A year in the life within the world’s most iconic homonormative community: Fire Island Pines. Situated 50 miles from New York City, this storied queer beach town finds itself in the midst of a renaissance, as a new generation of millennial homeowners reimagine The Pines for a new, more inclusive era. Filmed like a Frederick Wiseman movie on magic mushrooms, a large cast of unforgettable eccentrics, activists, drifters, and first timers reflect on the legacy of The Pines, while preparing their beloved village for the biggest challenge it has faced since the AIDS crisis: rising sea levels caused by climate change.

Toronto Premiere

Please note: This film will screen with Closed Captions.

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

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

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

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.

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

Past and present collide as an Iranian American trans man time-travels through an LGBTQ+ archive on a dizzying quest to unravel his own sexual desires. Director Jules Rosskam blends reality and imagination to bring to life a documentary like no other. Through an erotic and caring lens, Rosskam delves into an exploration of transmasculine sexuality throughout history. Lead performers Theo Germaine and Aden Hakimi’s undeniable chemistry leaps off the screen, adding a new layer to this already enriching story. Desire Lines is an awe-inspiring journey through trans history that deserves to be preserved.

Toronto Premiere

In the (likely) first-ever and (possibly) award-winning meta-Asian-stoner-coming-of-age-bromantic-dramedy, two best friends who will soon be living in different countries decide to make a movie about two best friends making a movie about two best friends making a movie. Through this meta conceit directors/actors/writers/producers Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung, explore a friendship that has more tensions than may first appear. When the cameras start rolling, secrets and half-truths about their friendship, crushes, sexuality, and every other insecurity imaginable are revealed. Is their friendship in danger, or can Fresh Off the Boat’s Hudson Yang and a ton of weed save a lifelong bond?

International Premiere

Singer Dalton Harris’s dreams came true when he won The X Factor in the UK in 2018. But the joy of winning was mixed with pain when people back home in Jamaica threatened boycotts and violence against him, perceiving Dalton to be gay after seeing a photo of him sitting on a man’s lap. This compelling and honest documentary by acclaimed director Kim Longinotto and newcomer Franky Murray Brown looks at a talented artist working to overcome a childhood filled with poverty and violence and find success in the face of mental health challenges, amidst the struggle to be open about his sexuality.

This film contains discussions around homophobia.

Canadian Premiere