Interest: LGBTQ2S+
- Own Voice
Backspot
Riley (Jacobs) and her girlfriend Amanda (Rutendo) devote their whole lives to their passion for cheerleading. Given a chance to compete with an elite squad, Riley pushes herself to a point of dangerous dedication in order to impress her idol, the all-star coach Eileen (Wood). As the pressure mounts on both her and the squad, Riley’s obsession threatens to make her lose everything, leading to an exhilarating finale that is sure to get your blood pumping!
Featuring an all-star cast at the top of their game, this intense cheerleading drama is unlike any other that has come before it.
“Jacobs and Waterson are in the same perfect lockstep as the film's cheer squad itself.” – Marya E. Gates, RogerEbert.com
Director
D. W. Waterson
Writers
D. W. Waterson, Joanne Sarazen
Cast
Evan Rachel Wood, Kudakwashe Rutendo, Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (Mohawk)
Producers
Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (Mohawk), D. W. Waterson, Martin Katz, Alona Metzer
Genre
Drama
Interests
Female Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+, Sports, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
levelFILM
- Own Voice
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story
A moving portrait that shines a light on the career of a trailblazer who was ahead of her time, this incredible story won the Special Jury Prize for Best Canadian Feature at Hot Docs 2024.
“A compelling investigation of an elusive life, as well as a talent so striking you’ll be amazed it remained forgotten for so long.” – Dennis Harvey, Variety
Directors
Michael Mabbott
Writer/director Mabbott made his debut with 2005’s Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico, winning Best Canadian First Feature Film at the Toronto International Film Festival. He followed with Citizen Duane and television shows like Baxter and The Yard. His short documentary Music Lessons premiered at Hot Docs 2015. He also wrote, produced, and co-directed Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, which was named to the TIFF 2024 Top Ten List.
Lucah Rosenberg-Lee
Lucah Rosenberg-Lee is an independent filmmaker, speaker and entrepreneur. He is passionate about telling the stories of marginalized voices through film and he specializes in documentary and LGBTQ+ content. He produced For Nonna Anna, which won the Best Narrative Short Award at the Atlanta Film Festival, and he co-directed the 2024 films Passing and Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, which won the DGC Special Jury Prize at Hot Docs 2024.
Writers
Alison Duke, Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, Michael Mabbott
Cast
Rob Bowman, James Baley, Bobby Dean Blackburn
Producers
Janet Bradey, Justine Pimlott, Michael Mabbott
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, BIPOC Stories, Black Filmmaker, Discrimination, History, LGBTQ2S+, Social Justice & Politics, Strong Female Leads
Original Language
English
Language Version
FR Subtitles
Canadian Distributor
National Film Board (NFB)
Le temps d’un été (One Summer)
Featuring breathtaking cinematography and powerful performances, this latest feature from acclaimed director Louise Archambeault demonstrates the power of love and care, and the importance of supporting those who have fallen on hard times.
“Archambault delivers a delicately balanced, deeply moving story with One Summer.” – Pat Mullen, That Shelf
Director
Louise Archambault
Archambault’s first short film, Atomic Saké, won the Jutra Award for best short. Her first feature, Familia, won her the Jutra for best debut feature, and her follow-up Gabrielle was nominated for six CSAs. Archambault also directed the TV series Catastrophe and wrote and directed Il pleuvait des oiseaux, which premiered at TIFF. She has also directed the films Merci pour tout, Le temps d’un été, and Irena’s Vow, which won the Audience Award at VIFF.
Writer
Marie Vien
Cast
Patrice Robitaille, Sylvio Archambault, Élise Guilbault, Guy Nadon
Producers
Brigitte Léveillé, Antonello Cozzolino
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Interests
Family Relationships, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
French
Language Versions
EN Subtitles, FR CC
Canadian Distributor
Immina Films
- Own Voice
Before I Change My Mind
1987: While the other students wonder if new kid Robin is a boy or a girl, Robin forges a complicated bond with the school bully, making increasingly dangerous choices to fit in.
Director
Trevor Anderson
Writers
Trevor Anderson, Fish Griwkowsky, Katrina Beatty
Cast
Lacey Oake, Dominic Lippa, Vaughan Murrae, Matthew Rankin, Shannon Blanchet
Producers
Alyson Richards, Katrina Beatty
Genre
Drama
Interests
Bullying, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
My Animal
Living with a curse that turns her into a wolf if she’s out of the house after midnight, Heather (Menuez) is kept on a tight leash by her overbearing parents. But everything changes when she falls for the new girl in town, Jonny (Stenberg). The two form an instant connection, but as their relationship develops, it causes Heather to rebel, increasing the risk that her secret could be exposed – with disastrous consequences.
