Inside Out, the largest LGBTQ film festival in Canada and the third largest LGBTQ film festival in the world, starts today and runs through June 2 in Toronto. With thousands of attendees expected, the festival continues to grow. \u201cThe strength and diversity of this year\u2019s lineup demonstrates the vital role that LGBTQ film festivals play in today\u2019s industry landscape,\u201d said Executive Director Andria Wilson. With new support from Netflix, the festival aims to support original productions by international LGBTQ filmmakers.<\/p>\n
The 2019 feature film program includes a total of 40 films, representing 32 countries. The lineup includes five world premieres, six international premieres. and 14 Canadian premieres. The festival also includes a wide array of short films and episodic selections. Explore the feature film lineup in this gallery and find out more about the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival.<\/p>\n
Jos\u00e9 Memories of My Body (Kucumbu Tubuh Indahku) Zen in the Ice Rift (Zen sul Ghiaccio Sottile)
\nMay 28, 6:45 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox 1
\nChinese-American director Li Cheng lived in Central America for two years interviewing gay and marginal youth, and learning about Guatemalan culture and history, in preparation for his second feature film, Jos\u00e9. The film follows 19-year-old Jos\u00e9, who lives at home with his religious mother in hardscrabble Guatemala City. He manages to sneak off for the occasional motel hookup, but when he meets Luis, a construction worker from the Caribbean coast, Jos\u00e9 is forced to make choices he would rather avoid making. Working in a gritty, realist style with an impressive cast of nonprofessional actors, Jos\u00e9 captures the thrill of love and sex in an environment that\u2019s not conducive to either of them. The tender, loving care Cheng applied to the subject matter certainly paid off in this sweet and moving drama, which won the Queer Lion at last year\u2019s Venice International Film Festival<\/strong>. Directed by Li Cheng. (Guatemala\/USA) – Canadian Premiere.<\/p>\n
\nJune 1, 2:15 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox 2
\nPolitical and social upheaval in central Java forces a closeted young dancer out into the world. There, he meets remarkable people as he struggles to come to terms with his emotional impulses and sexual identity. Orphaned at a young age, Juno is drawn to dancing and joins a Lengger dance group. Lengger is a traditional dance form from the island of Java, where dancers play with fluid gender identity. In four beautiful chapters we follow Juno through adolescence into adulthood, witnessing his blossoming talent while exploring the more graphic nature of the dance\u2019s origins as well as the men that surround him. In a movie that’s part political commentary, part dance film, part coming-of-age story, everyone that crosses Juno\u2019s path steps into his narrative \u2014 his 1980s dance guru, a chiseled prizefighter engaged to be married, and a closeted politician. Inspired by the life of famed dancer and choreographer Rianto \u2014 who also narrates the film \u2014 Memories of My Body sheds light on the buried trauma and complex life of an oppressed gay man. Directed by Garin Nugroho (Indonesia) – North American Premiere.<\/p>\n
\nMay 25, 9:15 p.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox 2
\nZen is a rowdy 16-year-old living in a small village on top of the Italian Apennines. Despite being a rising star on the local hockey team, they can\u2019t seem to connect with anyone. The only time Zen isn\u2019t alone is when being bullied at school or during hockey practice. In fact, they seem destined to make a high school career out of their loneliness, until Vanessa comes along. As the hockey team captain\u2019s beautiful girlfriend, Vanessa seems to have it all, yet she shares Zen\u2019s feelings of being misunderstood. But there just might be hope for them as they embark on what becomes an unexpected friendship. Ferri\u2019s stylish and assured first feature follows two teenagers who are seeking the courage to explore their true selves. With Fabrizia Sacchi. Directed by Margherita Ferri (Italy) – Canadian Premiere.<\/p>\n