Within Toronto’s vibrant bar scene, a diverse group of musicians come together to form
a band with a mission: to ignite a musical revolution. As they channel their individual struggles and experiences into their music, The New Normals create a dynamic rock sound that transcends gender and sexuality. But as they rise to fame, personal and romantic entanglements complicate their journey. A who’s-who of local music featuring
original songs from Torquil Campbell of Stars fame, the soundtrack also includes Peaches, Gentleman Reg, and The Hidden Cameras.

North American Premiere

Elliot Page delivers an emotionally resonant performance in this honest and moving drama that follows Sam as he decides to visit his childhood home in Coburg for the first time since his transition. Sam isn’t sure he’s making the right decision to return to a place that holds painful memories, and if his decision to live life authentically will be compromised. But a chance encounter with his high school best friend, Katherine brings up long-dormant feelings for each other. Could their reconnection lead to a new and brighter chapter in their lives?

This film contains discussions around transphobia.

Young Max is determined to make a name for himself in London’s literary circles, but his work as a freelance writer isn’t quite getting him there fast enough. In order to gain on the job experience to inspire his first novel, he poses as Sebastian, an online sex worker. These experiences jump from bedroom to page, catching the attention of an editor, and as the pressure increases to find his happy ending, the lines begin to blur between where Max ends and Sebastian begins.

This film contains sexual content.

Canadian Premiere

Fanny, a 17-year-old student from France, goes on a language exchange trip to Germany where she will stay with her pen pal, Lena. Lena is cool, easygoing, seems to make friends with ease, and is extremely politically active. Fanny is troubled, shy, lonely, and dreams of a life like Lena’s. Willing to do anything to impress Lena, Fanny sees her time in Germany as an opportunity to invent a different life for herself but as her and Lena grow closer, she runs the risk of becoming caught up in her own web of lies.

This film contains sexual content.

North American Premiere

Suellen, a Brazilian toll booth attendant and mother, is willing to do almost anything to keep her family afloat. When the opportunity to case drivers passing by her toll booth presents itself, she falls in with a gang of thieves promising a chance at a better life. Suellen’s idea of a better life, however, does not align with that of her very assured teenage son, Antonio. Convinced she is doing what is right for her family, she invests in an expensive gay conversion workshop led by a renowned priest; an investment that threatens both her relationship with her son, as well as her freedom.

A few things about Cora: she is a budding musician trying to make it in Los Angeles, she is determined to make her long-distance open relationship work, and she is extremely chaotic. In a moment of desperation, she heads back to her hometown of Portland, Oregon on a mission to fix her shaky relationship. Embarking on a wild journey, she confronts many self-induced roadblocks including a new woman living in her girlfriend’s house, a lost pet, and a pansexual orgy. When a chance at romance with a good guy presents itself, can Cora get out of her own way in time to secure the bag?

Canadian Premiere

Please note: This film will not be screened with captions.

Helen lives with her ex-husband, his girlfriend, their new baby, and her ex-mother-in-law, who luckily remains her trusted ally. As she goes back and forth between working at the chicken factory and taking care of everyone at home, her dreary routine begins to take its toll. A bright spot appears in her otherwise mundane life when her high school crush, Joanne, returns to town. A musical drama set in northern Wales, Chuck Chuck Baby follows one woman as she finds the courage to stand up for herself and finally go after the life she deserves.

When Alexander moves in next door, Elias is intrigued. Their budding friendship blossoms amidst after-school escapades, exploring abandoned homes and hidden swimming spots, but when Alexander reveals his romantic past a revelation is triggered in Elias. Despite the incredible feeling of falling in love for the first time, Elias is fearful of the judgment of family and friends, leading him to push Alexander away. A heartfelt conversation with his grandfather illuminates the true value of what he has found, prompting Elias to embark on a journey to reclaim what he has lost. Can Elias overcome his fears and prove himself worthy of his first love?

Canadian Premiere

When true-crime podcaster and sleuth Lola visits her hometown for the first time since running away and transitioning, the local urban legend, The Toymaker, is the least of her worries. But when the vengeful ghost of the historical murderer seemingly rises again, Lola must fight against not only a psychotic killer, but also a town haunted by secrets. Can Lola and her band of unexpected allies save Christmas? A transgender holiday film by prolific teenaged filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay and edited by The People’s Joker filmmaker, Vera Drew, Carnage for Christmas is destined to be a queer horror classic.

This film contains scenes of violence with graphic images of blood and gore.

Canadian Premiere

The year is 2006 and George, a small-town sixteen-year-old who’s convinced he’s a gifted musician, can’t seem to get anyone’s attention long enough to prove it. When the son of a famous rock star enrolls in his school, George experiences a clarity of passion and a road to success. But what exactly is the measure of success: collaborating on the next smash pop hit, or winning the heart of the son of one half of a mega-famous musical duo? Set against a soundtrack of 2000s indie bangers, with an original song by Ollie Alexander, Bonus Track will have your heart soaring up the charts.

Canadian Premiere

Please note: This film will not be screened with captions.