The sixth annual LGBT Film Festival is returning to Ottawa this November.
The festival, put on by Inside Out, a non-profit registered charity, runs from Nov. 15-18 and features films of all genres. Inside Out’s director of programming, Andrew Murphy, said diversity was important. He didn’t want to stick to just one type of film.
“I think overall there isn’t any specific theme. It’s about showing the best quality and also somewhat challenging work,” Murphy said.
“We have your feel-good things, but we also want to challenge our audiences and facilitate discussion. We have hard-hitting documentaries that are devastating but will also make you feel fulfilled in so many other ways.”
Murphy added that because of this, he hopes the festival will be able to appeal to all.
“Obviously you want to represent all the different communities within the queer community and make sure there’s something for everyone,” he said.
“I think the program really represents a broad spectrum and I feel really good about that.”
Anuja Varghese, the development manager at Inside Out, said she agrees — diversity is important. Despite the festival’s length, she said it’s important to appeal to all audience members,
“We find in Ottawa the audiences are always really enthusiastic about the films we bring here, which is why it’s always important for us to bring a good mix of programming,” she said.
“It’s a short festival in Ottawa, but over the course of those four days, you’re going to find something for everyone. People can come out and get a sense of what a great community event it is.”
And so the festival continues to grow and change every year to cater to larger and more diverse audiences. This is Murphy’s first year planning the festival, and he said he has continued to add to the program.This year’s lineup will screen a wide range of films — documentaries, comedies, and tragedies — but will also feature a family film and a student matinee. Murphy said it’s important to get students involved in the discussions that these films can spark.
“Student population is really important, especially for the queer community. They’re going to be our leaders of tomorrow and arts, cultures, film and music, all these things are important. It’s great to be able to have an outlet,” he said.
Jodie McNamara is a volunteer for the festival, as well as the youth co-ordinator for Capital Pride. She said she agrees it’s important that GLBTQ youth are exposed to films and artistic mediums they can relate to.
“One thing that GLBTQ adults didn’t have in the past was representation of themselves in the mainstream. And that’s something queer youth still don’t have,” she said.
“I think films like this — and making youth aware these films exist — is a really important step in the right direction.”
Melissa Davenport, who also volunteers for the festival, said she also feels it’s important for youth to be exposed to characters and stories they can relate to. She said growing up, she never had that chance.
“I was not exposed to any of this growing up. So I’m so thankful that, living here in Ottawa, I have the opportunity to go to films such as this, that are dedicated towards the LGBTQ community,” she said.
But Murphy said regardless of age, what’s important is how the films impact the people who watch them.
“These aren’t just popcorn films. They are films that will make you think, make you laugh, make you cry,” he said.
“All we can ask for is that people take something away, no matter what it is. We want the festival to stick with them, even after the film is over.”
Tickets are available at Venus Envy or the Inside Out website, starting Nov. 1. They are eight dollars per film for students.
