The 2SLGBTQI+ film festival returns with 100 films screening either in-person or online starting September 11…
2SLGBTQI+ stories will take over Vancouver as the 37th edition of the Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF) returns. Organized by Out on Screen, the festival is packed with 100 films including 26 features and 74 shorts. From September 11 to 21, in-person screenings will take place at either Vancouver Playhouse, International Village or The Cinematheque. Online screenings begin immediately after from September 22 to 28 in the comfort of your own home.
VQFF will welcome films from 25 countries including France, United Kingdom, United States, Cambodia and Belgium. It will have 12 world premieres, six international premieres, seven North American premieres and 21 Canadian premieres.
“This year’s program honours our past and makes space for the queer and trans voices rising now. It’s about who we are, how we got here, and where we are going,” says Mary Galloway, artistic director at Out on Screen.
Beyond films, the festival has a diverse array of programming for both the public and industry members. Talent from certain movies will be present for Q&As after screenings, while others will feature drag performances. There are also parties for the public and a social event for dogs. For those in the industry, there are panels about acquiring funding and selling films.
Tickets range between $7.00 and $21.00, with festival passes starting at $100.00 and digital passes priced at $100.00. Below are some highlights from the festival programming, but for more information visit the Out on Screen website.
What films are playing at VQFF?
THEN.NOW.FOREVER.
Country: Various | Director: Various | Date: September 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Opening the festival is a series of shorts that trace lost histories and spotlight unsung trendsetters. From 18th century queer sanctuaries to disco-era revolutions, stolen luxury in gentrified cities to tender archives, the curated films illuminate the bold, buried and beautiful stories that have shaped queer pasts and continue to mold queer futures. There will be a Q&A following the screenings.
AMANTES
Country: France | Director: Caroline Fournier | Date: September 12 at 6:15 p.m.
Explore the tangled contradictory nature of contemporary queer relationships through the lives of a close group of friends and lovers. Rooted in romantic, platonic and polyamorous bonds, this sexy, dramatic comedy unpacks vulnerability, desires and the complexities of making love and life work.
STARWALKER
Country: Canada | Director: Corey Payette | Date: September 13 at 5:15 p.m.
Described as a testament to the life-changing moments that occur when we embrace who we are, the musical follows lonesome Indigiqueer Two-Spirit call boy Star (Dillan Chiblow). Star discovers a new sense of purpose in the vibrant world of drag after being welcomed into The House of Borealis. As Star immerses themself in this chosen family and embraces their artistry, they reconnect with a long-buried cultural identity and painful memories.
JUST KIDS
Country: United States | Director: Gianna Toboni | Date: September 18 at 7:00 p.m.
The three families living in states that have banned gender affirming care face a heartbreaking choice: stay and risk their children’s health and safety, or leave everything behind. Taking place over a year, viewers experience the challenges these families face and their remarkable resilience as they protect their children’s lives. This in-person only film will feature a discussion on trans rights after the screening.
A PLACE WHERE I BELONG
Country: Canada | Director: Rheanna Toy | Date: September 14 at 2:30 p.m.
This film follows six individuals with intellectual disabilities as they embark on unique journeys of love, acceptance, self-empowerment and family. The group are bonded by Connecting Queer Communities (CQC), a social group for 2SLGBTQIA+ people with intellectual disabilities, which becomes threatened due to funding challenges. A Place Where I Belong shines light on the unique challenges at the intersection of disability and 2SLGBTQIA+ justice. It serves as a powerful reminder that everyone deserves to find a place where they belong. Following its world premiere there will be post-screening Q&A and drag performances.
PRIDE & PRAYER
Country: Canada | Director: Panta Mosleh | Date: September 21 at 3:15 p.m.
Making its world premiere, Panta Mosleh embarks on a soul-searching journey to reconcile her queerness with her Muslim faith. Featuring raw conversations, moments of solitude and spiritual questioning, the director invites us into a deeply personal quest for belonging. The film will have a post-screening Q&A.
ANOTHER TAKE
Country: United States | Director: Maritza Navarro | Date: September 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Six visionary global female and nonbinary filmmakers are handed the opportunity to direct fully-funded features under a bold new Hollywood studio. However, shattering the industry status quo proves difficult in the face of deep-rooted power structures, clashing ideals and industry pushback. The documentary will have a post-screening Q&A after its world premiere.
FOUR MOTHERS
Country: Ireland, United Kingdom | Director: Darren Thorton | Date: September 20 at 7:00 p.m.
As Edward’s friends jet off on a Pride holiday, he is left in charge of not only his own mother, but the eccentric, strong-willed mothers of his friends. Over one chaotic weekend, his life is transformed into a battleground of competing needs, biting wit, and unexpected tenderness. Tickets to the screening will give audiences access to the Closing Weekend Party. So maybe bring your mom for a movie and dance night.
HEIGHTENED SCRUTINY
Country: United States | Director: Sam Feder | Date: September 14 at 6:00 p.m.
This in-person only screening is can’t miss from the team behind the documentary Disclosure. The film is a portrait of trans resistance in a time when attacks on trans healthcare, safety and dignity are occurring globally. It follows ACLU attorney, and the first known trans person to argue before the Supreme Court, Chase Strangio, as he fights a legal battle to overturn Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Heightened Scrutiny features insight from trans activists like Laverne Cox and Elliot Page as well as journalists.
What events are happening at VQFF?
OPENING WEEKEND PARTY: FUEGO/FOGO
Date: Saturday, September 13, at 10:00 p.m. | Location: The Birdhouse at 44 West 4th St. | Tickets: TBD | Age: 19+
VQFF and Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (VLAFF) are hosting a steamy after-party where hips are guaranteed to be moving. The event also promises a series of “smokeshow performances” yet to be announced.
DOG PARK SOCIAL
Date: Sunday, September 14, at 12:00 p.m. | Location: Emery Barnes Park at 1170 Richards St. | Tickets: Free | Age: All
This networking event is going to the dogs. Filmmakers and their fur babies are welcome to enjoy a laidback afternoon in the park. And you don’t even need a dog to attend.
CLOSING WEEKEND PARTY
Date: Saturday, September 20, at 10:00 p.m. | Location: The Birdhouse at 44 West 4th St. | Tickets: Included with the ticket purchase of Four Mothers | Age: 19+
Tickets for the closing film get you entry to this party. Be ready to dance and to decide your perfect ending for the festival. More information to be announced later.
QUEER FILM TRIVIA BRUNCH
Date: Sunday, September 21, at 11:00 a.m. | Location: TBD | Tickets: TBD | Age: All
Test your team’s 2SLGBTQI+ film knowledge and win prizes! Oh, and the key to success is simple. Attend as many VQFF screenings as you can.
EAT YOU(R HEART) OUT: QUEER HORROR WITH YELLOWJACKETS
Date: Saturday, September 13, at 3:00 p.m. | Location: SFU Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema at 149 W Hastings St. | Tickets: Starting at $7.00 | Age: All
Hosted by Nay Bever (Today in Gay podcast), this panel welcomes special guests for a conversation about filming the hit Showtime series in Vancouver.
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