PrideArts today announced an additional three weeks of programming for its Spring International Film Festival. The festival, which was originally set to conclude on April 10 after streaming 32 short films from 13 countries in four weekly programs, will now run through May 1. The additional programming for the extension will be weekly runs of three LGBTQ-themed documentary features.
SEGUIMOS AQUI (WE’RE STILL HERE): PRIDE, PANDEMIC, AND PERSEVERANCE, by Chicagoan Emmanuel Garcia, will stream from April 11-17. The 34-minute film follows four LGBTQ+ identifying Latinx Chicagoans who navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, interpersonal struggles, and community triumphs throughout a turbulent yet powerful 2020. It will be followed April 18 -24 by Liliana Furió’s ILSE FUSKOVA – a profile of the Argentine activist, lesbian-feminist, and journalist of the title, who came out after a 30-year marriage. The festival will conclude April 25 – May 1 with ONCE A FURY, a profile of a notorious 1970s lesbian separatist collective that published a national newspaper and planned to seize state power. The cost to view the documentaries is $10 per film, or $25 for a festival pass that will allow the patron access to all seven weeks of the festival.
Seguimos Aqui
Ilse Fuskova
Once a Fury
The previously announced initial four weeks of the festival will begin on March 14 and will consist of four weeklong programs of short LGBTQ-films. The films will be shown over four separate programs of approximately ninety minutes per program, with each program streaming for one week. The first week of the festival will present 10 musical films from the US, Germany, Australia, Spain, and Botswana. The films range from a music video of an original love song inspired by marriage activist Edie Windsor, through films that tell their stories through dance, others through song, a documentary about dancers, and a short musical. Themes of the second week’s films explore relationships at opposite ends of the age spectrum - from young love to a couple dealing with the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Some of the third week’s films explore prejudice and discrimination against people with queer identities. One film considers the challenges of sexual relations during the quarantine. Featured in the fourth and closing week of the festival are films concerned with identity and self-image as a queer person, challenges of romantic relationships, and a shocking film about a hate crime.
Access to each program of shorts in the PrideArts Fall Film Festival will be $10.00, which will grant viewing of the program or feature purchased for a full week – allowing audiences greater flexibility in viewing the films at their leisure. Full festival passes for all four weeks are also available for $25.00. Tickets and more information are available at https://www.goelevent.com/pridearts/e/Search.
A complete listing of each program appears below. A selection of production stills from the films are available to download at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzzH9Y .
LISTING INFORMATION
PRIDEARTS SPRING INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
March 14 – May 1, 2022
Streaming Online
Four weekly programs of international short queer films and three documentary features $10.00 per weekly program. Admission allows unlimited viewing of the weekly programs through the end of the week of release. Full festival passes for all seven weeks are also available for $25.00.
More info and ticketing at https://www.goelevent.com/pridearts/e/Search.
A film festival of 32 films short LGBTQ films and three feature-length documentaries that will stream in seven separate programs, each available online for one week. The films – which include musicals and documentaries along with dramatic stories - reflect the diversity of queer communities and the commonality across cultures of queer experiences.
SPRING SHORTS PROGRAM WEEK 1 (1:27) – March 14-20, 2022
10 short films from the US, Germany, Australia, Spain, and Botswana.
SPRING SHORTS PROGRAM WEEK 2 (1:28) – March 21 -27, 2022
9 short films from the US, Canada, Israel, Germany, and Ecuador.
SPRING SHORTS PROGRAM WEEK 3 (1:28) – March 28 – April 3, 2022
7 short films from the US, Canada, Iran, Finland, Greece, Spain, and Chile.
SPRING SHORTS PROGRAM WEEK 4 (1:40) – April 4 – 10, 2022
6 short films from the US, Spain, Chile, and China.
SEGUIMOS AQUÍ (WE'RE STILL HERE): PRIDE, PANDEMIC, AND PERSEVERANCE (USA, 34 minutes) April 11 -17
Four LGBTQ+ identifying Latinx Chicagoans navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, interpersonal struggles, and community triumphs throughout a turbulent yet powerful 2020.
ILSE FUSKOVA (Argentina, 90 minutes) - April 18 - 24
An Argentine activist, lesbian-feminist, and journalist, Ilse Fuskova, came out after a 30-year marriage. She was instrumental in organizing lesbian, gay, and trans activists to develop the first Marcha del Orgullo LGBT de Buenos Aires (Lesbian-Gay Pride Parade), June 1992.
ONCE A FURY (USA, 83 minutes) – April 25 – May 1
Ten former members of the Furies, a notorious 1970s lesbian separatist collective that published a national newspaper and planned to seize state power, reflect on political activism and personal struggle.
