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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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