Programmer Picks

“Words fail to fully express the cumulative power of this film from acclaimed director Hirokazu Kore-era (SHOPLIFTERS), which is told through the multiple perspectives of folks trying to make sense of bizarre incidents that occur in a small Japanese city. Elevated by layered ensemble work and a stunning score by late Oscar-winning composer Sakamoto Ryuichi, this Cannes-award winner exudes deep queer resonance as clarity greets both characters and audience in a sneakily stunning denouement.”

– Nick McCarthy, Director of Programming

“A musical film like no other! Janis Pugh speaks from her heart and close experience growing up in working class North Wales in her debut feature. With a solid cast ensemble and extraordinary leads by actresses Louise Brealey (Sherlock) and Annabel Scholey (Being Human), this film has been meticulously crafted as a choreography filled with unexpected obstacles and moments of profound love. Certainly a story that motivates us to live every second of our lives to the fullest.”

– Anto Astudillo, Programmer

“With sensual storytelling, filled with warmth, this film has a natural grasp of how gay men find each other despite all the shame and obstacles society throws at them.”

– Murtada Elfadl, Programmer

– Kim Garcia, Programmer & Technical Director

“A moving story about two trans women in Bhopal, India, and their search for a safe home. The collective work done by its directors and cast reveals the true meaning of trans resilience, kinship, and the profound impact of community. A film that, by highlighting the challenges faced by the characters, invites us to imagine what a prosperous future would be like for the trans community.”

– Anto Astudillo, Programmer

“Catch these hilarious shorts featuring world’s worst pizza, the best methods to dilate, a microaggressive pool party, a pair of assassin besties, a queer Indigenous spin on INSIDE OUT, and the biggest daddy issue of all time. Come laugh with your friends and get an amazing boost of serotonin.”

– Anita Raswant, Programming Manager

“Like the film’s subject – the poet Nikki Giovanni – the filmmaking is audacious and risky taking the audience on a kaleidoscopic journey that’s bound to enthrall, entertain and educate at the same time. A daring and visionary artist deserves a striking portrait and Giovanni gets that and more in this documentary.”

– Murtada Elfadl, Programmer

“In his feature film debut, writer-director Mauricio Calderón Rico paints a richly textured and slow-burning (no pun intended) portrait of young adulthood, queerness, grief, and loss, in which the burning fire of adolescence is not just metaphorical.”

– Jorge Molina, Assistant Programmer

“Beautifully restored in 4K, this drama from iconic New Queer Cinema Director Isaac Julien pulls you in to the mysterious, tense world of the 1970s London DJ scene. Politically charged and boasting a gripping soundtrack, you’ll get lost in the gay romance of this stylish classic.”

– Kim Garcia, Programmer & Technical Director

“Sensitively probing the link between homophobia and religious beliefs, Coming Around is a complex examination of an experience many queer people go through no matter their cultural background. Director Sandra Itäinen is deftly attuned to both her subjects state of mind and POV, making this documentary an empathetic vehicle for more conversation and understanding.”

– Murtada Elfadl, Programmer

“In this gorgeous reimagining of the American West, director Luke Gilford creates a an ethereal utopia of queer bodies, discovery, and connection inside a piece of Americana that we’ve been historically excluded from. This is the Wild West like you’ve never seen it before.”

– Jorge Molina, Assistant Programmer

– Anita Raswant, Programming Manager

“With wicked dry wit and a sly eye towards the absurdity within Catholicism — including a character with a little crush on Jesus — writer/director Juan Sebastián Torales immerses the audience in a mysterious milieu with cheeky confidence. Peer into the woods of temptation with this beguiling tale from Argentina, and discover why the film was deservedly awarded the Jury Prize for Best First Feature Film at Inside Out Toronto.”

– Nick McCarthy, Director of Programming

“At FANCY DANCE’s World Premiere at Sundance, I was captivated — along with a rapt audience — by this riveting tale that challenges familial bonds and celebrates the unwavering strength of Indigenous women. Erica Tremblay’s remarkable directorial debut is part-character study and part-noir; and at the center is a tremendous performance from Lily Gladstone — who broke out in Kelly Reichardt’s CERTAIN WOMEN and will soon be seen in a highly Oscar-buzzed performance in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON.”

– Nick McCarthy, Director of Programming