The Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival (Inside Out) returns to Toronto with an expansive and vibrant program celebrating queer storytelling from around the world. This year’s festival features 29 feature films and 72 shorts from more than 20 countries.
Sharing my picks of feature films and some industry events for you. The lineup this year is quite exciting and hope you check out to as many films in person or from home.
Hye’s Film Picks
She’s the He
Dir. Siobhan McCarthy
May 26, 2026, 6:45 PM
One week before their high school graduation, best friends Alex (Nico Carney) and Ethan (Misha Osherovich) concoct a plan to finally dispel the rumors that they’re gay… By coming out as trans women. The film delivers a refreshing, warm, and hilarious story about acceptance, friendship, and trans joy.
This charming and hilarious film was nominated for an Indie Spirit Award this year. This high school coming-of-age comedy hits all the high points. It was a favourite of mine from the Indie Spirit nominees. I truly enjoyed every minute of it and I think you will too.
Centrepiece Gala: I Come Home
Dir. Glen Wood
May 26, 2026, 9:15 PM
In Glen Wood’s complex feature debut, we meet Christine (Hannah Cheesman) and longtime partner Alex (Carlos Gonzalez-Vio) as they’re finding their rhythm with a new, younger partner, Stephane (Ryan Ali).
The film explores the complicated dynamics of a polyamorous relationship as Christine decides to bring both of her partners to her sister’s wedding, and she discovers that she’s pregnant.
Tracy & Martina: Goin’ Out West
Dir. Brendan Lyle
May 27, 2026, 6:45 PM
The film follows Tracy (Justine Williamson) and Martina (Greg Vardy) as they head to Alberta on tour to open for a local band. But when plans fall through and resentments rise to the surface, they must band together to find a way home or risk being stuck in Alberta forever (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
Maddie’s Secret
Dir. John Early
May 28, 2026, 7:00 PM
From the outside, Maddie Ralph (John Early) seems to have it all, a solid partner (Eric Rahill), a career she loves creating food-related content, and a supportive, loving best friend (Kate Berlant). But underneath all this carefully curated life lies a dark history of self-harm and disordered eating that now threatens to resurface.
CW/TW: This film includes depictions of eating disorders and related trauma, specifically bulimia nervosa.
Iván & Hadoum
Dir. Ian de la Rosa
May 28, 2026, 9:15 PM
In a greenhouse in southern Spain, Iván (Silver Chicón) falls in love with newly hired coworker, Hadoum (Herminia Loh). However, his long-awaited promotion interferes with their relationship, forcing Iván to decide what kind of person he wants to be.
The couple is put under immediate strain as external forces threaten to turn their dream into a nightmare.
Special Presentation: Leviticus
Dir. Adrian Chiarella
May 29, 2026, 9:15 PM
Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen), seated with their families in church, communicate through stolen glances, guarding a secret that could cost them everything. When it’s exposed, their families intervene, determined to “save” them from a life they refuse to accept. But the ritual meant to cure them unleashes something far more dangerous.
The film confronts conversion therapy, religious fanaticism, and the turbulence of coming of age, emerging as a thrilling, deeply poignant addition to the Queer horror genre.
CW/TW: The film contains scenes that may be disturbing, including depictions of violence, blood, and gore.
Closing Night Gala: Heals
Dir. Pailin Wedel
May 30, 2026, 7:00 PM
The film traces the life of international drag star Pangina Heals (Pan Pan Narkpraser) from a traumatic childhood to becoming Asia’s first drag queen with a Las Vegas residency. This intimate documentary follows his journey from family turmoil to his Las Vegas residency, set against the vibrant backdrop of Thailand’s Queer culture.
Whisperings of the Moon
Dir. Yuqing Lai
Until May 31, Virtual (Ontario only)
Following her father’s death, theatre actor Nisay (Sopheanith Thong) returns from New York to Phnom Penh, where she is unexpectedly reunited with Thida (Deka Nine), her former lover. As past and present intertwine, the film traces the quiet intensity of their secret relationship and the forces that drove them apart.
Industry Events
Final Girls, Gays and Theys: Genre Film Through a Queer Lens
May 27, 2026, 12:15 PM
Panelists
- Hannah Alline | Director, Scissors
- Geena Rocero | Director, DOLLS
- Mark Pariselli | Filmmaker
- Lu Asfaha | Filmmaker and Founder of Defar Media
- Tricia Hagoriles | Filmmaker (Moderator)
This panel brings together filmmakers and enthusiasts to dissect the unique relationship between queer identity and genre filmmaking.
Case Study: Modern Whore
May 27, 2026, 2:15 PM
Learn more about Modern Whore, one of the most dynamic documentaries of the year, through this conversation with the creative team behind the film. Longtime collaborators Director Nicole Bazuin and subject and co-writer Andrea Werhun will be joined by producer Lauren Grant and casting director Jesse Griffiths.
Before attending this Industry Panel, you can hear more about the film from my conversation with Werhun and Bazuin during TIFF last year.
Pitch, Please! Competition
May 27, 2026, 3:30 PM
Watch as filmmakers take the mic to deliver high-stakes, 5-minute power pitches in front of a live audience and a jury of industry experts.
Inside Out screenings and events run until May 31, 2026. Screenings will take place at TIFF Lightbox, with a selection of titles available to stream Ontario-wide. For the full festival program, schedule and to purchase tickets, visit InsideOut.ca.