A stylish and tense horror-romance, this exciting first feature from director Jacqueline Castel features amazing performances from its two emerging leads, brought together with a cast of Canadian icons.
“My Animal marks an impressive, confident feature debut for several key talents.” – Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter
Director
Jacqueline Castel
Writer
Jae Matthews
Cast
Amandla Stenberg, Bobbi Salvör Menuez
Producers
Andrew Bronfman, Michael Solomon
Genres
Drama, Horror, Romance
Interests
Cult & Offbeat Cinema, Female Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
The Queen of My Dreams
Sumptuously capturing the feel of a Bollywood film while telling a relatable cross-continental story, Fawzia Mirza’s impressive debut feature is an instant classic.
“Mirza has created a film bursting with creative energy and distinctive aesthetic sensibilities.” – Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter
Director
Fawzia Mirza
Mirza is a writer, producer, actor and director whose work focuses on the Queer and Muslim experience in Canada, particularly on the intersection between the two. Her short films include The First Session, I Know Her, The Syed Family Xmas Eve Game Night and The Queen of My Dreams, which she adapted into her critically acclaimed debut feature of the same name.
Writer
Fawzia Mirza
Cast
Amrit Kaur, Nimra Bucha, Hamza Haq
Producers
Marc Tetreault, Jason Levangie, Andria Wilson
Genres
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Interests
Asian Filmmaker, BIPOC Stories, Family Relationships, Female Filmmaker, Global Experiences, LGBTQ2S+, Newcomer Stories, Strong Female Leads
Original Languages
English, Other Language
Canadian Distributor
Cineplex
- Own Voice
Short Film Programme
If you’d like to show several short films together as a programme, please feel free to get in touch for advice and tips on selecting the perfect combination for your needs.
Director
Shorts Programme
Genres
Action/Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Experimental, Family, Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller
Interests
Arts and Culture, Biography, BIPOC Stories, Bullying, Classics, Cult & Offbeat Cinema, Discrimination, Environment, ESL, Family Relationships, Female Filmmaker, Global Experiences, History, Indigenous Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+, Literary Adaptation, Newcomer Stories, Social Justice & Politics, Sports, Strong Female Leads
Original Languages
English, French
- Own Voice
Wildfire
Director
Bretten Hannam (L'nu)
Writer
Bretten Hannam (L'nu)
Cast
Guillermo Knockwood, Bobby Pierro
Producers
Bretten Hannam (L'nu), Gharrett Patrick Paon
Genre
Drama
Interests
BIPOC Stories, Family Relationships, Indigenous Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
I am Skylar
An inspiring and honest look at the challenges facing a transgender teenager and how the love of her family and community allowed her to embrace her true self.
Director
Rachel Bower
Writer
Rachel Bower
Producer
Rohan Fernando
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Family Relationships, Female Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
Language Version
None
- Own Voice
I Am Gay
Having returned home as a result of the pandemic, a young Black comedian decides it’s time to come out to his family.
Director
Ajahnis Charley
Writer
Ajahnis Charley
Cast
Ajahnis Charley
Genre
Documentary
Interests
BIPOC Stories, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
Imran and Alykhan
Director
Shakil Jessa
Genre
Romance
Interests
BIPOC Stories, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
Handsome and Majestic
Directors
Nathan Drillot, Jeff Petry
Writers
Nathan Drillot, Jeff Petry
Producers
Nathan Drillot, Jeff Petry
Genre
Documentary
Interest
LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
Take Me to Prom
The high school tradition of prom is explored through a series of interviews with LGBTQ+ students over the years, sharing their own diverse stories and perspectives.
Director
Andrew Moir
Producer
Andrew Moir
Genre
Documentary
Interests
BIPOC Stories, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
Reviving the Roost
Director
Vivek Shraya
Writer
Vivek Shraya
Producer
Justine Pimlott
Genres
Animation, Documentary
Interests
Arts and Culture, BIPOC Stories, Discrimination, Female Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
The Tailor
A young gender-nonconforming person finds solace and support in an unexpected location, the workshop of a master tailor.
Director
Nathalie Therriault
Writer
Nathalie Therriault
Cast
Hiro Kanagawa, Megan Danso
Producer
Andy Alvarez
Genre
Drama
Interests
BIPOC Stories, Female Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
The Little Deputy
Director
Trevor Anderson
Writer
Trevor Anderson
Cast
Trevor Anderson
Producer
Blake McWilliam
Genre
Documentary
Interest
LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
Woman Dress
Using archival footage and dramatized re-enactments retells a story about a Two Spirit person named Woman Dress that has been passed down through multiple generations of the Cuthand family.