COMPLETE PROGRAMS
Spring Shorts Week 1 – Streaming March 14-20
A CIRCLE OF DIAMONDS (USA, 4:24). Directed by Michael Biello, Dan Martin, and B. Proud. Written by Michael Biello and Dan Martin.
An original song inspired by and featuring marriage activist Edie Windsor. Edie witnesses a musical scene where two young women reenact Thea’s proposal to her in the 1960’s - when marriage between 2 women was not an option. A celebration of the enduring power of love!
AT WATER'S EDGE (USA, 3:31). Directed by Sean Dorsey.
Featuring mesmerizing queer dance in watery coves and ocean edges, AT WATER'S EDGE is a short dance film by award-winning transgender choreographer Sean Dorsey.
EAT THE RAINBOW (USA, 19:31). Directed by Brian Benson. Written by Brian Benson and H.P. Mendoza
A musical fable about an odd yet kind man named Bayani who moves into a conservative suburban neighborhood and disrupts the otherwise comfortable homogeneity. He doesn’t look or act like anyone else which causes fear and panic and eventually a demand for him to leave the neighborhood. Cousin Wonderlette befriends Bayani and together they take on the opposition led by manipulative and unscrupulous realtor Lobelia Gerber.
HOMO POL (Germany, 19:21) Directed by Amadeus Pawlica.
A short dance documentary film about nationality and identity with a focus on the situation of the LGBTQ+ community in Poland.
LOVE SONG. (Australia, 16:00). Written and directed by Claire Marshall
A dance film that explores a story of a relationship in constant flux, where deception and emotional manipulation unfolds. Featuring contemporary dancers Richard Causer and Anthony Trojman as two men in the relationship, LOVE SONG is presented in a parallel, split-screen structure, highlighting two aspects of a relationship occurring concurrently.
SEBASTIENNE (Spain, 10:12). Written and directed by José Alberto Andrés Lacasta.
The arrival of a mysterious engraving about Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian at the Historic Palace of the Aljafería (Zaragoza) awakens the spirit of its old inquisitors, reviving the invincible designs of guilt and desire.
THE SIXTH BOROUGH (USA, 12:00). Directed by Morgan Marcell, Written by Reed Luplau.
Aiden is a young and introverted man who deals with the consequences of not facing his truth. When his relationship is in jeopardy, how far will Aiden go to risk his placid life to find a world that will welcome him for who he truly is?
THE SPACE BETWEEN US (USA, 6:00). Directed by Gabriel Diamond.
Sarah Crowell and Keith Hennessey are both dancers, teachers, and activists in the Bay Area. They have known each other for nearly 30 years. But they’ve never collaborated or connected deeply, until now. The Space Between Us is a radical experiment in the power of bearing witness, inviting vulnerability, and sharing movement, in a time of social distancing and racial reckoning.
UNDERCOVER (USA, 4:24). Directed by Razieme Iborra, Written by Ching Kai Wang.
Jake Frost gets personal on what it feels like to fall in love with his straight best friend. The pain of unrequited love exacerbates as Frost emanates the harsh reality of being in the closet.
UNSPOKEN (Botswana, 7:04). Directed by William Armstrong.
World-class contemporary choreographer Paul Lightfoot (Artistic Director of the Netherlands Dance Theatre) lost his father during the pandemic. Not permitted into the hospital to say goodbye, he began working with a Danish dancer remotely to create a performance that processes the emotions he and many have shared worldwide.
Spring Shorts Week 2 – Streaming March 21 -27, 2022
ALZHEIMER'S: A LOVE STORY (USA, 15:00). Directed by Gabe Schimmel, Monica Petruzzelli, Riani Singgih, Amanda Le.
Alzheimer's: A Love Story follows Greg and Michael as they struggle with a disease eradicating the memory of their relationship 40+ years in the making.
ON A PATH (Israel, 17:47). Written and directed by Lihi Lubetkin
Nitzan (16) is an introverted teenager that has always felt invisible to society. One day Neomi (20) the girlfriend of Nitzan’s brother Erez (20), invited her to join them for an overnight trip, an invitation that led Nitzan down a path of self-discovery.
PERFECT FIRST DATE (USA, 11:14). Written and directed by Kyle Hamlin. 20-year-old Kelsie is nervous to go on her first date with Dylan. Dylan is suave and seemingly knows all the right things to say. When secrets are admitted, will they ruin this perfect first date?
PUSSY CRUISING (Germany, 7:30). Written and Directed by Masa Zia Lenardic, Anja Wutej.
