This is the 21st installment of Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival. Being one of the largest LGBT festivals in the world, Inside Out will present more than 85 screenings, panels, and social events.
Opening the festival tonight, Thursday May 19th, is the Toronto premiere of Loose Cannons. Inside Out favourite Ferzan Ozpetek (Ignorant Fairies; Saturn in Opposition) returns to the Festival with a lighthearted tale of family obligation and repressed desire that is as playful and sunny as a weekend on the Italian Riviera. The comedy follows Tommaso as he balances running the family pasta business, consoling his outraged family and keeping his homosexuality a secret in case the news altogether kills his stricken father. A surprise visit of some of Tommaso’s friends, including boyfriend Marco, uncovers some wellhidden family secrets and helps to change some long-held beliefs among the family.
Centerpiece Gala on Tuesday May 24th is the Canadian Premiere of Weekend, a film by Andrew Haigh. Winner of the Emerging Visions audience award at the SXSW Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize from the Nashville Film Festival, Weekend is a refreshingly simple yet compelling love story of two ordinary guys and one weekend that you will hope won’t ever end. Mr. Haigh will be in attendance.
Inside Out closes the Festival Sunday May 29th with the latest adaptation of a Sarah Waters’ novel, The Night Watch. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1940’s London, this film tells the story of four young people – Kay, Helen, Viv and Duncan – who are inextricably linked by their wartime experiences. As air raid sirens wail, the friends find an invisible arena in which to explore their sexuality, discovering new freedom as they engage in secret liaisons and passionate tryst.
These are but highlights of what is in store at this year’s festival. There are films for the family on the weekend and also some fun parties for you to attend. For full details on Inside Out films, screening times and other events visit www.insiteout.ca.