Director
TJ Cuthand (Cree)
Writer
TJ Cuthand (Cree)
Cast
Kiley May, Beth Cuthand, TJ Cuthand (Cree)
Producer
Justine Pimlott
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Arts and Culture, BIPOC Stories, Female Filmmaker, Indigenous Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
- Own Voice
No Ordinary Man
Billy Tipton, a 20th Century jazz musician became a trans icon after his death, and his legacy continues to be carried forward by trans artists to this day. Featuring a unique documentary structure, the film uses an audition session for a proposed biopic about Tipton as a jumping off point for a group of contemporary trans artists to explore what Tipton has meant to them, and to share stories about their own lives and experiences.
Also featuring interviews with Tipton’s family, Aisling Chin-Yee and Chase Joynt’s remarkable tribute to a misunderstood artist was named one of Canada’s Top 10 in 2020.
"Approaching Tipton’s story with the free hand of an improvised jazz set, No Ordinary Man is an elegant riff on a classic progression that arrives at something transcendent." - Jude Dry, Indiewire
Directors
Aisling Chin-Yee
Chin-Yee is an award-winning filmmaker who directed the shorts Sound Asleep and Synesthesia, and the mini-series Plan B. Her feature directorial debut was The Rest of Us, and she co-directed the documentary No Ordinary Man, both of which premiered at TIFF. She was on DOC NYC’s 40 under 40 list and was named a Rising Film Star by Now Magazine. She has numerous producing credits, including the features Last Woman Standing and Rhymes for Young Ghouls.
Chase Joynt
Joynt is an award-winning director and writer. His first book, You Only Live Twice, was a Lambda Literary Award Finalist. He recently directed Framing Agnes, which played at Sundance and Hot Docs, and he is starring in John Greyson’s upcoming film, Door Prize.
Writers
Aisling Chin-Yee, Amos Mac
Cast
Billy Tipton Jr.
Producer
Sarah Spring
Genre
Documentary
Interests
Arts and Culture, Asian Filmmaker, Biography, Female Filmmaker, History, LGBTQ2S+, Social Justice & Politics
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
levelFILM
When Night is Falling
Director
Patricia Rozema
Rozema is a director, writer, and producer whose work has garnered 13 awards, including the Le prix de la jeunesse at the Cannes Film Festival and two Emmys. Her credits include short films, television, and feature films such as I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing, Mansfield Park, Grey Gardens, and Into the Forest. Her film Mouthpiece was named one of TIFF’s Top Ten Canadian Films of 2018.
Writer
Patricia Rozema
Cast
Pascale Bussières, Rachael Crawford
Producer
Barbara Tranter
Genres
Drama, Romance
Interests
Female Filmmaker, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
eOne
- Own Voice
Closet Monster
The coming-of-age story gets an imaginative makeover with Stephen Dunn’s debut feature, which mixes affecting drama with whimsical fantasy to tell the story of high school senior Oscar (Connor Jessup), a young man who is struggling with his identity and a turbulent volatile home life with his increasingly volatile father.
Oscar finds an escape from his troubled home life in a passion for special effects and fantasy makeup that he shares with his best friend Gemma (Sofia Banzhaf) and hopes to pursue in college. At home, he creates a different fantasy world, sharing a close bond with the pet hamster (voiced by Isabella Rosellini) who has talked to him since his childhood.
When Oscar meets the cool, handsome Wilder (Aliocha Schneider), he finally starts coming to terms with his own sexuality, which he has repressed since witnessing a terrible act of homophobic violence as a child.
Closet Monster premiered at the Toronto International FIlm Festival, winning the award for Best Canadian Feature Film and was named one of Canada’s Top Ten films of 2015.
Director
Stephen Dunn
Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Dunn established himself as a writer/director with short films such as Swallowed and Life Doesn’t Frighten Me, which starred Canadian screen legend Gordon Pinsent and won the CBC Short Film Face Off in 2013. His first feature, Closet Monster was released in 2015 and won the TIFF prize for Best Canadian Feature Film. He has written episodes of the 2022 reboot of Queer as Folk, Little America, and two Historica Heritage Minutes.
Writer
Stephen Dunn
Cast
Connor Jessup, Isabella Rossellini, Aaron Abrams, Aliocha Schneider, Joanne Kelly
Producers
Fraser Ash, Kevin Krikst, Edward J. Martin
Genre
Drama
Interests
Arts and Culture, Discrimination, Family Relationships, LGBTQ2S+
Original Language
English
Canadian Distributor
Elevation Pictures