Program 36: Safe Space

Next Generation Series, Shorts Program, Sunday, Oct. 15 / 90 mins

These LGBTQ youth stories prove that as much as we have gained so much ground as a community these past few years, there is still much to accomplish for equality. But we are counting our blessings.

In This Program: As We Are, Jordy In Transitland, Walk For Me, Pillow Talk, Approaching, Lily, The Real Thing

Program 37: Just Charlie

Rebekah Fortune / Next Generation Series, Narrative Feature, Sunday, Oct. 15 / UK / 2017 / 99 mins

At just 14 years old, Charlie Lindsay is being recruited by a top football club, putting him on the fast track to the premier league. It’s any kid’s dream come true. Everyone he knows is thrilled for him... so why isn’t he happy? Lurking beneath the surface is a secret so suffocating that it’s affecting every aspect of his life. Typically affable and well-liked, he’s become withdrawn and combative. He’s stopped doing his homework. He can’t manage to find any joy in his sister’s upcoming wedding. Soon Charlie will need to summon the strength to let go of his secret.

Program 38: Sensitivity Training

Melissa Finell / Narrative Feature, Sunday, Oct. 15 / USA / 2016 / 87 mins

Dr. Serena Wolfe (Anna Lise Phillips, Home and Away, Revolution) is a brilliant and successful microbiologist. She deals in formulas and facts, not so much feelings and etiquette. Painfully abrasive both in her lab and in social situations, she blurts out whatever’s on her mind, oblivious to the effect her words have on others. Unsurprisingly, her sharp tongue has left her with few friends and a pretty solitary life.

Program 39: Saturday Church

Damon Cardasis / Next Generation Series, Narrative Feature, Sunday, Oct. 15 / USA / 2017 / 82 mins

Imagine being 14 years old and mourning the death of your father, all while concealing your sexuality and questioning your gender identity. That’s where we find Ulysses (sensational young actor Luka Kain). At school, with a pair of panty hose hidden under his jeans, Ulysses copes with relentless bullying by imagining his classmates cowing at his feet during an elaborate fantasy dance number. At home, he has to contend with his super strict and super religious Aunt Rose (Golden Globe winner, Regina Taylor), whom his mother has brought in to help manage the household. Ulysses is immediately at odds with his domineering aunt: no matter what he does, he’s in trouble. And just wait until Aunt Rose catches him trying on his mother’s high heels!