Author: lgbttorontofilmfestival

Emmy Award winning Producer Amy Oden currently works at PBS’s Maryland Public Television, where she sheds light on a variety of social and scientific topics, including the Baltimore uprising, fracking, mass incarceration, and the opioid crisis. She is currently working on her third independent feature, “Calasag”, which is fiscally sponsored by the International Documentary Association,… Continue reading Director Biography – Amy Oden (LIPSTICK AND LEATHER)

In a buttoned-up city like DC, what happens when drag queens go rogue? LIPSTICK AND LEATHER explores the “alt-drag” community in the nation’s capital, and how these performers are spreading their influence across the east coast. Project Links  Website  Facebook

At the center of this stylized, allegorical melodrama, a tyrannical matriarch lies helpless and alone on her deathbed. Her family – scattered in different corners of the house – impatiently wait for their unbeloved queen to finally die. The audience becomes a voyeur into this private, claustrophobic world where the Matriarch’s daughters trade biting insults,… Continue reading Short Film: MEMENTO MORI, 15min., Canada, Family/Comedy

Riccardo Arpaia was born in Castellammare di Stabia (Naples) on August 3, 1996. He is a young emerging film director and screenwriter. He wrote and directed “Take my hand” and “Scoliosis”, two very popular video clips on the most important social networks. In August 2019 he wrote and directed “Shot”, a short film currently enrolled… Continue reading Director Biography – Riccardo Arpaia (MASCARA)

Manuel is a transgender teenager who is facing the first tough moments of his gender dysphoria. Every attempt to mirror the male sex to which he feels he belongs is useless. Having to hide his true nature from the people around him is an additional suffering to live with. His mother, however, understands what is… Continue reading Short Film: MASCARA, 10min., Italy, LGBT/Family

Jen McGowan is a director based in Los Angeles. Her most recent feature film, the survival thriller, RUST CREEK, was released in theaters January 2019 by IFC Midnight, hailed as “the feminist horror Hollywood needs right now” and listed in Forbes Top 20 Films of 2019. McGowan’s first feature KELLY & CAL (Juliette Lewis &… Continue reading Director Biography – Jen McGowan (ON THE RIDE)

On his morning bike ride, Scott grapples with the memories of a trauma he experienced with his husband Todd. When his route suddenly takes an unexpected turn, Scott finds himself on the doorstep of a stranger intimately connected to the past he can’t shake. Project Links  Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram

Carolina Neves was born on the 2nd of January, 1995 in Porto, where she currently lives.She completed the Audiovisual Communication course at Escola Artística de Soares dos Reis, specialising in Photography. During this period, she volunteered at Portuguese Red Cross – Delegation of Gaia and covered its activities and events.In 2016, Carolina graduated from Escola… Continue reading Director Biography – Carolina Neves (ALVORADA)

Vasco’s exposed to his brother’s extremist ideals, expressedthrough the National Socialist Black Metal genre. However, Vasco doesn’t identify with the movement’s nature and hides from his brother an essential aspect of his life, in order to avoid a fraternal break, while tracing the path of self-acceptance. Project Links  Facebook News & Reviews “Fantasporto 2020: Filme… Continue reading Short Film: ALVORADA, 12min., Portugal, Drama

Conner Evert is a filmmaker in Los Angeles. He tells stories in the realms of coming-of-age and self-discovery. Director Statement Thank you for considering our short film In The Meantime, With You. This is a story inspired by growing up in an unaccepting, everyone-know-everybody town with two best friends, when the world around you feels… Continue reading Director Biography – Conner Evert (IN THE MEANTIME, WITH YOU)