“I’m Ibrahim, I’m Turkish. I’m Bram, I’m Belgian. I am a Muslim, and I’m gay.” By kicking off his culture-clashing romance with this loaded declaration of self-identity from a handsome hunk, Mixed Kebab immediately addresses the opposing assertions and complicated impulses that drive his characters as they grapple for happiness in this deftly balanced dramedy, greatly enlivened by colorful characters, sensitive performances, picturesque locales and some seriously sexy scenes.

Bram, who introduces himself as a bundle of contradictions, is a bar-scene player and casual drug dealer in Antwerp who remains closeted among his traditional Turkish family. He is particularly guarded around younger brother Furkant. Accompanied by his pal Kevin, Bram jets off to Turkey, where bride-to-be and cousin Elif awaits their arranged marriage. But before he can say “I do,” Bram’s gets much closer to Kevin, and the two share a shower and drinks together prior to a steamy seduction.

Back home in Belgium, the couple faces discrimination from Bram’s parents (“I’ve lost you to the devil,” his father wails) and worse from his brother Furkan. However, Bram and Kevin still embrace their cross-cultural love in this wonderfully told story by director Guy Lee Thys.