These docushorts are the best of the best from this year’s queer short film submissions. Whether focusing on individual people or showing the differing perspectives of a group, these films open up windows to stories of a vast spectrum of queer culture. They both inform and inspire connection and acceptance of people from all walks of life. Whether it’s the quiet contemplation of preparing for your day, or a survey of the queer experience at the ubiquitous and cringey high school prom, these films show us documentary excellence is alive and well.
The Hookup (6 min)
Director: Michael V. Smith, 2019.
Writer and filmmaker Michael V. Smith uses striking close-up visuals of the men, creating a powerful sense of intimacy and connection as they discuss how hooking up has (and has not) evolved for gay men.
A NORMAL GIRL (14 min)
Directors: Aubree Bernier-Clarke, Pidgeon Pagonis, Shawna Lipton, 2019.
Through the story of Pidgeon Pagonis’ remarkable journey and fight for bodily self-determination, A Normal Girl brings the widely unknown struggles of intersex people to light.
TRIGGER WARNING: Talk of non-consensual gential mutilation
Our Service, Our Stories: The Evolution of the LGBT Military Experience (21 min) Directors: Bill Anderson, Neil Beecher, Bill Duckworth, Belita Edwards, Ed Imparato, Michael La Borde, Warren Tymony, 2019.
Featuring LGBT veterans who served between 1951 and 2017, this short documentary was made by a small group of senior veterans at the Los Angeles LGBT Center to ensure that the history of those who served is preserved and shared.
The Art of the Morning (6 min)
Director: Nathan Hauch, 2017.
A lyrical look at how one person prepares for the day ahead, savouring each moment.
What’s in a Pronoun (2 min)
Director: Anne Alexander, 2019.
Posture Media produced a short film titled What’s in a Pronoun that illustrates how non-binary people navigate the highly gendered world we live in through day-to-day experiences and interactions.
Ava & Bianca (15 min)
Director: Rachel Fleit, 2020.
An ambient documentary handing out lessons on self-love and life from two trans cinematographers.
Take Me to Prom (20 min)
Director: Andrew Moir, 2019.
Featuring intimate, charming interviews with queer people ranging in age from 88 to 17, Take Me To Prom revisits an iconic adolescent milestone while telling a story of social change that spans more than 70 years.