For Julia, facing life after the loss of her partner seems like an impossible task. But León, their son, is the fuel to keep going. Nothing is easy after Barby’s death, between the return of León’s biological father, Barby’s mother’s distant attitude, and the struggle to keep their restaurant open. Outstanding performances by a talented ensemble of actors add complexity and honesty to their roles, enhancing a well-crafted narrative. Directing duo Andi Nachon and Papu Curotto bring us a story about love, grief, and a little bit of family chaos. León is a tale about the joyous and difficult task of loving and understanding one another.

Canadian 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.

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.

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

Angie and Pat have lived together for over three decades in their flat in Hong Kong, a flat that often hosts friends and family for dinners and get togethers. When Pat unexpectedly passes away without a will, Angie learns that she has no legal right to the home they shared and finds herself at the mercy of a once supportive family displaying dwindling goodwill toward her. Supported by the group of queer women that make up her chosen family, Angie embarks on a later in life journey toward independence. Inspired by shocking true stories, director Ray Yeung explores the often precarious life of aging members of LGBTQ+ communities.

Canadian Premiere

New school, new classmates, new crushes, and a new sport. Ace’s first day at her new school starts out on the wrong foot and ends up with her becoming the newest member of the volleyball. team against her will. Jana, the team captain, sees Ace as a threat, and a rivalry is born. But love and hate are two sides of the same coin, and little by little, they will discover their feelings for each other. But just when everything seems to shine brighter, a black shadow returns. Rookie is a charming coming-of-age story where love, in all forms, takes centre stage. No matter the obstacles and challenges one might face, believing in yourself and protecting the ones you love is always the right choice.

North American 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