Wicked Queer: Boston’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival (formerly the Boston LGBT Film Festival) was founded in 1984 by film programmer George Mansour. Wicked Queer is the 4th longest running LGBTQ+ Film Festival in North America and is an all volunteer organization. Our mission is to build community and to celebrate Queer storytelling and filmmaking through the uplifting of voices and stories not yet heard and to present and preserve the vibrancy of our histories. Wicked Queer is a sponsored project of the Queer Film Institute.
This April, Wicked Queer celebrates 40 years of bringing Queer cinema to Boston. Join us as we celebrate a milestone year with more Queer film from our bright past and our brilliant future. Keep scrolling down to check out all of the exciting programming appearing soon at the Paramount.
Info
Venue
Emerson Paramount Center
559 Washington St Boston, MA 02111
This collection of short documentary films highlights our histories, our current struggles and our activism for a better future.
Post screening Q&A
1. There Are Things To Do
Directed by Mike Syers 2023 | 18 MIN | USA | in English | Lesbian
rvashi Vaid, an outspoken immigrant, lesbian and woman of color was an LGBTQ+ superhero helped shape the modern day gay rights movement. Her vision for the movement serves as a roadmap of initiatives & tools for generations of activist as they face anti-LGBTQ+ backlash. The film features Urvashi’s life in Provincetown, MA and 34-year relationship with partner Kate Clinton, and inspires us that the best place to build community & work towards equality starts at home.
2. House of Tulip
Directed by Cydney Tucker 2022 | 24 MIN | USA | in English | Trans
House of Tulip follows two Black trans activists as they run for office and work to build Louisiana’s first housing refuge that provides residency for trans and gender non-conforming residents. We’ll follow the founders as they fight to use their organization to protect and build community in a state with one of the highest gun-related murder rates in the country. Their journeys will highlight the dangerous yet beautiful reality of what it means to be Black trans women in the deep South.
3. Ferro’s Bar
Directed by Aline A. Assis, Fernanda Elias, Nayla Guerra, Rita Quadros 2023 | 24 MIN | Brazil| in Portuguese with English Subtitles | Lesbian
Based on historical documents and interviews with lesbian who lived and fought in the 1970s and 1980s, during the military dictatorship, we are guided to a central episode in the formation of the Brazilian lesbian movement, the “Ferro’s Bar Uprising”, known as the “Brazilian Stonewall”. The film shows how lesbians stopped being restricted to the night, the inside of the apartments, and became a political subject that rises up against the censorship, repression and homophobic violence.
4. Conte: Transitioning Politics
Directed by Daniel Leonard Bernardi 2023 | 24 MIN | USA | in English | Trans
In the face of intense political rivalry and relentless media scrutiny, this film chronicles the extraordinary journey of Joanne Conte, an Italian immigrant’s child who not only breaks barriers as the first elected transgender city council member in U.S. history but also fearlessly forges an enduring legacy as a soldier, activist, politician, and investigative journalist. Conte embodies a defiant spirit of resilience and unwavering commitment to public service.
5. The Pride Liar
Directed by Andres Lübbert 2023 | 19 MIN | Belgium | in Dutch, English, Georgian | Queer
Emzo, a courageous queer activist, escaped persecution in Georgia five years ago, finding refuge in Belgium. This short documentary captures his unyielding commitment to the LGBTQ+ cause, showcasing the indomitable spirit of one individual’s fight for acceptance and equality.
BAM! follows the interconnected lives of Chicago gig economy workers. A nonbinary bike messenger delivers sex toys, two sisters deliver art for their mother, and two roommates watch their best friend’s drug empire while he goes out of town to make a mixtape.
2023 | 18+ | 106 Min | USA | in Greek with English subtitles | Comedy | Lesbian
Thu, Apr 06 @ 7:00 pm
While having a day-long swim at Athens’ queer beach, best friends Demos and Nikitas recall the events of a recent summer in the prospect of turning them into a screenplay for Nikitas’ feature debut. Imagining their lives as a film, will bring the two face to face with the pending conflicts in their colorful friendship.
