Festival 2024
Trailers and Descriptions
7:00 PM
Lesvia
Greece, Rating: 18A
Since the 1970s, lesbians from around the world have been drawn to the island of Lesvos, birthplace of the ancient Greek poet Sappho. When they find paradise in a local village and carve out their own lesbian community, tensions simmer with the local residents. With both groups claiming ownership of lesbian identity, filmmaker Tzeli Hadjidimitriou—a native and lesbian herself—is caught in the middle and chronicles 40+ years of love, community, conflict, and what it means to feel accepted.
9:00 PM
A House is Not a Disco
United States, Rating: 18A
A House Is Not a Disco documents a year-in-the-life in the world's most iconic "homo-normative" community: Fire Island Pines. Situated fifty miles from New York City, this storied queer beach town finds itself in the midst of a renaissance as a new generation of Millennial homeowners reimagine The Pines for a new, more inclusive era. A large cast of unforgettable eccentrics, activists, drifters and first-timers reflect on the legacy of The Pines while preparing their beloved village for the biggest challenge it has faced since the AIDS crisis: rising seas caused by climate change.
Tuesday, September 24 – ISLAND PARTY
Wednesday, September 25 – SHORT FILMS
7:00 PM
Short Films
Rating: 14A
An evening of queer short films. The short film competition will be followed by a panel discussion of the challenge sand issues faced by emerging filmmakers, hosted by Film Training Manitoba. Five prizes, including Jury Choice, Audience Choice, Best Manitoba Short, Top Emerging Filmmaker and Best Community Reflection, will be awarded that evening.
7:00 PM
Rivière
France, Rating 14A
Manon, a 17-year-old girl, departs the Swiss Alps in quest of her father, who has gone missing. She is determined to pursue her goal of becoming a professional hockey player as she makes new friends and falls in love for the first time. By choosing to immerse herself in the predominantly male domain of hockey, Manon refuses to be dictated by societal norms and carves out her own place in the world.
Rivière
Manon, dix-sept ans, s'est enfuie de chez elle. Elle a quitté les montagnes suisses pour s'installer à Belfort, en France. Elle y noue de nouvelles amitiés et se fait une place dans l'équipe de hockey sur glace locale. Elle joue mieux que les garçons, mais son agressivité lui met des bâtons dans les roues. Ce n'est que lorsqu'elle parvient à surmonter ses blocages intérieurs que la voie s'ouvre à son plus grand rêve: une carrière de hockeyeuse professionnelle.
9:00 PM
Turtles
Belgium, Rating: PG
Since Thom and Henri met 35 years ago, their love for each other has never faltered. The seemingly perfect life they had built in Brussels starts to go awry when Henri retires from being a police officer. Now, Henri’s days seem to stretch endlessly, while his feelings for Thom are fading fast. Their house has become a battleground. Thom’s love for Henri remains strong though and he is not ready to give up. He will do anything to save his relationship and rekindle their love, even if that means asking Henri for a divorce.
Tortues (Turtles)
Henri et Thom vivent ensemble à Bruxelles et filent le parfait amour depuis 35 ans, enfin en apparence. Depuis qu’Henri a pris sa retraite de policier, rien ne va plus. Ses journées sont fades et interminables, ses sentiments s'estompent et leur maison est devenue un vrai champ de bataille. Toujours amoureux, Thom est prêt à tout pour raviver la flamme et sauver leur couple, quitte à demander lui-même le divorce…
Thursday, September 26 – SOIRÉE CINEMA, en partenariat avec le Collectif du Manitoba
1:00 PM
Summer Qamp
Canada, Rating: PG
Reel Pride presents its first ever matinee for high school students and GSA’s! In the forests of Alberta, Canada, sits Camp fYrefly, a haven for LGBTQ+ teens far away from the fierce political battle being waged against them. Uplifting, funny, and moving, Summer Qamp joins the campers as they make friends, explore crushes, and share experiences around transitioning and intersectionality, while never losing sight of the bravery of these young protagonists whose identities are challenged by society outside of the camp boundaries.
7:00 PM
Throuple
United States, Rating: R
Michael, terrified of pursuing his musical dreams and exploring romantic intimacy, relies on his best friend and her girlfriend for support and affection. However, when he meets a newly open married couple seeking a casual encounter, the three men enter into a relationship that is more vulnerable than any of them ever expected.
9:00 PM
All Shall be Well
Hong Kong, Rating: PG
Hong Kong director Ray Yeung takes an clear eyed look at the often precarious everyday life of the older queer community.
Angie and Pat are a well-off lesbian couple in their mid-60s. They have lived together for 30 years in the flat Pat owns in Hong Kong. After Pat unexpectedly dies one night, Angie is not only emotionally supported by her circle of friends, but also - at least at first - by Pat’s family. However, little by little, arguments about the burial and inheritance lead to an estrangement. Angie has no legal right to remain in the flat she shared with Pat and is at the mercy of the dwindling goodwill of her dead partner’s family. Supported by her chosen family, Angie embarks on a later-life emancipation journey.
Friday, September 27 – LOVING WITH DIGNITY
7:00 PM
Miss
France, Rating: G
Alex, a nine-year-old boy who happily navigates between genres, has a dream. One day he will be voted Miss France. Fifteen years later, Alex has lost his parents and his self-confidence and stagnates in a monotonous life until an unforeseen meeting awakens this forgotten dream. Alex decides to compete in Miss France by hiding his identity as a boy. Through the stages of a merciless competition, and helped by his colorful family, Alex sets out to conquer the title, his femininity and above all, himself.
Saturday, September 28 – AROUND THE GLOBE
The evening features the
Festival’s Reception,
held between the films,
sponsored and hosted by RBC.
9:00 PM
The Judgement
Egypt, Rating: A
When a gay couple returns to Egypt for a family emergency, they retreat into the closet to stay safe in Egypt’s homophobic environment. But when a secret is revealed and local witchcraft practiced, one of the men fears a judgment is coming. His childhood terrors and deep religious fears will return to expose his shame to his boyfriend who didn't understand that Mo still views their relationship as sinful. This horrific experience will give Mo the confrontation he always feared, but he fights back, and is eventually liberated.