We are excited to present our annual Big Gay Screening in partnership with Qu’ART!
This year’s program brings together a variety of genres, showcasing a mix of skillfully made short films by Canadian artists. The event will start with a keynote presentation by Dr. Androbox, the creator and producer of WASHROOM PSA.
Join us for this FREE event and celebrate the creativity within the queer community.
Featured Films
WASHROOM PSA
Join Dr. Androbox and his drag friends on a magical adventure in Ottawa City Hall as they explore safe, accessible washrooms through song.
BASSINET
When a vintage bassinet appears at filmmaker Tiffany Hsiung and long-time fiancée Victoria Mata’s home, it sets off a chain reaction of emotions. The Bassinet is a gentle and affecting story about Tiffany’s personal struggle with the intersection of her sexual orientation and cultural identity, and the cross-generational burden of having a baby in the context of rigid social constructs of marriage and family.
FIRST NIGHT OUT
Frances, a young Gay Indian (2 Spirit)(played by Lacey Hill with song performed by Lacy Hill), is struggling with the aftermath of a gay basing. Through her friendship with her ex Jean, she gathers the strength to out in public again. This video is a salute to the 70s and to Gay Indian movements which became 2Spirit/Indigiqueer communities.
FARAH
Farah is considered to be the mother of the transgender community in Havana, Cuba. Many claim she is the first openly transgender woman in the country. Having lived a tremendous life full of adventure and heartbreak, and after having lost all of her teeth after being thrown off a 4th story building. She carries on in her 50s as the most popular and well loved woman in the neighbourhood. Previously named Lulu, then revived at the morgue and reborn as Farah, her existence alone is a miracle.
I SAW HIM THERE
Queering the haj. A man recollects a moment (was it any longer than that?) in the aptly named city of Mecca. A conversation ensues in the crowd. The touch of language. Framing shots by luminous shooter Taravat Khalili. Commissioned by LIFT for the Jacques Madvo project.
THE BALLAD OF ROY AND SILO
Two gay penguins receive an all-expenses paid, same-sex wedding in Toronto. There’s a catch, however – the couple must serve as spokesmodels for a new series of gay literary classics. Even penguin love has a price tag.
Accessibility
All doors at DARC have accessibility buttons to press for automatic entry. DARC is located on the main floor (one story above ground) of the Arts Court building. DARC’s main entrance is located at 67 Nicholas Street which is fully wheelchair accessible. Alternate wheelchair-accessible entry is available through 2 Daly Ave at the Arts Court main entrance or the Ottawa Art Gallery. Elevator access is available from 9AM – 11PM. DARC staff are available and happy to assist with all inquiries and requests regarding physical access.
We also welcome inquiry, feedback, and resources regarding accessibility and accessibility improvement by phone (613.238.7648 x. 6) or by email at access@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca.
Visit https://digitalartsresourcecentre.ca/access/ for information on how to get to DARC, language barriers, fragrance policy, and access to programming.
