FRANCE—After French Friends, an independent adult feature, produced by Mika Ayden, received five nominations at the 2025 Grabbys Awards Europe, Ayden and director Macho Jim continue their steak with French Friends 2—Not Friends Anymore. The sequel has already been nominated for seven awards at the Grabbys Europe for 2026.
Grabby nominations include Collaboration of the Year, Creator & Studio Best Feature Film, Creator & Studio Fan Favorite Film, Scene of the Year and Group Scene of the Year.
“One year after the events of the first film, the group gathers to celebrate Jordan’s birthday. The atmosphere is light, festive, friendly. But within a few minutes, everything changes,” a description reads. “Shot in a closed setting and in real time, the film adopts mechanisms inspired by Parisian boulevard theatre—misunderstandings, cascading revelations, rising tensions and a final explosion. What was supposed to be a party among friends becomes a spiral of desires, betrayals and revealed secrets. In the end, no one is completely innocent. Are they still friends?”
French Friends attempts to portray authenticity with candid videography. Shot with a handheld camera, the project “gives the feeling of a holiday video that goes wrong, plunging the viewer into the heart of the action.
“The actors had the main lines of the story, but no dialogue was fixed. No specific instructions were given, including for intimate scenes. The actors were guided and advised, while keeping total freedom of expression in order to let their real connection show,” a representative added.
The director said his style adapted to the actors’ natural reactions, creating spontaneous and unpredictable energy.
“The starting point is the actor, not the camera,” explained Macho Jim.
French Friends 2 brings together a multi-nominated and awarded European cast including Ayden, Jordan Fox, Dimitri Venum, Danny Azcona, AJ Xclusive, Minipousse, Hairy Wolf, RS SecurityX, Alex Brand and Andrew Lepy.
The movie is available on the respective platforms of the participating actors, “faithful to its collaborative model,” the rep said.
Hairy Wolf, who makes his debut appearance in French Friends 2, said, “Everything happened naturally thanks to our real bonds.” Lepy added, “Our connection makes the film unique.”
“The script and production go up a notch … a very beautiful film,” Fox said.
Venum shared, “When Mika offered me the project, I immediately agreed. We knew it was going to create something unique.”
“A fun project, original situations, and the pleasure of working among friends,” Azcona said.
Production crew includes assistant director Merchscope and assistant producer Jonny Montero. Fashion partners featured in French Friends 2—Not Friends Anymore include Addicted and ES Collection.
