There have been lots of interesting events in Vancouver these past few years, and while I haven’t covered too many of them, I’ve certainly mentioned them. What can we expect from this year’s VQFF? Well, for this year’s happening from September 11-22, we can expect 97 films and series created by 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers everywhere. The festival will also have parties, Q&As, and so much more. There’s so much going on already, I’m tempted to go again this year. What would I recommend watching? Here are some interesting films to check out!
Opening Presentation – Starting VQFF is a small collection of short films that show just how amazing and diverse the queer community is. This particular collection will be called Closer. Films included are Good Boy, F**KED, Bloomed in the Water, I’ll Tell You When I’m Ready, Great Canyon, Really Good Driver, and Is Gay Marriage Next?
You can see more details about each film and the opening night here. Be sure to stick around for the afterparty too. Those are always fun, I hear.
Centrepiece Presentation – A special BC Premiere of Bonus Track, which is a UK-produced film made by a Canadian filmmaker. It’s all about a teenage songwriter named George who wants to leave his small English town and move on to be something besides what his parents expect. George would love to have a big radio hit, but his hopes and dreams make it hard for him to concentrate in class. When he unexpectedly finds inspiration in the form of a rockstar’s son, the two become best friends, and then George and the new boy Max come up with creative work together and possibly become more than just friends, but that last bit is expected for something screening at VQFF. A great sounding film, if I must say so myself.
Short Programs – There are about 10 of these, such as The Coast is Queer which is always local films from around the area, or T4T which is all done by trans and non binary storytellers and all films are about the trans experience. For the more sensual and kinky variety of films, check out the Hot And Bothered showcase which gets really intimate, and just like the Coast is Queer, Meet-Cute is another common screening collection which shows how far the tunnel of love goes as characters express a variety of passions in these short films. For those who have a funny bone, you should check out the comedic shorts in My Pronouns are Ha/Ha where you’re sure to never stop laughing, and if you’re looking to learn more about how they do it in other countries, check out Queried which features 5 filmmakers from different countries coming together to showcase heartwarming films. The younger variety of audience, by which I mean students grade 6 and up, will enjoy the films in the program about human connections in family and friends, called Roll On By: Ways of Relating. Ageing with Pleasure is another great one for the older demographic as Queer elders make some fresh stories out of their past experiences, and finally for those students in Grade 8+ heavily into self-expression and fashion, there’s the showcase I Wear My Heart on My Sleeve which also includes a Gender Expression Workshop afterwards that allows people to design their own outfits.
A Mother Apart – The NFB’s Feature, A Mother Apart which will be screening on September 19th. Directed by Laurie Townshend of Toronto, this film focuses on Staceyann Chin as she makes her way through mothering even though her own mother abandoned her. In her journey of motherhood, Staceyann also works a poet and and activist. It sounds like she does an amazing job at all of that too. The film has already received awards for Best Canadian feature, Best Documentary and Best First Feature, all from the the Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival in Toronto.
There’s lots more to check out, obviously. Browse the program here and buy some tickets today!