The Youth Queer Media Program participants have been working since January to complete their short films exploring the themes of isolation, coming of age, gender bending, and first loves. The films created tackle issues from everyday life, queer identity in a contemporary world, facing challenges, and overcoming obstacles. Fairy Tales is proud to present the World Premieres at the festival with a Q & A after the films.

Features a post-show Q&A on the stage with the filmmakers!

Anders Bayly

PIXEL HIGH

Even though the kids at Pixel High are genderless robots, they sure do have a problem with casual homophobia! How will our Queer Teen Robot hero get through a day when it feels like everyone is out to get them?
Anders Bayly is a recent graduate of the Ceramics program at the Alberta College of Art and Design. When they’re not up to their elbows in clay, they love making music and movies. Visit baylyart.tumblr.com for more art!

Hannah Muszynski

THERE ARE NO PRE-REQS TO BEING A SUPER HERO (BUT HELP IS NICE)

After making the news for her take on queer issues at her university, Jessica receives a mysterious text message from an unknown number that opens up the world of superheroes that have been making the news. While preparing for a protest with friends, Jess also has to prepare for her first costumed night out. Vigilantism doesn’t pay, but then again neither does activism.
Hannah is a U of C graduate hopelessly addicted to comic books. She wants to be a lawyer, but mostly she wants to be Batwoman. Naomi, a big part of the film, is a U of C student who listens to Hannah rant and keeps her on task. She wants to be an engineer. Or maybe Poison Ivy.

sambuddha banerjee

SHUHRID SHOI

Family at a distance. Grindr. It’s just another day.
Beyond Borders is a program for new Canadians, immigrants, refugee claimants and people of colour who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning their sexuality or gender (LGBTQ+). The group is a volunteer-run and driven social group where LGBTQ+ newcomers and people of colour can network, make friends, and find a safer space to be themselves.

Trent Warner

I AM FULL OF LIGHT

In this short documentary, five survivors of intimate partner violence share stories of healing, liberation, and trauma to draw attention to an issue often overlooked in the queer community. I AM FULL OF LIGHT provides survivors with an avenue to vocalize harrowing experiences, demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit, and prompts discussion of community accountability.

Born in Calgary and raised in Winnipeg, Trent Warner is first and foremost a writer and soon-to-be public relations graduate. This is his first film, though he has many more floating around in his noggin. He likes writing a good sentence, staying hydrated, and goblins, ghouls, and ghosts. More than anything, he’s grateful and excited to share these arduous stories.

Celebration Gala to follow at The Naked Leaf.