This program is dedicated to black resilience. We endure bias and turn it into beauty, pain into progress, slavery into strength, discrimination into dance, mistreatment into music and marches and poise amongst constant prejudice. We speak every language. We come in every color. We face every challenge. We fight for our lives every.single.day. Every month is black history month. We have always been here and we always will. After everything we’ve been through we hold keep our crowns high; and still, we rise.
Post screening Q&A
1. Vanishing Seattle: Queer the Land
Directed by Netsanet Tjirongo 2023 | 14 MIN | USA | in English | Queer
Vanishing Seattle: Queer the Land is the story of a changing neighborhood, gentrification and displacement, a tenacious community, and an unwavering dream.
2. An Eighth of Him
Directed by Levi Eddie Aluede 2023 | 11 MIN | UK | in English | Mens
Kadell, a stoic drug dealer begins to spend more time with one of his innocent new buyers, Ade. Over the next few months, he starts to look inward as they begin to form a deep and unexpected relationship inside the sanctuary of his car.
3. Unless We Dance
Directed by Hanz Rippe Gabriele, Fernanda Pineda Palencia 2023 | 15 MIN | Columbia | in Spanish with English subtitles | Queer & Trans
jonathan (Bonays), an Afro dance teacher, undertakes an initiative to rescue young people from the crime that stalks Quibdó, a city with the highest homicide rates in Colombia. This is how Black Boys Chocó emerged, a dance company where hundreds of young people face brutal destinies through a passion. UNLESS WE DANCE portrays union and dance as the greatest expression of shielding the Afro people, it is a tribute to their act of resilience and to all the lives that have been lost along the way.
4. Asylum
Directed by Lionel Onyekwere 2023 | 19 MIN | USA | in English | Mens
ASYLUM is a character driven, self-acceptance drama. With a unique African perspective, it mirrors the best of intimate, nuanced coming-out movies like “Call Me by Your Name” and “Blackbird”.
5. Bumped
Directed by Mahaneela Choudhury-Reed 2023 | 15 MIN | UK | in English | Women’s & Queer
A heartfelt exploration of Michelle and Deja’s enduring six-year relationship. Their love is profound, they’re newly engaged, and they’re aspiring parents. However, an unforeseen infidelity sends tremors through their foundation, leaving Deja grappling with a turbulent mix of anger and a desire to salvage what they hold dear.
6. So You Wanna Vogue, Huh?
Directed by Zelda Fitzgerald, Ila Pittaluga 2023 | 28 MIN | Belgium | in English | Queer & Drag
An educative Ballroom documentary bebunking many of the misinformation with the re-explosion and appropriation of ballroom into the public consciousness. Even though in a scripted environment, the documentary is outspokenly black and femme.
To be Queer is to embark on a journey. Here, we explore the different narratives and stories Queer Asian individuals have to tell as they navigate moments of self-discovery, vulnerability, grief, love, and reflection. Join us as we embrace these moments of emergence, growth, and reunion, we’d love to have you along for the ride.
Post screening Q&A
1. Malwa Khushan
Directed by Preeti Kanungo, Sourav Yadav 2023 | 20 MIN | India | in Hindi with English subtitles | Lesbian
Coming of age story of two sisters Malwa and Khushan exploring and experiencing sexuality and attraction in their adolescent years. Living with their grandmother, Khushan always looks up to Malwa for her outspoken nature and courage. Soon a new girl arrives in Khushan’s class and she starts developing feelings for her.
2. The performance
Directed by Claire Zhou 2023 | 20 MIN | Netherlands | in Dutch, Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles | Trans
Chorister Lin (41) is preparing her solo performance for the Chinese New Year celebration at her church. When rumors start circulating about her son, she is faced with a difficult choice: will she hide or show her true self?
