Its the 43rd Anniversary of Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, the second longest-running film festival of its kind…… and one of Queerguru’ s favorites. Is program is always very diverse and it showcases the very best queer cinema across the entire LGBTQA+ spectrum From award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts, and is has become one of the most important cultural events for Chicagoans It also attracts LGBTQ+ people from throughout the Midwest who consider the festival to be the highlight of their cinematic year. Us included.
We had the Queerguru Team of reviews to create our TOP PICKS OF MUST-SEE MOVIES, and if you like our choices ( and why wouldn’t you?) be sure to book ASAP as screenings do sell out.
A Few Feet Away is directed by Tadeo Pestana Caro and takes a close look at modern dating culture. The ease of using online apps, their addictive nature, their potential to create an unreal world for the user, the risk of loneliness, the chance of meeting very odd people, the line between fantasy and reality, and the danger of ignoring real-world opportunities at the expense of potential online rewards are issues many hook-up app users will be familiar with. Although set in Buenos Aires the themes of the film apply to any city in the world.
A Night Like This “to live forever you have to give yourself to someone else”. The film is a smart reflection on loneliness and the meaning of life by director Liam Calvert that takes hours of darkness for the two protagonists. They share with each other their fears, insecurities, and show intimacy on the street and public places with Jack Kerouac´s quotes on meaning in between.
As a long time Friends of Dorothy’s and film buffs to boot we had assumed we knew all there was to know about Dorothy Gale, but this intoxicating new documentary film by Jeffrey McHale that premiered at Tribeca Festival proved is so very wrong. Judy Garland‘s portrayal in the 1939 classic Wizard of Oz film still makes her the iconic Dorothy of all time, but McHale doesnt just investigate the significance and deeper meaning of her role, but he also looks at all the subsequent interpretations of Frank Baum’s original book that was published in 1900. Unmissable.
Lesbian Space Princess: In this animated movie introverted space princess Saira is devastated when she is unexpectedly dumped by her girlfriend Kiki for being needy. Deep in the depths of despair, Saira is thrown a lifeline when Kiki abruptly calls for help. Kiki has been kidnapped by forgotten incels known as the Straight White Maliens. Problem is, they’re holding her ransom for the one thing Saira doesn’t have: one of the most powerful weapons known to lesbian kind – her royal Labrys. 24 hours on the clock, Saira sets out to save her ex in the hopes of winning her back. Along the way she will face the the fears of the unknown and the scariest thing of all: her own self doubt
Outerlands. Elena Oxman’s compelling film is the the story of two hurt people who don’t believe they deserve any act of kindness that’s given to them. Through their unlikely relationship, they learn that everyone deserves to feel loved. Cass (Asia Kate Dillon) and their younger scene partner, Ari (Ridley Asha Bateman) give such gentle, grounded performances. Outerlands is a truly special piece of filmmaking that you really should not miss.
PLAINCLOTHES Top of our list this year of highly anticipated movies was this feature film debut of writer/director Carmen Emmi. His PLAINCLOTHES is a love story that turns into a thriller set in 1997 that reminds us of how our community was harassed and persecuted as some authorities still bore anger that homosexuality had been legalized. Starring Brit heartthrob Russell Tovey, the ‘love story’ part of Plain Clothes is both sad and sexy but it is impossible not to be totally captivated. The sad part is that although this is set in the dark part of queer history, in this present uncertain political, it could very easily rear its ugly head again . You may like to check out this interview Queerguru filmed with writer/director CARMEN EMMI
Queerpanorama takes a deep dive into the offbeat hook-up experiences of a twenty.-something Hongkonger. Directed by Jun Li and featuring the impressive acting debut of Jayden Chun Based on the real-life sex experiences of Li, and featuring several of his actual previous hook-up partners, and shot in their real homes, we are treated to a snapshot of queer life in Hong Kong.
Get ready for a treat with Rains Over Babel, a glorious queer Afro-Colombian retro-futuristic tropical punk assault on the senses. Director Gala del Sol’s gem is based in and around Babel, a late-night neon-lit dive/cabaret bar in Cali, Colombia, The resulting two hours combine strong casting, great art direction and cinematography, fabulous sets and outfits Colombian latino-style with abundant surreal moments , as the paths of the local beauties, and others, twist and turn in a manner reminiscent of Dante’s Inferno. – especially those involving the talking salamander, a sex hotel and BDSM clad little people!!!!
Some Nights I Feel Like Walking : Vargas has taken themes of queer chosen family, the Duterte crimes, police/authority oppression, the ending of life, rich versus poor and marginalised living and fashioned an intense, fast-paced film that gives an interesting insight into Filipino life. Shot entirely at night, the cast (chosen from hundreds of applicants) have a strong bond and chemistry. There’s a rawness to the film, with many shots filmed on handheld cameras and involving the public, that gives it an authenticity. The scenes of intimacy also feel real, ranging from the emotionless, transactional ‘no kissing’ escort hook ups, to the tenderness of real love. The strong soundtrack adds to the mix. It’s a film of two halves, a strong opening half set in Manila, with the second half on the road meandering slightly with a couple of incomplete sub-plots, before finding its way again in great style at the end. I guess that’s life though. It’s great to see queer Manila on the screen – the Philippines being one of the most LGBTQ friendly destinations in South East Asia.
 Chicago’s Reeling Film Festival is back for its 43rd edition, check out the whole program |
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