Screening followed by Q&A with: Meg Shutzer (Co-Director & Producer) and Brandon Yadegari Moreno (Co-Director and DP) from Mother.

Throughout history, queer people have conceptualized and practiced various forms of resistance – politically and artistically; individually and collectively. The films in this block examine the world as it is while raising the possibility of what it can be. Whether based on a true story or an imagined story, these films showcase the transformative power of defying the status quo and inspire viewers to explore, embrace and ultimately, enact alternate futures.

Screening followed by Q&A with: Robert Nachman (Co-Director & DP, Entre Amigxs), Min Soo Park (Director), and Fengze Larry Liang (DoP).

Embark on a journey through short films celebrating queer resilience, creativity, and diverse identities. Follow Felicia Oh, a Taiwanese-American drag queen in NYC; Saturn Risin9, a Bay Area performance artist; Shoog McDaniel's celebration of marginalized bodies in Florida; Fran's nostalgic hometown visit; and the lives of five trans artists in Mexico City. These films explore identity and belonging through storytelling, dance, photography, and performance, fostering unity and appreciation for creative expression.

Screening followed by Q&A with: Natalie Jasmine Harris (Ben in Bloom), Lina Abascal (Stud Country), Alexandra Kern (Stud Country), April Maxey, Writer / Director (Work), Elaine Whae, Actress (Work); and from Blue Square Heart: William Means (Director), Noam Klement (Editor), Olia Zimarova (Producer), Yulia Safonova (Producer), Jessica Lea Risco (Actor), and Kian Morr (Actor).

This program of short films showcases the queer sanctuaries we create and find in spaces, our memories, and in others. Centered around the joy and safety that allow for the most authentic version of ourselves to emerge, the films showcase the world-building, and life-affirming possibilities of queer relationality. Individually, these films each highlight the nature and journey towards queer sanctuaries. Together they enshrine the most sacred and healing aspects of being queer – finding ourselves.

Screening followed by Q&A with: Sterling Hampton (Merman), NOVA CYPRESS BLACK (Dey/Dem), No Guest Speakers (MnM), Tee Park (Co-director, Winter Insect, Summer Flower), and Gbenga Komolafe (Co- director, Winter Insect, Summer Flower).

Explore this immersive collection of short films celebrating Black queer lives. From documentaries on vibrant drag queens and Black elders to magical coming of age journeys and stories of transformative love, these films weave a rhapsody of resilience and authentic connections.

Screening followed by Q&A with: MG Evangeista (Director, They Call Me Suki), W.A.W. Parker (Writer, The Roof), Alexander Bocchieri (Director, The Roof), Blake Pickens (Producer, The Roof), and Emily May Jampel (Director, Lucky Fish).

Generations In Bloom showcases the beauty of connection and captures the essence of growth throughout different stages of life. By portraying queer individuals across different eras, these short films highlight the universal quest for self-acceptance and the formation of meaningful relationships, celebrating the enduring power of love and community.

Screening followed by Q&A with: Andrea A. Walter (Writer/Director, I'm In Love with Edgar Alan Poe), Ella Jay Basco (Actor, I'm In Love with Edgar Alan Poe), Neal Suresh Mulani (writer/director/actor/producer, RAT!), Lottie Abrahams (Producer, RAT!), Katie White, ILY BYE, Molly Hallam (Producer), and Mireia Vilanova (Producer).

Laughing Through Fire offers hilarious reflections on the day-to-day journey of making your way through the minefield of modern times — whether online or IRL — as members of the queer and trans community. Showcasing tremendous clarity of expression and style, the filmmakers behind the works in this short film program utilize humor as a guide to making sense of our increasingly convoluted world.