Opening Presentation: Closer

Kicking off the Festival with a dazzling celebration of our gorgeous queer community, this showcase of superb short films reminds us why we shimmy through the world with pride. Harnessing heart, humour, and style into a display of the supercharged strength we build by having each other’s backs—no matter where we come from or how we identify—these stories link arm-in-arm to announce their authentic truths. Familiar faces, such as beloved actor Ben Whishaw, and rising talents like Oji-Cree-Saulteaux poet jaye simpson star as queer heroes in this dynamic collection.

Stick around after the in-person screening and Q&A for our Opening Night Party featuring performances by Continental Breakfast and Persephone Estradiol (jaye simpson)!

Please note: We have sold out of advance tickets for the in-person program! A limited number of door tickets will be available, and online tickets remain available (just click “Get Tickets” and select “Online”). We encourage all pass-holders and ticket-holders to arrive early or on time, as we will release additional seats to folks purchasing tickets at the door once the program begins. Learn more about our Hope Line process.

We are also screening this program again at a relaxed screening on Sunday, Sept 15 at 12:15 PM.

Only some films in this program will be available to watch online. Online availability is indicated below by film. Learn more.

Good Boy

Tom Stuart / United Kingdom / 2024 / 16 min / English

A desperate man (Ben Whishaw, Skyfall) prepares to rob a bank, but his overly supportive mother (Marion Bailey) derails his plans.

In-person only.

F**KED

Sara Harrak / United Kingdom / 2023 / 6 min / English

One half of a lesbian couple wonders whether she’s fully explored her sexuality or if there’s more to discover.

Available online.

Bloomed in the Water

Joanne Mony Park / United States / 2024 / 14 min / Korean, English

When school picture day gets lost in translation, a Korean American mom tries to course-correct, striving to love better.

Available online.

I'll Tell You When I'm Ready

Hayley Morin / Canada / 2024 / 14 min / English

“If they’re gonna eat me alive, I want them to have to chew.” Poet, activist, and drag performer jaye simpson revisits her childhood.

In-person only.

Great Canyon

Ella May Sahlman / United States / 2023 / 7 min / English

In this short rom-com, a gay man (Johnny Sibilly, Hacks) navigates a swirl of anxieties and insecurities on a first date.

Available online.

Really Good Driver

Alex Song-Xia / United States / 2024 / 8 min / English

An Asian American mom teaches her teen to drive, forcing both to confront parts of themselves–and the car–for the first time.

Available online.

Is Gay Marriage Next?

Emily Clark / United States / 2024 / 16 min / English

A woman looks for the lesbian couple on the historic cover of a 2003 Newsweek magazine to thank them for inspiring her.

Available online.