting lost among Renaissance architecture is the most authentic way to slip into the rhythm of the film. The itinerary can also include Bergamo and Lake Garda, adding broader stops to enrich the experience.

Discover our “Call Me By Your Name Tour” and explore the iconic locations from the film

Weekend (2011)

A chance encounter between two men in Nottingham turns into an intense emotional experience that changes their lives forever. Andrew Haigh’s film unfolds almost entirely in everyday spaces—an apartment, a bar, a tram stop. Yet, through refined cinematic language, it tells a journey of authenticity, vulnerability, and deep connection.

For travelers wishing to follow in the footsteps of this story, Nottingham offers a vibrant and unexpected urban setting. You can start with a walk through The Park Estate, an elegant and quiet residential neighborhood, then head into the city center, stopping at pubs and independent cafés like those frequented by the characters. Less well-known than other English destinations, the city is ideal for those seeking an intimate, off-the-beaten-path vibe, with a lively and welcoming queer scene.

Benjamin (2018)

Written and directed by Simon Amstell, the film tells the story of the romantic anxieties of a young English filmmaker, grappling with the release of his new movie and an unexpected relationship with a French musician. Ironic, tender, and deeply human, Benjamin moves between London and Paris, cities that reflect the protagonist’s insecurities and desires.

London is portrayed here in its most creative and vulnerable light: neighborhoods like Dalston, Hackney, and Shoreditch provide the backdrop for artistic neuroses and first dates, while Paris becomes the place of possibility, confrontation, and love that takes you by surprise.

It’s an ideal itinerary for those who love contemporary art, small independent cinemas, urban markets, and hidden parks. Following the emotional journey of the film, one moves through art galleries, bohemian bistros, and unexpected gardens.

The Falls (2012)

Two young Mormon missionaries are sent on a mission in Oregon. There, they discover love for one another, challenging their faith, their families, and the rules imposed by their religion. The film—the first in a trilogy—is a story of coming-of-age and liberation, set against the backdrop of the forests and rivers of the Pacific Northwest. Retracing the locations of The Falls means immersing yourself in the powerful nature of Oregon. Start in Portland, an alternative and queer-friendly city, then explore the surrounding areas: the Columbia River Gorge, the Multnomah Falls, the roads winding through centuries-old trees, and the small towns where spirituality blends with everyday life. It’s a perfect itinerary for those seeking a connection with nature and an inner journey—one of discovery and self-affirmation.