NYE HIGHLIGHTS Q&A SEX AND LOVE IN THE FLOATING CITY BY SHANE GALLAGHER
Daniel Bateman shines in the lead role of Michael in the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ romance film Sex Love Venice, opening for a two-week run at Camelot Theater on February 14. Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Steve Balderson, the film delves into the intricate tapestry of love and self-discovery, offering a refreshingly poignant narrative within the LGBTQ+ cinematic landscape. As Michael, Bateman portrays a man disillusioned by the transient connections of hookup culture. He yearns for a love that feels truly meaningful. His search leads him to the enchanting canals of Venice, where he encounters a magnetic and soulful local who challenges his deeply ingrained notions of intimacy. Marco, played by the hunky out actor Alexander Ananasso, believes in the transformative power of cultivating desire and leads Michael on a raw and vulnerable journey that invites audiences to reflect on their own definitions of love and connection. With its evocative storytelling, breathtaking Venetian backdrop, and powerful lead performances by Bateman and Ananasso, Sex Love Venice is a cinematic experience that transcends boundaries and celebrates the courage it takes to
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embrace love in its most profound and transformative forms. Daniel Bateman explains more from his home in Los Angeles. How did you prepare to embody the role of Michael? Daniel Bateman: I could relate with Michael. Like him, I have always been deeply in touch with my emotions. I have searched for meaning and purpose in my life and have felt the frustration of not knowing exactly how to navigate today’s hook-up culture. Sex Love Venice emphasizes patience and intention in cultivating desire. So many things are instant today. We can order food and access nearly anything we want at the touch of a button. Sex Love Venice shows how patience can be important in getting to know someone. We don’t have to learn everything instantly. It takes time to genuinely gather discovery. The reward can be a desire that we might not have known we were capable of.