Super excited for this annual event – we have a wonderful community and are fortunate to host this festival in Portland!
The 6th annual QDoc Film Festival is about to hit Portland! Did you know QDoc is the only festival in the United States (and only 2nd in the world) devoted entirely to Queer Documentaries? An exciting, community-building event, QDoc not only brings inspiring documentary films to our humble town, but also features filmmakers and subjects from around the world whom you are invited to engage with and learn more from during the fest!
Founded in 2007, the festival is presented each year in cooperation with the Portland Q Center, whose mission is to “increase the visibility of, and foster connection within, the metropolitan Portland LGBTQ community.” Co-founded and directed by Russ Gage (who spent 10 years with the San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival and 6 years with the Portland International Film Festival) and David Weissman (filmmaker of THE COCKETTES (2002) and WE WERE HERE (2011) and involved in the festival scene for 20 years), QDoc is a unique experience each year.
The emphasis of the festival is to provide a space where dialogues between filmmakers and their audiences can continue to illuminate aspects of queer life for both LGBTQ and general audiences. This year’s programming has an array of films ranging from comic books to terminal illness and gay rock stars. Check out some highlights below:
- GIRL OR BOY, SEX IS NOT MY GENDER – May 18th at 6:45pm This film looks at Lynnee, Rocco, Kaleb and Miguel – all assigned female at birth, who span a decade in age, all speak different languages and live in urban cultures and tells the stories of their journeys into transmasculinity. Director Valérie Mitteaux says the film is about looking at femininity and masculinity through the experiences of trans persons. With subject Lynnee Breedlove in attendance.
- JOBRIATH A.D. – May 19th at 9:30pm Jobriath A.D. uncovers the amazing forgotten story of a musical prodigy who aspired to be the first openly gay rock star in the early ‘70s. The film also chronicles his amazing capacity for reinvention in new forms, ending with his final days as a cabaret singer dwelling in the famous Chelsea Hotel. With director Kieran Turner in attendance. View the trailer here: JOBRIATH A.D.
- THIS IS WHAT LOVE IN ACTION LOOKS LIKE – May 20th at 11:30am This documentary looks at the story of 16-year old Zach in 2005, who is sent away to a program called Love in Action that refers to homosexuality as an addictive behavior and claims to turn gay teens straight. When Zach’s blog reached the local community, there were protests organized and soon national media attention. And yes, the story has a happy ending! Director Morgan Jon Fox in attendance. View the trailer here: THIS IS WHAT LOVE IN ACTION LOOKS LIKE
There are plenty of other films during the festival, which runs May 17th – 20th exclusively at McMenamin’s Kennedy School this year. The new location will be a hub for filmmakers and community members, with plenty of space to mingle after films. Don’t miss the opening night party with a screening of WISH ME AWAY with singer Chely White performing – or closing night with a screening of VITO and filmmaker Jeffrey Schwartz in attendance.
Buy a pass for the whole fest, or find individual screening tickets through Cascade Tickets, on-sale now!
