A showcase of the best LGBTQ+ films from around the world today.
AUDIENCE Awards:
Best Feature Film: The Big Johnson
Best Short Film: Sprucilla and The Queen of Trees
Best Story: Stardust and Camp.
Best Documentary: Goth Brunch
Best Cinematography: Wax Wings feat. Miha and Lucille Croft “What if I Told you To”
Best Direction: Jiwa Korup
Best Experimental: Stoned for Christmas
Best Music Video: Hair
Best Sound & Music: Grandpa’s Got A Brand New Pill
THE BIG JOHNSON, 95min., USA
Directed by Lola Rocknrolla
Dean Johnson was a famous New York drag queen, rock star, sex party promoter and late in life escort. In 2007 Dean went on a job and never came back. Was it just an accidental OD, Dean had a history of drug use or was it something more sinister? Another escort died in the same apartment four days earlier. The mystery of his death is only part of Dean Johnson’s wild life. Dean was the first in many things, the first bald drag queen, the first to throw sex parties in the 80s during the AIDS crisis, the first openly gay singer on Island records (which cost him his record deal). The first and only person to throw a LGBTQ party at the iconic rock club CBGBs. Through Deans ups and downs, heroin, sobriety, love, sex, music, community, HIV, poverty, Dean survived them all. Until he didn’t. This film brings you into the burned out, fabulous world of the 80s East Village where the looming AIDS crisis made you want to live every day like it was your last. Dean Johnson personified this time in New York and in gay history. Dean Johnson was the man, the myth, the Big Johnson.
http://www.lolarocknrolla.com/
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-the-big-johnson
Stardust and Camp. 12min., Australia
Directed by Jayden Van Win
a wandering cosmonaut interviews artworks in an abstract art gallery, talking about queerness, identity and the artistic process.
https://instagram.com/jjayanimate
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-stardust
Goth Brunch, 6min., USA
Directed by Lewis Stice
Documenting Denver Drag Artist LisaFrank666 as she prepares for and performs in a Goth Drag Brunch.
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-goth-brunch
Sprucilla and The Queen of Trees, 9min., USA
Directed by Chris DiFiore
Barē is a Halloween tree decoration living in the clearance aisle at Bargain Branch, but their dreams refuse to be boxed in. They think they’ve got what it takes to be crowned as the next Queen of Trees, even though they don’t have luscious green leaves or dazzling decorations like the other trees in the competition. After Barē gets some guidance from Sprucilla, a legendary Queen of Trees winner, they embrace their chance to shine as their true self and prove that being different isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower.
https://www.instagram.com/imeanlive/
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-sprucilla
Wax Wings feat. Miha and Lucille Croft “What if I Told you To”, 4min., USA
Directed by William Kennedy
Leaving no room for time wasters, ‘What If I Told You To’ elicits total scuzzy submission at the hands of London-based techno-protagonists Wax Wings and Miha’s unflinchingly dominant composition.
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-wax-wings
JIWA KORUP. 15min., Malaysia
Directed by MOHD HISHAM SALEH
A low-ranking officer’s corrupt leadership is scrutinised, compelling him to confront the repercussions of his unethical behaviour. This raw AI short film delves into themes of power and loyalty, illustrating how even the most reliable individuals can become lost to corruption.
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-jiwa-korup
Stoned for Christmas, 14min., USA
Directed by Morgan Young
“Stoned for Christmas” is a multimedia whirlwind and a love letter to weed. This short film follows the adventures of one cannabis courier delivering at Christmastime.
https://instagram.com/stonedforxmas
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-stoned-for-christmas
HAIR, 6min., Hong Kong
Directed by Lam Man
A young boy finds himself drawn to living as a girl through the influence of his transgender friend. Together, they playfully explore the world of wigs and cosmetics. Their carefree moments come to an abrupt halt when his father – a traditional barber shop owner – stumbles upon their secret…
https://www.instagram.com/uncon.film
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-hair
Grandpa’s Got A Brand New Pill, 9min,. USA
Directed by Jeffrey Moline
Grandpa’s Got A Brand New Pill is a short musical film that features an original song inspired by writer, producer, performer Jeffrey George Moline’s eighty year old mother. Grandpa’s Got A New Pill tells the story of Tootie, a headstrong, independent woman on the eve of her ninety-sixth birthday. Tootie feels unseen and constrained by the rules and regulations of Shady Nook Retirement Home. With a little help from her friend Awesome Lee Bodacious Queer Country Superstar – Tootie decides to make sure her party has a happy ending!
https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-grandpas-got-a-brand-new-pill
LGBTQ+ Toronto Film Festival 