3. hi ading
Directed by Dinaly Tran 2023 | 2 MIN | USA | in English | Queer
“hi ading” is a poetic short that provides a glimpse into a love story. Speaking to their parents’ past selves, Dinaly asks and hopes that these past versions might help them realize that the decisions they may not understand are still made out of love.
4. Manting
Directed by Shuyao Chen 2023 | 15 MIN | China | Chinese with English subtitles | Lesbian
Manting, a Chinese woman in her early 60s, reconnects with the lesbian lover from her adolescence when one of her old classmates passes away. After classmates’ reunion event in a karaoke bar, they end up spending a night together roaming in the city.
5. Their Universe
Directed by Jeonggil HAN 2023 | 17 MIN | Korea | in Korean | Gay
Jun, who passed away in an accident a year ago, comes to Earth as a ghost to say goodbye to his lover, Hyun.
6. A Happy Wedding
Directed by Arin HONG 2023 | 20 MIN | Korea | in Korean | Lesbian
Same-sex marriage has been legalized! Jeongha prepares a wedding with her female partner while seeking recognition from the heterosexual-centered society.
7. Aking Senakulo
Directed by Jela Dela Peña 2023 | 10 MIN | Canada | in Tagalog with English subtitles | Trans & Queer
In a church, the golden light hits a figure’s wing scars. Their rosary sways from one hand, as sounds of leather against skin rings throughout the air. As they reach the altar on their knees, their hands come together in lieu of prayer. They find themselves transported to a place where they share food offerings and intimate touches with another being.
2022 | 18+ | 120 Min | Japan | in Japanese with English subtitles | Romance | Gay
Fri, Apr 12 @ 6:00 pm
When Kôsuke was 14 years old, his mother died. He spent his adolescence in a rural village and suppressed his feelings as a gay male. Now, Kôsuke (Ryohei Suzuki) has grown up and works as a fashion magazine editor in Tokyo. He meets Ryûta (Hio Miyazawa), who works as a personal trainer. Ryûta’s mother raised him alone and he is close to his mom. Kôsuke and Ryûta become attracted to each other and they sometimes spend time with Ryûta’s mother. Kôsuke is happy to share time with Ryûta and his mother, which makes him remember his late mother. Kôsuke and Ryûta make an appointment to go for a drive together, but, on that day, Ryûta does not show up.
2023 | 18+ | 114 Min | South Korea | Korean with English subtitles | Performance | Trans
Sat, Apr 13 @ 7:30 pm
Myung is a transgender who cut ties with her family and hometown because of who she is. Now, all she needs is the surgery but the only way to earn money, by winning the Waacking dance competition, didn’t go well. One day, she receives a call that her father passed away and Myung finds out that her father left a will that he will give her the legacy if she performs Drum Dance during his 49th memorial ritual. With no choice left, Myung goes back to her hometown to perform according to her father’s will.
To be Queer is to embark on a journey. Here, we explore the different narratives and stories Queer Asian individuals have to tell as they navigate moments of self-discovery, vulnerability, grief, love, and reflection. Join us as we embrace these moments of emergence, growth, and reunion, we’d love to have you along for the ride.
Post screening Q&A
1. Testing
Directed by Andy Reid 2023 | 9 MIN | Canada | in English | Gay
When a young gay man suspects he has an STI, he goes in for testing and discovers the older man he recently slept with is a doctor at the clinic.
2. (Un)Free Will
Directed by Robby Kendall 2024 | 15 MIN | USA | in English | Gay
Two gay Guardian Angels meddle with their assigned humans while bringing their past to the present.
3. The Eighth Day
Directed by Jonah Weinstein 2023 | 12 MIN | USA | in English | Gay
Noah and Jonah are gay Jewish husbands and new parents to a baby boy. When Noah and Jonah’s parents arrive at their home expecting a traditional bris for their grandson, Noah and Jonah are forced to reveal that they had something very different in mind for their son: no circumcision.
