The Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF) is gearing up for its 36th annual celebration, promising a vibrant showcase of 2SLGBTQIA+ stories from around the globe. Running from September 11-22, 2024, across various venues in Vancouver, this year’s festival boasts 97 projects from 27 countries, including 28 feature films, 5 series debuts, and 64 short films. Among the highly anticipated features is “Young Hearts”, a critically acclaimed film that perfectly encapsulates the festival’s theme of queer storytelling and joy. If you’re wondering where to watch “Young Hearts” and immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ cinema, VQFF 2024 is the place to be.
VQFF is more than just film screenings; it’s a community hub. Attendees can look forward to parties, captivating performances, insightful Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and industry-focused events, creating a holistic festival experience. This year’s program is carefully curated, highlighting international film and episodic content crafted by 2SLGBTQIA+ creators, centering on 2SLGBTQIA+ protagonists, and ultimately, celebrating the diverse spectrum of queer narratives.
Opening and Centerpiece Presentations: A Taste of Queer Brilliance
The festival kicks off with the Opening Presentation: Closer, a collection of short films designed to showcase the solidarity and brilliance of the queer community. This dynamic collection features familiar faces like Ben Whishaw and rising talents such as jaye simpson, promising an emotionally resonant and celebratory start to VQFF 2024. Themes of first dates, deep friendships, and tender family relationships will be explored, setting a positive and loving tone for the festival.
Ben Whishaw in GOOD BOY, US, featured in VQFF 2024 Opening Presentation
The Centerpiece Presentation elevates the festival experience further with the BC Premiere of Julia Jackman’s “BONUS TRACK” (UK). This Canadian director brings to screen the story of 16-year-old George, a songwriter yearning for independence from his small town and parental expectations. “BONUS TRACK” promises to be a heartwarming and relatable film about self-discovery and the power of music.
Feature Film Highlights: A Journey Through Queer Lives
VQFF 2024’s feature film lineup is a testament to the depth and breadth of contemporary queer cinema. Alongside “Young Hearts,” several other Canadian and international premieres are generating significant buzz:
- RENT FREE (US): This Tribeca favorite from Fernando Andrés follows aging millennials in Austin, Texas, as they embark on a social experiment of rent-free living through couch-surfing. It’s a witty and relevant commentary on modern urban life and queer friendship.
- IF I DIE, IT’LL BE OF JOY (France): Alexis Taillant’s documentary explores the lives of three older adults in Paris advocating for their right to love, recognition, and sexual liberation as they age. This film challenges stereotypes and celebrates the enduring nature of desire and identity.
- LIFE IS NOT A COMPETITION, BUT I’M WINNING (Germany): Julia Fuhr Mann’s Venice-debuted documentary delves into the experiences of trans, intersex, and queer Olympic athletes. It’s a powerful and timely exploration of inclusivity and gender rules in competitive sports, envisioning a more equitable future.
Charlie Hidalgo, Artistic Director of Out On Screen, expresses his excitement about this year’s lineup, stating, “It’s been a pleasure to witness the incredible calibre of work that 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers around the globe are creating. This year’s festival is an opportunity for Vancouver audiences to discover urgent, innovative and empowering stories by us, for us and about us.”
Further enriching the feature film program are:
- FRAGMENTS OF A LIFE LOVED (Italy): Winner of the Grand Jury Award at Frameline, Chloé Barreau’s film is a hypnotic exploration of sex and relationships, delving into the complexities of human connection.
- PARADISE IS BURNING (Sweden): A Venice Film Festival award winner by Mika Gustafson, this film poignantly portrays three sisters navigating life in working-class Sweden without parental support, capturing the resilience of youth.
- EXTREMELY UNIQUE DYNAMIC (US): Harrison Xu’s hometown premiere, co-directed with Ivan Leung and Katherine Dudas, is a comedic take on two Asian-American creatives making a movie about their friendship, one being gay and the other straight, highlighting the nuances of queer and straight dynamics.
- A MOTHER APART (Canada): Laurie Townshend’s award-winning NFB documentary follows Staceyann Chin’s journey to uncover the past of her elusive mother, a deeply personal exploration of family and identity.
- LAYLA (UK): As the closing night film, “LAYLA” promises to be a vibrant and energetic experience. Premiered at Sundance, this film from Amrou Al-Kadhi tells the story of a British-Palestinian drag queen lighting up London’s queer scene, celebrating self-expression and drag culture.
Episodic Series and Short Film Programs: Expanding the Narrative Landscape
VQFF 2024 also shines a spotlight on episodic projects, including the BC premiere of “KIN.” This five-part series, directed by Justin Ducharme and Theo Jean Cuthand, offers an honest and comedic look at contemporary urban queer and trans Indigenous experiences. With an all-Indigenous cast and crew, “KIN.” promises authentic and engaging storytelling.
