Humpday 2009

In the heart of Seattle’s vibrant nightlife during the late 2000s, an unexpected reunion unfolded between Ben and Andrew, two old friends who had become estranged over the past decade. Their reconnection occurred at a spirited party, where the conversation flowed as energetically as the city’s renowned coffee. It wasn’t long before they found themselves engaging in a daring challenge that would not only test their friendship but also stretch the limits of artistic expression. The core idea was both simple and provocative: to create an “art project” involving two straight men participating in gay pornography for submission to the annual HUMP! film festival, an underground event orchestrated by the alternative newspaper, The Stranger.

As they navigated the logistics of the project, Ben confided in his wife, Anna, about their plans. However, his vague description only served to ignite her curiosity further. Anna, a reserved yet insightful record store clerk at Easy Street Records, had always been captivated by the edgy currents of the art world. The raunchy discussions among her coworkers about the HUMP! festival intensified her intrigue surrounding the project. When she found herself alone with Andrew at a local bar, their conversation delved into Ben’s artistic pursuits. As the night unfolded and they shifted focus to the project itself, Andrew disclosed that Ben would be taking a behind-the-scenes role, leaving Anna both perplexed and distressed. The following morning, when she confronted Ben, her questions remained unanswered, intensifying her unease.

Despite her initial reluctance, Ben’s enthusiasm for the project remained unwavering. He managed to persuade Anna to give it a try. Upon arriving at their hotel meeting point, equipped with a video camera and an eagerness to explore new boundaries, the two friends embarked on the complex journey of their experiment. Their process was riddled with extensive discussions, moments of self-discovery, and hesitance to completely undress, much less engage in any sexual acts. Their attempts at intimacy were often marked by awkwardness and doubt, prompting them to repeatedly question the validity of their avant-garde artistic venture.

Ultimately, Ben suggested they might reconsider the project, leading the two friends to share a laugh over the absurdity of their undertaking. As he stepped out of the hotel to apologize to Anna, Andrew took the time to review the footage they had filmed, contemplating the unforeseen journey that had propelled them to this moment.