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Tickets will be available through the American Cinematheque website.
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 versions of ourselves to emerge, the films celebrate the world-building and life-affirming possibilities of affirming queer connection. Each film highlights the journey toward discovering and nurturing queer sanctuaries. Whether it's through the physical spaces we inhabit, the cherished memories we hold, or the meaningful connections we forge with others, these films beautifully illustrate the diverse ways queer individuals find solace and empowerment. Collectively, they enshrine the most sacred and healing aspects of being queer — the profound journey of finding and accepting ourselves. Through these narratives, the films underscore the importance of creating and maintaining spaces where queer joy, safety and authenticity can thrive, offering viewers a glimpse into the transformative power of queer community and connection.
—Queer Rhapsody Senior Programmer Moi Santos
I Am Home
U.S., 2021 | Narrative
A poetic memoir, a love letter that speaks of introspection and what it means to rediscover who you are and cherish where you come from.
Digital, 3 min. Director: Kymon Greyhorse. Screenwriter: Kymon Greyhorse. With: Tiara Folsom.
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Vollúpya
Brazil, 2024 | Documentary
In a post-apocalyptic future, through a captivating montage crafted from archival footage, photographs and audio testimonials, this short film presents a sensitive and unique perspective on queer life in 1990s Brazil.
Digital, 21 min. Directors: Éri Sarmet, Jocimar Dias Jr. With: Lorre Motta, Zélia Duncan.
Work
U.S., 2022 | Narrative
Unable to move on from a breakup, Gabriela impulsively drops into an old job, where she unexpectedly runs into a friend from her past.
Digital, 13 min. Director: April Maxey. Screenwriter: April Maxey. With: Unique Jenkins, Star Amerasu, Nava Mau, Darlisa Ali, Scott Bender.
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Blue Square Heart
U.S., 2022 | Narrative
A drag queen is forced to reconsider his shockingly violent art when his estranged, conservative mother makes a surprise appearance at his show in an attempt to reconnect.
Digital, 13 min. Director: William Means. Screenwriter: William Means. With: Sextia N'eight, Jessica Lea Risco, Benjamin Lee Widner, Kian Morr, Shaw Purnell.
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Stud Country
U.S., 2024 | Documentary
Stud Country seeks to honor queer cowboy culture by subverting stereotypes and reveling in a shared joy of line dancing. But with the forthcoming demolition of their most recent venue, Club Bahia, the future of Stud Country becomes nebulous.
Digital, 11 min. Directors: Lina Abascal, Alexandra Kern. With: Anthony Ivancich, Abi Hamilton, Zach Solomon, Sean Monaghan, Bailey Salisbury, The Dancers of Stud Country.
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Ben in Bloom
U.S., 2023 | Documentary
Ben, a non-binary and queer teenager from the contentious Bucks County, Pennsylvania school district, weaves a heartfelt tapestry of their past, reliving the moments and people that shaped them into a fearless LGBTQ+ advocate.
Digital, 15 min. Director: Natalie Jasmine Harris. With: Ben Busick, Rose Lopresti-Busick, Marlene Pray.
