Emma, a talented conductor and rising star on the Montreal stage, has a complicated relationship with her father, and agent, Patrick. Facing a crossroad, she must decide if she is willing to do what it takes to succeed in her career, as well as her budding romantic relationship with Naëlle, a newly separated cellist and mother of a young boy.

Official Selection, 2023 Toronto International Film Festival

Cast: Sophie Desmarais, Maude Guérin, Nour Belkhiria, Sylvain Marcel

Director: Chloé Robichaud

Writer: Chloé Robichaud

In a youth correctional facility, 17-year-old Joe is preparing for his return to society, uncertain of what life on the other side will look like. His complex feelings about his imminent freedom are further complicated by the arrival of William, his new neighbour in the cell next door. As the two grow closer through lessons on camera obscura and rap workshops, Joe’s desire to explore the outside world gives way to a new desire. This striking feature debut captures the growing passion between the two young men and the ways in which it could ultimately lead to their downfall.

Official Selection, 2023 Berlin International Film Festival

Cast: Khalil Ben Gharbia, Julien De Saint Jean

Director: Zeno Graton

Writers: Zeno Graton, Clara Bourreau, Maarten Loix

Following the loss of their closest loved ones, a newly-arrived Egyptian immigrant, Nabil, and a trans drag mother, Malibu, find solace in their blossoming friendship. As Malibu teaches Nabil all about drag and Nabil helps Malibu’s effort to save her queer bar from renoviction they must work together to let go of the past and manifest the legacy their loved ones would have wanted for them.

Cast: Alexandra Billings, Ryan Ali

Director: Reem Morsi

Writer: Kaveh Mohebbi, Abdul Malik, Bryan Mark

Riley is the formidable backspot on her mid-level cheerleading squad but is given an opportunity to join the Thunderhawks, a high performance All Star team. Young, ambitious and fiercely in love with her girlfriend Amanda, Riley would be on top of the world if only she could get her crippling anxiety under control. Overwhelmed, obsessive and with a competition looming, Riley must decipher her own voice from the women around her, and form a healthier relationship to the sport that she loves.

Official Selection, 2023 Toronto International Film Festival

Cast: Devery Jacobs, Kudakwashe Rutendo, Shannyn Sossamon, Wendy Crewson, Oluniké Adeliyi, Thomas Antony Olajide

Director: D.W. Waterson

Writer: Joanne Sarazen

Azra, a queer Pakistani woman living in Toronto, is worlds apart from her conservative Muslim mother. When her father suddenly dies on a trip home to Pakistan, Azra finds herself on a Bollywood-inspired journey through memories, both real and imagined; from her mother’s youth in Karachi to her own coming-of-age in rural Nova Scotia.

Official Selection, 2023 Toronto International Film Festival

Cast: Nimra Bucha, Amrit Kaur, Hamza Haq

Director: Fawzia Mirza

Writer: Fawzia Mirza