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.

How do you raise a child when your own mother abandoned you? In a remarkable story of healing and forgiveness, Jamaican-American poet and LGBTQ+ activist Staceyann Chin, renowned for performances in Def Poetry Jam and hit solo shows like MotherStruck!, radically re-imagines the essential art of mothering. In seeking her elusive mother—a trail that leads to Brooklyn, Montreal, Cologne and, finally, Jamaica—Staceyann and her daughter forge a new sense of home.

After a near-death experience lights a flame within both Grandma and Grandpa, they decide to grab life by the boas and tell the world their deepest secret: they’re gay. Having lived under the guise of a straight relationship for decades, they’re coming out of the closet, ditching their small-town life, and going after their big gay dreams. First stop, the big city, to learn “how to be gay” from the best gay people they know – their grandchildren. Navigating the queer dating scene, dating apps, queer fashion, and even a gay dodgeball league, this late-in-life coming out story is all about being empowered to love authentically no matter your age.

Join us for a screening of seven episodes and a panel featuring cast and crew.

World Premiere

nanekawâsis follows the acclaimed nêhiyaw artist George Littlechild as he invites audiences into his storied career spanning over four decades. Using archival footage and newly filmed 16mm interviews, the film provides previously unheard insights about his life and work. As a two-spirit person and ‘60s scoop survivor, Littlechild’s artwork draws from a unique perspective of pain, joy, and exemplary merit. This crucial documentary gives viewers the opportunity to get to know a major player in the Indigenous art world, while highlighting the impacts of colonialism in Canada on both art and artist.

Ontario Premiere

Have you had the pleasure of meeting Canada’s gayest family? Unusually Normal (Our Gay Family) follows three generations of women in one family who, get this, are all gay. Set against the backdrop of their loving and wholly authentic household, this family, with over 165,000 devoted TikTok followers, invites you into their world – a world where normal takes on a whole new meaning. As we traverse through three distinct eras alongside these extraordinary women, we witness their unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. From navigating the tumultuous waters of homophobia to grappling with profound family loss and navigating the complexities of clandestine love, theirs is a story of triumph against all odds.

World Premiere

The Jennings family are having a regular suburban Sunday dinner. Mother wants everything to be perfect. Father wants everyone to drink, which Sister refuses to do. And Brother keeps texting his husband, even though no phones are allowed at the table. Just as tensions reach a boiling point, an unwanted guest arrives: Frank, Father’s wayward brother. To what ends will Mother, Father, Sister, and Brother go to get rid of Frank? With a great cast, including Mindy Cohn and Enrico Colantoni as Mother and Father, this over-the-top comedy thriller shows that when parents and children work together, they can overcome any obstacle.

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

Ontario Premiere

Filmed during The Teaches of Peaches anniversary tour in 2022, this documentary seamlessly weaves together exclusive archival gems with dynamic tour footage, capturing the transformative journey of local superstar Merrill Nisker into the internationally acclaimed cultural powerhouse Peaches. From the inception of the stage show to the rigorous rehearsals and riveting performances, the film provides an intimate look at the inner workings of a tour led by this beloved and globally celebrated icon. Her fearless originality has challenged social norms, dismantled stereotypes, and confronted patriarchal power structures. Through biting wit, she advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights and tackles issues of gender and sexual identity, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

Filmmaker Regan Latimer takes an insightful, immersive, and deeply personal look at
Queer representation in television, and the power of the media to shape how we see ourselves. Witty, fast-paced, and laced with pop culture references, Regan journeys across North America and beyond in her quest to understand the forces that influence the stories we see on our screens. Original animation and personal anecdotes are interwoven with wide-ranging conversations with television insiders, LGBTQ+ community advocates, and people who just love to watch TV. As Latimer navigates an ever-evolving media landscape, the filmmaker learns firsthand that representation done well has the power to transform.

World Premiere

Billy Tipton, the influential jazz musician, became more of a sensation when, upon his death, it was revealed that he was a trans man and the late-20th century world was unable to accept his identity.

For decades, Tipton’s private life was never a concern. His eclectic talent for jazz music spoke for itself and he mapped out a fulfilling career with his wife and adopted children. When his death provoked a media frenzy surrounding his gender identity, Billy Tipton became both the target for tabloid headlines and an unlikely role model for the transmasculine community. Tipton’s story is the portrait of an unlikely hero, stitched together in this documentary with accounts from Tipton’s son and trans artists in awe of his quiet accomplishments.

No Ordinary Man captures Billy Tipton’s complicated legacy, a burden for some and an inspiration for others, with in-depth critiques and affirmations for the trans icon and his portrayal in the media.