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**Fireworks (2022)** is a 15-minute Australian queer short film directed by Sam McGowan. It follows a lonely teenager who downloads Grindr on New Year's Eve to fulfill his resolution of losing his virginity before the year ends.[2][9]

## Plot Summary
The story centers on the protagonist's anxious, humorous attempts to connect via the app amid New Year's celebrations. Themes explore isolation, first experiences, and queer youth navigating hook-up culture in a festive yet pressured setting.[2]

## Festival Screenings
Screened at the Geelong Pride Film Festival (GPFF) alongside McGowan's earlier short *Heaven* (2020). Also featured in other queer film events, with a trailer available on YouTube.[2][10]

## Director Background
Sam McGowan is an emerging Australian filmmaker focused on queer narratives. *Fireworks* aligns with his interest in personal, coming-of-age stories within LGBTQ+ contexts.[2]

Citations:
[1] Sydney New Year's Eve - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_New_Year's_Eve
[2] Manscaping - Online - Geelong Pride Film Festival https://gpff.ferve.tickets/Events/Manscaping-Online
[3] Spectacular Fireworks Displays in Australia in 2022 https://skylighter.com.au/australia-fireworks-displays-2022/
[4] Your guide to enjoying 2022 New Year's Eve celebrations ... https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-30/new-years-eve-fireworks-australia/101796104
[5] Everything you need to know if you are headed to New Year's Eve fireworks https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-30/brisbane-fireworks-guide-nye-gold-coast-sunshine-coast-/106184840
[6] Where to watch New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Australia https://sightseeingtoursaustralia.com.au/tips-articles/where-to-watch-new-years-fireworks-in-australia/
[7] When and where to catch New Year's Eve fireworks across Australia https://7news.com.au/news/when-and-where-to-catch-new-years-eve-fireworks-across-australia-c-21156085
[8] FireWorks https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56353506-fireworks
[9] Fireworks | Geelong Pride Film Festival https://gpff.ferve.tickets/Events/Fireworks
[10] Fireworks - Queer Short Film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoyG0X689H8