2025 Festival Attended
1 Nomination 3 Awards

Disease

When a young man asks his zombie boyfriend to transform him, an act of devotion becomes a grisly exploration of love, identity, and the desire to change for someone else.

Runtime: 04:58 Genres: , ,

Synopsis

Disease follows a young couple navigating a relationship that exists between the human and the undead. Determined to deepen their connection, one partner makes a life-altering request that sets in motion a deeply intimate and unsettling journey. As their bond is tested by the physical realities of transformation, the boundaries between affection, obsession, and self-sacrifice begin to blur, challenging both characters to confront what they are willing to give up in the name of love.

Blending body horror, dark comedy, and queer romance, Disease explores themes of vulnerability, acceptance, and the transformative power of human connection. Drawing on the imagery of classic monster cinema while embracing a distinctly modern perspective, the film uses horror as a metaphor for the emotional risks that accompany intimacy and change. Equal parts grotesque and heartfelt, Disease offers a unique reflection on love’s ability to reshape us, asking whether transformation is something to fear or something to embrace.

Cast & Crew

Directed by
Alex Masciotra-Milstein
Written by
Alex Masciotra-Milstein
Cast
Nam Nguyen
Harris Lowe

Film Details

Runtime
04:58
Genre(s)
Drama, Horror, Romance
Language
English

Production Details

Country of Origin
Canada
Country of Filming
Canada
Shooting Format
Digital
Aspect Ratio
4:3
Film Color
Color

Creator / Status

First-time Filmmaker
No
Student Project
Yes

Festival & Release

Festival Edition
2025
Attended
Yes

Awards / Nominations

Nomination
Best Sound Design
Disease
2025
Winner
Best Gorefest
Disease
2025
Winner
Audience Choice
Disease
2025
Winner
Audience Choice
Disease
2025

Screening took place

UK (GMT) Time
MAY
18
Session No.
8
Session Started
12:15
Played at
12:15
Session Finished
13:11