For the last 10 days Toronto has been bustling with doc filmmakers for the annual Hot Docs Film Festival. With over 180 films, meetings, seminars, and the forum, there is a lot to take in.
The highlights for me were the charming Italy – Love it or Leave it and the heart wrenching Call Me Kuchu that follows the efforts of the activists of Sexual Minorities Uganda including David Kato. Kuchu won the Teddy at the Berlinale and also picked up the best international feature award here. Congratulations to the filmmakers for their incredible work. It reveals the dreadful way the Ugandan anti-homosexual legislation and LGBT hatred in society in general is fueled in part by religious leaders from the West. If you have a chance to see either of these films – don’t miss it.
One of the most exciting things about the festival was the size of the crowds. Clearly people are hungry for good documentaries and willing to pay to see them…. It leaves me wondering why it is so hard getting broadcasters and distributors to produce and air them? We’ve been fortunate with Beyond Gay but it’s definitely been a lot of work, patience and determination. I hope “the industry” takes notice of what is happening here. Congratulations to the organizers and all the filmmakers, it was a great festival.
That’s a wrap from t-dot. See you at the movies soon.
We are thrilled that Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride has been included in the program of Quebec City’s first LGBT film festival Vues Parallels. The one day festival is taking place this Saturday April 15th at the Cinelplex at 591 rue St-Vallier Est. We also have a screening coming up at Proctors 2nd Annual Qfest in Schenectady NY on April 26th and in Winnipeg MB on May 31st presented by Winnipeg Pride as part of their 25th year celebrations.
We are also excited to be getting started on our next project, Rocco Dared, another exciting documentary about American LGBT activist and filmmaker Pat Rocco. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this project in the days to come but if you want to be a real hero – help us get it rolling by contributing to our Indiegogo campaign.
We’re baaaack, it’s 2012, and the BGM crew are gearing up for our favourite week of winter fun, Whistler’s amazing WinterPride week. This year is sure to be off the hook as this annual gay ski week is celebrating it’s 20th year and the organizers …. and heroes of Beyond Gay fame, Ken Coolen and Dean Nelson, have lined up some amazing entertainers and DJs. Mother Nature is cooperating and the conditions on the mountain are looking awesome too.
In keeping with their commitment to social justice Dean & Ken have got the Mayor of Whistler on board to make an official proclamation declaring Feb 5 -12 Pride Week in Whistler and the Rainbow flag will fly at city hall. Not that there have ever been any serious problems with homophobia in the Village, on the contrary, the LGBT community is welcomed enthusiastically by Whistler locals, and Pride flags have been flying all over the village for years. But as we learned first hand while making Beyond Gay, government support and recognition goes a long way to help the larger community understand that we belong, and deserve the respect and recognition granted each and every Canadian citizen. It also helps all the fabulous visitors that come from afar feel safe, secure and welcomed throughout town. And – hold on to your shorts – to make it even better, this year they’ve organized the first ever Pride March down the slopes and through the village. Gay Ski Week has survived for so long because of the amazing friendships that have been made over the years, both on and off the slopes. If you’re looking for a Pride event that truly fosters a warm sense of community spirit, and lasting friendships, you will not be disappointed.
In other news, the 2012 screening requests for Beyond Gay are rolling in. We are heading back to Montreal on March 2nd for a screening at the Journalists for Human Rights Documentary Media Festival. Between March 21-24 we will be participating at the OUT spoken conference in Lethbridge Alberta, more details on that coming soon. There’s more exciting news about the film in the works as well, but I can’t divulge until it’s a done deal, as the saying goes. But it’s awesome, and when it’s official you will hear all about it.
Well if you haven’t heard the latest – BC’s third largest Pride festival (after Vancouver and Victoria) takes place on Salt Spring Island from Sept 7th -11th. For an island of roughly just 10 thousand residents, that’s an awesome accomplishment and says a lot about the quality of the community there. If nothing else the Gays & Lesbians of Salt Spring Island have a one of the best acronyms I have heard in ages – GLOSSI! And reports are that this is an event not to be missed – and we are pleased and honoured to be screening Beyond Gay on Thurs Sept 8th at the Mistaken Identity Vineyards (164 Norton Rd). Wine & Cheese mingle starts at 7:00 PM. They are hosting me as well as members of the Vancouver Pride Society for a panel discussion about this year’s Pride theme “Out in the World.” Wine, cheese, movies and fierce conversation – I can hardly wait. Sounds like a great way to kick off a Pride weekend, and that’s just the start – other events include a dance on Friday night, plus the Parade and picnic in the park on Saturday. Get all the details here. So looking forward to it and I hope to see you there. See you at the movies! Bob
For the last 10 days Toronto has been bustling with doc filmmakers for the annual Hot Docs Film Festival. With over 180 films, meetings, seminars, and the forum, there is a lot to take in.
