In 2016, Queer City Cinema celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first incarnation in 1996. There’s been some rocky patches over that time, including a big controversy over “porn” in 2000, but QCC has steadily entrenched itself as part of Regina’s arts and culture calendar.
Artistic director Gary Varro has shepherded the festival since Day One. It started out as a biennial event, and is now held annually. In addition, a second festival tied to queer-themed performance art called Performatorium is now held every January.
Queer City Cinema 2015 is looming on the horizon. The three days of programming run from May 21-23, and the screenings will all be held at Neutral Ground Artist Run Centre at 201-1856 Scarth St.
The theme this year is Layers, and the curatorial thrust for Varro relates to the idea that while individual LGBTs may share some common ground as it relates to issues of gender and sexuality, just like everyone else, they have unique aspects to their lives and personal histories that resist easy categorization. Ethnicity, religion, health status, economic standing, country of origin are some of the variables artists consider in their work.
You can find details on the programs, which run Thursday at 7 and 9 p.m., Friday at 7, 9 and 11 p.m., and Saturday at 1, 3, 7, and 9 p.m. by visiting the QCC website. The two Saturday matinees are Free, while the remaining screenings are ticketed. All screenings are restricted to 18+.
To give you a taste of what to expect, here’s the trailer for the 2014 feature film Appropriate Behavior by Desiree Akhavan that screens Saturday at 9 p.m.