Cast of KIN. series, premiering at VQFF 2024
Adding to the episodic lineup are:
- NOVELETTE IS TRYING (Canada): Vancouver’s first Black queer web series, premiering at VQFF, follows a bisexual woman navigating life and relationships in East Vancouver.
- TOUCH (Australia) & TRIPLE OH! (Australia): Australian series making their festival and Canadian premieres respectively, offering diverse queer narratives from down under.
- SPLIT (France): A French series from feminist author Iris Brey, starring Alma Jodorowsky, exploring intimate relationships and sexual fluidity, making its Canadian debut at VQFF.
With ten short film programs, VQFF offers a vast selection of shorter narratives. “The Coast is Queer” program specifically highlights local films and artists, including works by Rose Butch and jaye simpson, showcasing the talent within Vancouver’s queer community. “THE BIRDHOUSE,” directed by Romi Kim, focuses on a queer and trans-run event space, while “DRAG IS FOR EVERYONE” captures the spirit of the Carousel Theatre’s Drag Camp.
Youth and Community Engagement: Building a Queer Future
VQFF 2024 is making a significant step by aligning its dates with the school year, introducing “The Future is Queer: Youth Programs.” Co-presented by Out In Schools and The Cinematheque, these two days of free programs aim to make 2SLGBTQIA+ stories accessible to young people and support educators in related subject areas.
“Troublemakers 8.0,” an intergenerational film project, returns for its eighth year, presented by Reel Youth and Out On Screen. This program features new films by youth filmmakers documenting the lives of local queer elders, bridging generations and celebrating queer history and activism.
Don’t Miss “Young Hearts” and the Full VQFF Experience
“Young Hearts”, directed by Anthony Schatteman, stands out as a must-see film at VQFF 2024. This Belgian-Netherlands production is described as a “giddy ode to teenagehood” and a “winsome and warm-hearted exploration of fierce young love.” Set in the idyllic Belgian countryside, the film follows young Alex who moves next door to Elias, a popular 14-year-old. As their friendship blossoms, Elias confronts his feelings for Alex, leading to a journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening. To watch “Young Hearts”, attending the Vancouver Queer Film Festival is the prime opportunity.
The 2024 VQFF program, curated by Artistic Director Charlie Hidalgo and a dedicated team of programmers, offers a rich and diverse selection of films and events. For the full lineup of short films and the complete 2024 program, visit the official Vancouver Queer Film Festival website.
VQFF 2024 is more than just a film festival; it’s a celebration of queer lives, stories, and community. Whether you’re eager to watch “Young Hearts”, explore other groundbreaking LGBTQ+ films, or engage with filmmakers and fellow film enthusiasts, the Vancouver Queer Film Festival promises an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars for September 11-22 and prepare to be moved, entertained, and inspired by the power of queer cinema.
VQFF FEATURE FILM PROGRAM (Partial List):
- BONUS TRACK, BC Premiere (Centerpiece Presentation)
- LAYLA, Canadian Premiere (Closing Night Presentation)
- EXTREMELY UNIQUE DYNAMIC, BC Premiere
- IF I DIE, IT’LL BE OF JOY, BC Premiere
- THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN, Canadian Premiere
- WHAT A FEELING, BC Premiere
- DESIRE LINES, BC Premiere
- BULLETPROOF: A LESBIAN’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING THE PLOT, BC Premiere
- RENT FREE, Canadian Premiere
- SISTERS, BC Premiere
- VERA AND THE PLEASURE OF OTHERS, Canadian Premiere
- THIS IS BALLROOM, Canadian Premiere
- PRIDE VS. PREJUDICE: THE DELWIN VRIEND STORY, BC Premiere
- A HOUSE IS NOT A DISCO, BC Premiere
- LESVIA, BC Premiere
- YOUNG HEARTS, BC Premiere
- FRAGMENTS OF A LIFE LOVED, BC Premiere
- CARNAGE FOR CHRISTMAS, BC Premiere
- A MOTHER APART, BC Premiere
- THE ASTRONAUT LOVERS, Canadian Premiere
- PARADISE IS BURNING, BC Premiere
- UNUSUALLY NORMAL, BC Premiere
- THROUPLE, Canadian Premiere
- LIFE IS NOT A COMPETITION, BUT I’M WINNING, Canadian Premiere
- ROOKIE, BC Premiere
- ALL SHALL BE WELL, BC Premiere
- PERFECT ENDINGS, Canadian Premiere
- LOVE & REVOLUTION, Canadian Premiere
VQFF EPISODIC PROGRAM (Partial List):
- NOVELETTE IS TRYING, World Premiere
- KIN., BC Premiere
- SPLIT, Canadian Premiere
- TOUCH, Festival Premiere
- TRIPLE OH!, Canadian Premiere
