The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach has presented the Q Film Festival since 1993, spotlighting the underrepresented cinema of people who, for most of history, have flown below the radar. Times have changed, and film/art depicting these stories of triumph and struggle, while still denied mainstream distribution, prove that with visibility comes progress, and, eventually, understanding. The roster of docs, shorts and narratives lined up are impressive, with highlights including Blackbird, the story of an African-American gay youth coming out in a highly religious Mississippi town (starring Oscar winner Mo’nique), and Tru Love, the tale of a 30-something lesbian who wins the heart of 60-year-old widow to the vehement protests of the widow’s adult daughter. Other themes include a gay Hispanic man bonding with his straight son, a Persian Brooklynite bisexual trying to find her way, and docs on Latina trans-activist Bamby Salcedo, Philippine transwomen beauty contestants, and a group of African-American lesbians who fought off an attacker on the streets of New York and were incarcerated as “a Gang of Killer Lesbians.” The fest will, once again, be the hottest ticket in town, so get yours.
Sept. 12-14, 2014
