Since 1991, Inside Out, a not-for-profit charity that promotes LGBT culture and community through film and video, has held an annual springtime festival in Toronto, and this year some very impressive names are attached to the ever-growing event.
Running from May 23 to June 2, the festival showcases films by, for and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people. The event continues to expand, and this year is no exception, with plenty of films to choose from across the cinematic celebration. Here are our top picks.
Submerge – Sophie O’Connor
A thoughtful and tempered film about a young woman’s rollercoaster path through life, Australian filmmaker Sophie O’Connor’s debut feature is personal and relatable. Jordan is a driven university student; smart, athletic and sociable. Under the pressure of stretching herself too thin between hobbies, studies, work and friendship, she turns to sex and drugs as a way of escape. A film that doesn’t overreach or fall into melodrama, Submerge speaks to those who feel in over their heads.
May 24, 6:45 p.m., TIFF Bell Lightbox
Behind the Candelabra – Steven Soderbergh
This evocative director, with a long list of impressive films to his credit — including Contagion, Ocean’s Eleven, Haywire and most recently, Side Effects — recently announced his retirement from film, so this may be one of his last offerings. While it’s uncertain what he will end up doing, and whether or not he will return, what is certain is that Soderbergh is masterful with sight and sound, and his ability to pace a story is unparalleled. Starring Matt Damon and Michael Douglas, Behind the Candelabra tells the story of the passionate and dramatic relationship between Liberace and Scott Thorson in the late ’70s. It’s sure to be fun, flamboyant and full of love in its many forms.
May 26, 9 p.m., TIFF Bell Lightbox. This free screening takes place in conjunction with the HBO premiere.
Out in the Dark – Michael Mayer
When star-crossed lovers Nimr and Roy first meet, their attraction is instant and powerful. A tale as old as time, told in a smart, stylish and contemporary way, Out in the Dark follows a Palestinian grad student and Israeli lawyer as they try to overcome history, culture, politics and their own families in order to be together.
May 30, 7:15 p.m., TIFF Bell Lightbox
Alice Walker: Beauty in Truth – Pratibha Parmar
This closing-night film is one worth waiting for. An in-depth look at the life of acclaimed writer Alice Walker, this documentary explores Walker’s professional and personal life, including her bisexuality, passionate love affairs and strained family relationships. Featuring interviews with famous artists and filmmakers, award-winning director Pratibha Parmar takes viewers on a fascinating journey.
June 2, 7:30 p.m., TIFF Bell Lightbox
Inside Out LBGT Film Festival, TIFF Bell Lightbox, May 23 – June 2