4. Open to It – Episodes 7
Directed by Tim Wardell, Jules Dameron, Frank Arthur Smith, Matt Hartman 2023 | 16 MIN | USA | in English | Gay/Lesbian
CONTINUATION OF EPISODES 1 – 6: Cam and Greg re-examine why they’re open – with lots of sexy shenanigans. Princeton gets a look in the mirror, and doesn’t love what he sees, even though it’s toned. Elsa and Reggie must figure out whether threesomes are better in theory, practice…or both!
5. Goodbye Tango
Directed by Jason Laurits 2023 | 15 MIN | USA | in English | Lesbian
The sudden death of Ruth’s beloved hamster reveals a decaying marriage with her curmudgeonly wife, Connie. Ruth must either accept the death of things or keep spinning the wheel.
6. FORAGING
Directed by Matthew Jacobs Morgan 2023 | 11 MIN | United Kingdom | in English | Gay
A bored gay couple go cruising for the first time, but when they get lost in the woods, the cracks of their relationship become chasms. A comedy short written and directed by Matthew Jacobs Morgan.
7. Great Canyon
Directed by ella sahlman 2023 | 7 MIN | USA | in English | Gay
Great Canyon is a live action / animated hybrid which chronicles a queer first date through the lens of the anxieties and insecurities that exude from the main character.
8. Complicated Order
Directed by Emmie Lichtenberg 2023 | 15 MIN | USA | in English | Lesbian
COMPLICATED ORDER follows Remy, a depressed twenty-something who’s just been dumped. When she accidentally places a food delivery order to her estranged girlfriend’s house, she must set out on a journey to retrieve it — causing her to reexamine their entire relationship, and herself, in the process.
From mermaids to monsters to dance-offs, these shorts will throw us back in time and make us yearn for our golden years.
Post screening Q&A
1. Living Fish
Directed by Bob Yang, Federico Evaristo 2023 | 12 MIN | Brazil | in Portugese with English Subtitles | Trans
Junior awaits the arrival of his float so he can finally get into the pool.
2. El Dance Off
Directed by Nicolas Sarmiento 2024 | 13 MIN | Argentina | in Spanish with English Subtitles | Gay
By a gas station in rural Argentina, a young kid, ERNESTO, secretly dreams of becoming a dancer. However, in the patriarchal world he lives in, dancing isn’t really a career option. It’s only after a dance off with RUBY, a broken-hearted drag queen, that he finds the courage to follow his dreams.
3. Mortal Enemies and Other Nonsense
Directed by Thiago Kistenmacker 2023 | 15 MIN | Brazil| in Portugese with English Subtitles | Gay/Queer
11-year-old Hugo and Lucas used to be best friends and now are strangers forced to spend an afternoon together. They embark on one last journey to their shared imaginary universe, turned into a very scary place since everything between them has changed.
4. Unless we dance
Directed by Hanz Rippe Gabriele, Fernanda Pineda Palencia 2023 | 14 MIN | Colombia | in Spanish with English Subtitles | LGBTQ
Jonathan (Bonays), an Afro dance teacher, undertakes an initiative to rescue young people from the crime that stalks Quibdó, a city with the highest homicide rates in Colombia. This is how Black Boys Chocó emerged, a dance company where hundreds of young people face brutal destinies through a passion. UNLESS WE DANCE portrays union and dance as the greatest expression of shielding the Afro people, it is a tribute to their act of resilience and to all the lives that have been lost along the way.
5. My Queerceañera
Directed by Marcos Nieves 2023 | 16 MIN | USA | in Spanish | Gay
Upon turning fifty years old, Karyna, a transgender immigrant, is determined to fulfill her lifelong dream of celebrating her Quinceañera in Phoenix, Arizona.
6. Living Fishes
Directed by Bob Yang, Frederico Evaristo 2023 | 15 MIN | Brazil | in Spanish with English Subtitles | Trans
Thamirys and Raphael follow the filming of the short film “Living Fish”, starring their children Agatha and Gustavo — two 8-year-old trans children.
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