Embrace Cinema at the Vancouver Queer Film Festival

Vancouver Playhouse, Photo: Reiko Inouye/Out On Screen

Embrace cinema when Out On Screen‘s 36th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF) returns in its new, later timeslot from September 11 to 22. Catch 97 films from 25 countries, with 28 feature films, 5 series debuts, 64 shorts, 8 world premieres, 3 international premieres, 6 North American premieres, and 28 Canadian premieres among the diverse lineup of films.

Queer Representation

Vancouver Playhouse, Photo: Alger Ji-Liang/Out On Screen

VQFF’s festival programming, including international and episodic content authored by 2SLGBTQIA+ creators and centred on 2SLGBTQIA+ characters, highlights the contributions and inclusivity of queer artists from around the world.

A curated short program called “T4T” features an impressive collection of five short films by trans and non-binary storytellers that put trans experiences at the forefront featuring captivating protagonists, inspiring perspectives, and uplifting tones.

In addition to screenings, there are also parties, performances from local and international artists, post-screening Q&As with filmmakers, and various industry events to attend and celebrate.

The festival just announced its initial lineup, opening and closing presentations, and select program details:

Queer Cinema

Ben Whishaw in Good Boy, Photo: 130 Elektra Films

Kicking off the festival, VQFF’s opening presentation “Closer” offers a collection of shorts that highlight the solidarity and brilliance of diverse queer communities. The lineup includes the Canadian premiere of Tom Stuart‘s Oscar-shortlisted Good Boy starring James Bond actor Ben Whishaw as a desperate man preparing to rob a bank when an unexpected encounter with his family doctor derails his plans.

Also featured is Ella May Sahlman‘s romantic comedy Great Canyon (USA) starring Johnny Sibilly (Hacks) as a gay man who navigates a whirlwind of anxieties and insecurities on a first date. These screenings will be followed by a Q&A with special guests and the Opening Night Party, all taking place at the Vancouver Playhouse.

Another notable title in the features lineup includes the B.C. premiere of the Canadian documentary Bulletproof: A Lesbian’s Guide to Surviving the Plot from director Regan Latimer, who embarks on a cross-country quest to uncover how and why Hollywood keeps “burying their gays” by dramatizing a disproportionate number of lesbian deaths in media.

Bilal Hasna in Layla, Photo: Fox Cub Films/Significant Productions

VQFF’s closing film will be the Canadian premiere of Layla, a narrative feature that premiered earlier this year at Sundance. Making their feature debut with a refreshing realness, British-Iraqi filmmaker Amrou Al-Kadhi channels their experiences as a drag performer in East London’s queer scene into an unforgettable saga about an up-and-coming Palestinian drag queen (played by newcomer Bilal Hasna) lighting up local clubs with impressive creativity.

The Closing Night Party will be hosted at The Birdhouse post-screening for free to those with tickets to the closing film.

Queer Arts & Entertainment

Score on Davie, Photo: Destination Vancouver

Vancouver is rich with queer arts, culture, and entertainment across the city in different welcoming neighbourhoods that promote openness. In particular, the Davie Village in the West End is an international destination for queer-friendly bars, restaurants, clubs, and rainbow-painted crosswalks.

For drinks, snacks, and good times before or after a screening, hit up the Score on Davie, The Fountainhead Pub, or The Junction. Outside of Davie, Bimini’s Pub in Kitsilano and The Chickadee Room in Chinatown are well-known for serving great food and cocktails in accepting environments.

For more queer arts, check out SUM Gallery in Chinatown which displays the year-round programming of Vancouver’s annual summer Queer Arts Festival. For more queer-friendly entertainment, the aforementioned Birdhouse, Biltmore Cabaret, and Fox Cabaret offer diverse performances by many queer artists in safe spaces to dance, hang out, and vibe.