What would cruising among lesbians look like? Cruising seems to be a normal part of the gay culture and we all know scenes from famous gay films where men cruise in parks or other public spaces. At the same time, cruising is barely practised among lesbians. Why? Pussy Cruising tackles this topic in a humorous way and takes you on a flirtatious journey between vibrant fantasy and mundane reality.
RESTORE (USA, 6:18). Written and Directed by Vyky Saiz
A post-apocalyptic, sci-fi drama about the last man on earth. Jason employs holographic tech to recreate a special memory with his partner, Brian. But, to rebuild the old world, he must put back all of the pieces.
SCAR (Germany, 9:50). Written and directed by William Jackson Stewart.
Two strangers meet in a ride share and spend an evening together they'll both never forget.
SHOW YOUR HUE (Ecuador. 2:38). Directed by Mayra Doménica Montesdeoca Carvajal
Chloe, a woman focused on her work and with no space in her life for love, decides to put everything aside to reunite with her soul mate.
THE ELEVATOR (Canada, 12:13). Written and Directed by Victor Santos.
After moving to his new apartment, Gabriel meets Sam, this charming neighbor who is the opposite of him, in the building elevator. After they have crossed to each other in the elevator a few times, Gabriel has to overcome his shyness and insecurities to call his new neighbor out.
WORKWEAR (USA, 5:20). Written and directed by Emily Everhard. A corporate consultant by day and a drag queen by night, Jebreel’s worlds collide as he prepares for a show and must answer to his demanding boss. A Columbia University short film.
Spring Shorts Week 3 – March 28 – April 3, 2022
GETTING CLOSER (USA, 6:16). Written and directed by Ethan Roberts.
Two stoned boyfriends navigate unexpected vulnerability (as well as the giggles) while attempting to get off. A micro-budget chamber piece, GETTING CLOSER utilizes the immediacy of iPhone cinematography to explore modern intimacy and what it takes to get there.
IDENTIBYE (Islamic Republic of Iran, 15:00). Written and Directed by Sajjad Shahhatami.
The protagonist of the story faces a dilemma of choosing between sense and sensibility regarding one's innermost feelings. He has been judged from the very beginning by the ones closest to him. The fear of these never-ending judgments fills him with doubt and he has to work against the clock to achieve his goal as he knows that one's true identity is what matters most to them.
REFLECT (Finland, 15:44). Written and directed by Lotte Laitinen
Mirva and Salla, each other’s first loves, meet for the first time in twenty years. The feelings they tried to hide from each other as teenagers seem to still spark, so Mirva decides to confess her love to Salla hoping that the feeling is mutual. But has adulthood made things any easier than they were twenty years ago?
SEXUAL DISTANCING (Greece, 16:35). Written and directed by Dimitris Asproloupos.
Two guys, one deadly virus, a city in quarantine and a lot of sexual desperation.
TAREK (Spain, 9:16). Directed by Anatael Pérez. Written by Anatel Pérez, Cris Marín, Ágata Bentancort, Altair Jorge Leiros, Miguel Cruz, and Eduardo Zerolo.
Four teenagers of different sexual orientation tell their experience at a party where they met a boy named Tarek. The four testimonies reveal a very deep connection between the characters, who despite their differences have experienced similar situations. "Tarek" talks about how people belonging to the LGTBI collective suffer discrimination and rejection due to their sexual condition.
THE BODIES OF SIEGFRIED (Chile,12:00). Written and directed by Emilio Rodríguez.
Siegfried is an artist who is in the midst of a gender transition. The documentary ponders about the relationship between his sexuality and his work, through a visual exploration of it, questioning the limits between art and pornography.
TRASHED (Canada, 13:12). Directed by Kate Johnston, Written by Joanne Vannicola.
With nowhere to go after a vicious homophobic attack, Jay finds their way to an abandoned house they once lived in as a teenager.
Spring Shorts Week 4 – Streaming April 4-10, 2022
ELECTRICITY (USA, 17:44). Written and directed by Aaron Schoonover.
Two friends reunite after a year apart, only to be caught in the middle of a summer blackout. The power is out but the electricity between them is undeniable.
MIDNIGHT RHYTHMS (USA, 15:50). Written and directed by Quincy Woo.
In this conceptual, poetic narrative, a young gay man struggles with his sexual identity and spirals into the world of drunken facades and midnight afterthoughts, questioning who he is and if he's willing to take the risk to be his truest self where others can see.
PRIVATE LIFE (USA, 22:10). Written and directed by Aleksei Borovikov.
