13 Must-see Queer Films at Out on Film’s 2021 Festival

Arts

Sep 22

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Another year, another batch of LGBTQIA+ films being showcased at Out on Film! We’re in a slightly better shape than last year, or at the very least, an interesting intersection. Luckily for us, OOFF is still just as accommodating. Almost every film has the option to stream on the festival’s website after its premiere night. Which means you can soak up great queer art from the comfort of your own beer.

If you do find yourself needing that social element and a nice night out; you can check the official guide which lists every film as well as where and when to see them.

Shorts, Full Lengths, Documentaries, and more... the 2021 lineup reflects the restlessness of the crew behind them. On one hand, we have films like New Flesh for The Old Ceremony, Vestirse, Are You Still Watching, and Chocolate Milk. All of which are films about staying indoors and where that can take your mind. And on the other side we have the off-kilter trappings of Before the Eruption, The Cruise, The Fandom, Sweetheart, and Potato Dreams of America. All of which are about expanding and moving forward, even to somewhere unexpected. Despite which camp you’re looking for, I’m positive you’ll find one that speaks to you.

So if you find yourself with some free time, and you have the access, I highly suggest the following films to be a must see for any and all queer cinephiles.

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Flee

Meet Amin; A resident of Denmark who had to leave his family in Afghanistan years prior. Up until now he’s been able to ignore his past. But with his recent engagement; new feelings of guilt are emerging. Will he open up, not only for his boyfriend, but himself? You can catch “Flee” Thursday September 30th, 9:00 pm at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema.

I Want To Make A Film About Women

Women are great, or at least Karen Pearlman believes so. Her new short is a sendoff to the cinephile queens of 1920s Russia. Their resolve to tell stories and seekfreedom under suppression. There’s something super satisfying about an experimental film made by a woman about women who were experimenting with film. You can see “I Want To Make A Film About Women” September 13th – October 10th at the Out on Film website.

Potato Dreams of America

For all of you here for a giggle or a gag; Wes Hurley’s autobiographical dark comedy sweeps in to give you both. Young Wes is one member of a just trying to make it work in a collapsing Soviet Union. As well as a new mommy that just arrived in the mail. All culminating with a scheme to escape overseas and start anew. If that sounds up your alley, you can see “Potato Dreams of America” October 2nd, 8:00 pm at Out Front Theatre Company, or October 3rd- 10th on the Out on Film website.

Being BeBe

“The show did not give me a career; it just gave me a platform”. Those were the words of BeBe Zahara Benet in her documentary detailing where she’s gone since winning the first season of Drag Race. Come with her as she figures out the identity of her brand, her family, her community, and herself. If you’d like to catch this journey you can see “Being BeBe” September 30th, 9:15 pm at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema or September 30th – October 7th on the Out on Film website.

Tho

Dating is a minefield of emotions and awkward hookups. But for Thơ it’s made all the more difficult by her realization that she’s asexual. Follow her attempts to break toxic cycles and find peace in her identity. You can watch this short film September 23rd – October 10th on the Out on Film website.

Firebird

In this drama about the Cold War our mains are starting to heat up the battlefield. Sergey has found himself at the center of a love triangle with a female soldier, and a handsome pilot named Roman. Will these three make it work in this period piece of passion? You can find out September 23rd, 7:00 pm at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema or September 24th – October 1st on the Out on Film website.

Over My Dead Body

Jackee is grieving after the death of her drag mother. The situation is made worse when her family refused to bury her in full makeup as she requested. It’s now on Jackee to sneak into the funeral and right this wrong. Watch this short film from October 1st – October 10th on the Out on Film website.

Are You Still Watching?

Jamie is where a lot of us have been the past two years: bored, lethargic, and horny. They’re yearning for pleasure so badly that the lines of what’s on screen and what’s in their mind start to blend. This surreal yet reliable pathway through the workings of a non-binary nerd is sure to hit home, in ways we all wish it didn’t. Join in the self-cringe of this Australian short from September 23rd – October 10th on the Out on Film website.

The Cruise

The only thing scarier than things that go bump in the night, are things that sashay in the night, and I think Richard Louprasong would agree with me. It all starts with a tale as old as horror; a couple takes a drive to the woods, and finds it isn’t what it seems. But things go awry when the horror is a little more personal than they expected. Will they ever be out of the woods? Find out October 1st, 11:00 pm at Out Front Theatre Company or October 2nd – October 10th on the Out on Film website.

The Fandom

Catboys, Puppies, and Tigers oh my! Furries have been a part of the community for a lot longer, and a lot more, than your average queer may thing. In this documentary we see the ends and outs, the ups and downs, and just how many tails are too many tails? If that at all interests you, you can see this flick September 24th – October 3rd on the Out on Film website.

Luv U Cuz

Drop down to this synthetic future where Comedy Central and Blade Runner meets. Kirby and Ma-Ma are cousins in a classic love hate family dynamic. The two decide to hit the streets and paint the town in their family drama in a way only we know how to do. If you want to see this sci-fi mirror, you can catch it September 23rd – October 10th on the Out on Film website.

Honorable Mention

We can’t wrap this up without mentioning that two members of the WUSSY fam will be gracing the screens with their latest projects. John E. Kilberg, moderator of Wussy Movie Club, presents “Vestirse” — a film about identity, evolution, and the struggles of gender identity. Joining them is director/writer Jono Mitchell with “If I’m Good” — a film about a widower who’s having a hard time processing his attraction to his new, younger lover.

You can catch both of these films at the Local Shorts Night on September 30th at 6:30pm at Midtown Art Cinema, and you can hear more from these filmmakers @WussyMovieClub, everywhere you listen to podcasts.

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Daniel Shaw is a student who loves all things film, whether it’s the creation or the discussion. He specializes in race theory, queer theory, and anything that sounds French enough.

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