Short Film - 21.41 Minutes - 2026

Tempt is a period LGBTQIA+ drama following two siblings (Maryanne and Matthew) who find themselves stuck in the life that their deeply religious parents have envisioned and created for them within their small home town. The foundations of their home and family are expanded when two strangers from Italy arrive upon their doorstep with no place to stay. Out of goodwill, the family opens up their home to the strangers, Neoma and Desiderio, and grant them shelter in their time of need.

As Maryanne spends time with Neoma, and Matthew with Desiderio, they slowly begin to feel the walls of their perfectly moulded lives being torn down, and in this deconstruction, the light and magic of love and passion and honestly takes place of the dark and damaged walls that their family, religion and culture placed them within.

When caught out by their father in what he deems an unholy display, he threatens to have them both punished by the sanctity of the church, and in the heat of the moment, both siblings have a choice to make, stay in the four walls that have suffocated them for years, or step out into the world with their new found connections in these two strangers.

Written & Directed by Anthony Pontonio

Molly Broadstock as Marryanne
Daniel Agar as Matthew

Produced by Adam Coutts
Cinematography by Benjamin Bellette
Costume Design by Oliver Hall
Production Design by Garth Ernstzen
Edited by Felix Donahoo-Andrusiak
Original Score by