Films being shown include Kokomo City and Mutt
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY KIM ALLAMAND
The Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF) is back for its eighth annual edition, showcasing the vibrant world of LGBTQIA filmmaking talent. Running from 26 September to 30 September at the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow, this year’s festival promises an array of thought-provoking and entertaining films and activities for all. Notably, all tickets for the festival are priced on a pay-what-you-can basis, ensuring accessibility to all.
The SQIFF 2023 programme is a diverse and exhilarating mix of films and events. Highlights include films like Mutt and Nowhere, both offering energetic day-in-the-life narratives. Additionally, SQUIFF will be showing Kokomo City and Sex Change: Shock! Horror! Probe!, shedding light on the realities of trans lives.
Beyond film screenings, SQIFF 2023 offers an engaging selection of activities. Participants can explore an analogue film workshop, immerse themselves in two unique art installations, and shop at a craft fair featuring local makers. For those seeking relaxation, there’s even a dedicated massage area. The festivities culminate in a legendary party at the local Queer club, Bonjour.
Here are some must-see films from this year’s festival:
Mutt (9 pm, Wed 30 September): A 24-hour journey into the life of Feña, a young trans man in New York, exploring the dynamics of relationships during the transition.
Kokomo City (3.30 pm, Thur 28 September): A striking black and white documentary sharing the stories of Black transgender sex workers in the US, offering a candid social commentary.
Peafowl (9 pm, Fri 29 September): Follow transgender woman Shin-myung on a journey of dance and transformation, exploring forgiveness and self-discovery.
(Tending) (to) (Ta) (9 pm, Wed 27 September): A speculative fiction film that encourages viewers to imagine communication with beings in parallel dimensions.
Sex Change: Shock! Horror! Probe! (9 pm, Thur 28 September): A documentary set in Thatcherite Britain that spotlights the determination of trans individuals to navigate family, work, and social life.
Nowhere (6.30 pm, Wed 27 September): An extraordinary 90s dark comedy-drama that intertwines camp silliness with the darker aspects of coming of age.
In addition to these films, there are captivating short programs, including Fleeting Love and Are You Into Emotional Edging?
SQIFF 2023 goes beyond film with drop-in art exhibitions and workshops, ensuring a holistic experience for festival-goers. Accessibility measures are a top priority, with various accommodations in place, including audio description and live captioning.
DIVA magazine celebrates 29 years in print in 2023. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
