Filmmaker Danny Cheng Wan-Cheung, working under the name Scud, has created an art film that follows an unsuccessful actor in Beijing who decides to become a gay porn star.

 

The movie is called Adonis (originally released as Thirty Years of Adonis) and focuses on 30 years in the life of Yang Ke. There is one recurring scene in which Yang is naked in the woods and is surrounded by 30 men in masks. (Sounds like a typical weekend for some of us!)

 

“The film visualizes and envisions Tibetan Buddhism’s fundamental values and its version of life and afterlife,” the director explained. “I’ve found them closest to my belief so borrow to explore the ultimate question of life: what do we live for after all?”

 

Chinese gay porn star Eric East has a supporting role in the film.

 

 

“You will never find another man like him,” Scud said. “Although he only appears for a few minutes, he plays a very important role. I need the audience to recognize him.”

 

Because his films explore gay sexuality, Scud revealed that he often faces opposition from religious types.

 

He said: “In Hong Kong, some similar groups are also against my films. There is a dialogue in my work, Utopians: ’The one who objects [to] homosexuality is not the god up above, but the churches down beneath. God creates sexual diversity. Can you fully explain his divine commands?’ Many people achieve their purpose in the name of God, but sometimes they are just restricting other men’s freedom. I think this brings shame to their religions. But I also know no matter what you do, there’s always someone who is not happy with it. I think we should let it go.”

 

Adonis will debut in the US this week at the Reeling Film Festival in Chicago.