When Eric, a young reclusive photographer, secretly follows his boyfriend Chris into the mountains, he hopes to find answers about Chris’s fidelity. Instead, Eric finds a deeper connection to himself and to Chris just as they fall prey to a stranger who targets them, a tragedy that changes Eric forever. Private Life is inspired by an actual hate crime.
THE WASHING MACHINE (Spain, 6:30). Written and directed by Diane Malherbe.
To start a washing machine is not so easy for everyone. You still have to choose the right program...
TRUTHLESS (China, 27:14). Written and directed by Badou Zhao.
Transgender stand-up comedian Lady Lin has been using her identity as the punchline in performances to acquire attention, yet she is discontented with her approach. One day, her estranged older brother shows up, informing her of their mother’s recent death. His appearance brings back the pain she suffered when she was disowned by their parents seven years ago. Her loneliness pierces through her glamorous facade. Touched, she decides to visit her hometown, only to learn the truth - her parents lied to everyone that she had died years ago to conceal her identity. Disillusioned, she turns around and leaves resolutely. Lin’s only hope of reconciliation with her family is through the self-deceptive fantasies she performs onstage.
UNTIL TOMORROW (USA, 10:13). Written and directed by Ian Graham.
While stuck in a time loop at a party, a college student repeatedly falls in love with a boy that can never remember him.
Week 5 – Documentary Feature - April 11 -17
SEGUIMOS AQUÍ (WE'RE STILL HERE): PRIDE, PANDEMIC, AND PERSEVERANCE (USA, 34 minutes). Directed by Emmanuel Garcia
Four LGBTQ+ identifying Latinx Chicagoans navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, interpersonal struggles, and community triumphs throughout a turbulent yet powerful 2020.
Week 6 – Documentary Feature – April 18-24
ILSE FUSKOVA (Argentina, 90 minutes). Directed by Liliana Furió
An Argentine activist, lesbian-feminist, and journalist, Ilse Fuskova came out after a 30-year marriage. She was instrumental in organizing lesbian, gay, and trans activists to develop the first Marcha del Orgullo LGBT de Buenos Aires (Lesbian-Gay Pride Parade), June 1992. For 20 years, she was in a relationship with Claudina Marek, who is also active in lesbian activism. Together, they published in 1994 a conversation with Silvia Schmid, the book Amor de Mujeres. El lesbianismo en la Argentina, hoy (Love of women. Lesbianism in Argentina, today). Fuskova was honored at the "Primer Encuentro Nacional de Mujeres Lesbianas y Bisexuales de Rosario" (First National Women's Lesbian and Bisexual of Rosario) in 2008. Her life story is an example of struggle and activism.
Week 7 – Documentary Feature – April 25 – May 1
ONCE A FURY (USA, 83 minutes). Directed by Jacqueline Rhodes
Ten former members of the Furies, a notorious 1970s lesbian separatist collective that published a national newspaper and planned to seize state power, reflect on political activism and personal struggle. The film simultaneously provides information on The Furies' newspaper, what and who they were fighting for, and what their message was, as well as the history of The Furies and how they formed, the issues that arose within the group, and how and why the group separated. The information - the education - this documentary offers, is entirely thought-provoking and has amplified my personal interest in feminisms, especially what could be considered radical feminism. In light of the recent events.
ABOUT PRIDEARTS
PrideArts tells queer stories on a variety of platforms, including both live and virtual performances. Since its founding in 2010, PrideArts has had several chapters, including operating as an itinerant theater for their first six seasons, and as the developer and primary tenant in the Pride Arts Center from 2016-21.
The company produces a full season of plays and musicals, as well as events including cabaret, film, and more. PrideArts has earned 39 Jeff Awards and nominations, and six nominations in the most recent (2019) ALTA Awards from the Alliance of Latinx Theater Artists of Chicago. Programming has reflected the diversity of queer communities by including work made by and illuminating the experiences of women, gay men, transgender people, and BIPOC.
PrideArts is supported by The MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at The Richard Driehaus Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council, City of Chicago’s City Arts Fund, the Elliott Fredland Charitable Trust, The Pauls Foundation, The Heath Fund, The Service Club of Chicago, the AmazonSmile Foundation, Arts and Business Foundation, Tap Root Foundation, Arts and Business Council, and Alphawood Foundation.
PrideArts is a member of the Smart Growth Program of the Chicago Community Trust. PrideArts is a member of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Northalsted Business Association, Lakeview East, Uptown United, and The League of Chicago Theatres.
For more information and to donate, visit www.pridearts.org or call 1.773 857 0222.