Buried within the woods of Alberta sits camp fYrefly, a haven for 2SLGBTQ+ teens, far away from the fierce political battle currently being waged against queer expression and gender identity. Summer Qamp invites audiences into the innocence and joy of a summer away with friends, while never losing sight of the bravery of these young protagonists whose very existence is challenged in their everyday lives.

Official Selection, 2023 Toronto International Film Festival

Director: Jen Markowitz

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

An eight-year-old child struggles with the fact that people keep addressing her in confusing ways; her birth name feels very wrong, and her nickname Cocó doesn’t feel quite right either. During a summer in the Basque Country among the beehives, she explores her name and identity alongside her mother and the women of her family, who are also reflecting on their own lives and desires. Much like a beehive, 20,000 Species of Bees examines a space predominantly run by women, exploring with great care the incredible complexity of gender identity.

Nominee, Teddy and Golden Berlin Bear Award, 2023 Berlin Film Festival

Cast: Sofi­a Otero, Patricia Lôpez Arnaiz, Ane Gabarain, Itziar Lazkano, Sara Cozar, Martxelo Rubio

Director: Esti­baliz Urresola Solaguren

Writer: Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren

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