This small town will host LGBTQIA stories from around the world between 17 – 23 October 2024
BY JULINE ARNOLDT, IMAGE BY LILLAH HALLA
It’s crucial to spread the message globally that we stand united, reaching out from every corner of the world, even the smallest islands. Despite the ongoing sombre news, with some countries yearning for love, we aim to amplify our voices and provide a resounding echo of solidarity.
In this small hidden town in the heart of Bavaria, this echo is Queer Streifen. The paradise of beautiful mountains, large lakes, and forests, we celebrate a queer film festival for one week. It’s small but it speaks loudly. Young boys delivering newspapers raise their arms and wave their hands at sunrise, tossing rainbow-coloured flyers into the air where farmer’s markets are filled with vegetables and flowers freshly delivered from the nearby villages.
At noon, while the last sprinkle of flour falls over the loaf of bread in the bakeries filled with delightful aromas, chatters about the winner of last year’s Queer Streifen can still be heard.
This year, Queer Streifen takes place in October, as we wait for the city to turn into its autumn season where leaves change colours from lush greens to fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, and the air carries a faint scent of fallen leaves and wood smoke, giving a cosy ambience. Film submissions from around the world are accepted until 30 June. The cinema hall is dimly lit, creating a tranquil ambience, seats are covered in luxurious red velvet fabric, leaving a sense of elegance and comfort, and whispers and curiosity emanating from the front rows of the audience indicating the anticipation and excitement with the film about to be shown.
In the light of the film projector, tiny specks of dust dance like snowflakes, while film reels narrate the stories from the hearts of screenplays for one week.
Let’s lean back in these comfortable seats for a moment, and reflect on last year’s winning film LAVANTE (Power Alley). A beautiful story of a promising volleyball player facing an unwanted pregnancy which was also showcased in Cannes 2023 and caused quite a stir. In her homeland of Brazil, strict legal restrictions stand in her way. Supported by her diverse team, all part of the LGBTQIA community, and her father, she battles against the odds. Power Alley is a gripping tale of courage, solidarity, and triumph over obstacles directed by Lillah Halla, an emerging filmmaker in Brazil.
From all corners of the globe, they carry their film reels under their arms, journeying to the picturesque city of Regensburg to share their queer stories with a vibrant community. Every year, flags fly high for the Queer Streifen Film Festival amidst the mountains and rivers. In 2023, additional accolades were bestowed upon the short film ANGELIQUE by Elisabeth Kratzer from Germany, as well as the lesbian short film LA VIE AU CANADA by Frederic Rosset from Canada.
This year, we celebrate the 13th Queer Streifen Film Festival in Regensburg, from 17 to 23 October, at a cinema called Andreasstadl situated on an island accessible from the city via a large stone bridge. At night, lanterns illuminate the world beyond. Small towns, old and young alike, permeate with the scent of popcorn. Everyone fights for love, diversity and equality.
We need films.
We need stories.
We need love.
We need you.
DIVA magazine celebrates 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
