The Vancouver Queer Film Festival will culminate in a grand finale with the Sundance-acclaimed Palestinian drag queen masterpiece, 'Layla,' marking the impressive debut of the British-Iraqi auteur, Amrou Al-Kadhi. Unveiling its star-studded lineup, the festival boasts a diverse array of opening attractions, including the edge-of-your-seat 'Good Boy' starring Ben Whishaw, and Johnny Sibilly's heartwarming 'Great Canyon,' fresh from his role in 'Hacks.'
Kicking off the festivities with a bang, 'Closer' – a compilation of short films led by Tom Stuart's directorial debut 'Good Boy' – promises to ignite sparks. Stuart, co-scribe of Gia Coppola's Venice-opening sensation 'Mainstream,' brings us a tale of a desperate soul (Whishaw) foiled in his bank heist by a doting mother (Marion Bailey of 'The Crown') and an unexpected brush with fate in the form of his family physician. With Emma Thompson and Coppola executive producing, 'Good Boy' is a must-see.
Adding to the opening night's charm is Ella May Sahlman's romantic comedy, 'Great Canyon,' a delightful blend of live-action and animation that premiered at Sundance. Sibilly, renowned for his portrayal of Wilson in 'Hacks,' shines as a gay protagonist navigating the tumultuous waters of first-date jitters and insecurities. His impressive resume also boasts roles in 'Pose,' 'Station 19,' and as Noah Hernandez in the groundbreaking 'Queer as Folk' series.
Closing the festival with a bang, the Canadian premiere of 'Layla' will captivate audiences. Directed by the talented Amrou Al-Kadhi, this Sundance competition entry immerses us in the vibrant east London queer community, where a rising Palestinian drag queen, portrayed by Bilal Hasna, electrifies local clubs with her dazzling performances.
Furthermore, the VQFF introduces the world premiere of the Vancouver-based black queer web series, 'Novelette Is Trying,' penned and directed by Giselle Miller. This upcoming OutTV offering delves into the life of a queer, introverted black woman who finds herself on a quest for purpose after welcoming a new roommate into her world.
Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey as the Vancouver Queer Film Festival runs from September 11 to 22, transforming Vancouver into a vibrant hub of queer storytelling and artistic expression.
