1993 Vancouver Queer Film Festival

Introduction to Men's Programming

The men's programming committee has worked very hard to put together this year's program. It's a strong one, with an unusually wide range: from a Nazi musical to a really sexy AIDS documentary.

Speaking of AIDS, we can't help but sound a note of alarm over the fact that so many young Independent gay filmmakers have HIV. We need to realize that filmmaking is a very time and money consuming form of expression, and that this means that all these young artists may only produce a handful of films. Perhaps this is what lesbian and gay film festivals can do best: present their films and celebrate their talents before they are taken from us, with many wonderful films unmade.

We were thinking a while back that cross dressing, and even androgyny, isn't quite what it used to be. Nonetheless, there's nothing like the idea of men in frocks to throw some of us into a male panic. After all, what you wear, or choose not to wear, is a manifesto of sorts. Wash and wear, or dry clean only, clothes are politics. Hence our decision to pay tribute to cross dressing in some of our films this year, and to organize a symposium (men on uniforms) on the issue.

Next year (we always like to dream about next year even before the current festival ends) we will be offering you a retrospective of Canadian films. Who knows if in a year's time we'll still be in a blue funk (pout?) about the national debt or about the prospect of La Campbell as prime minister. But if we are, or even if we're not, it will be a great opportunity to take stock of where we've come from, where we've been, and how our artists, both queer and straight, have represented us.

- Robert Rothon

Women's Programming Introduction

This year we look at, think about, and comment on the way we dress. The perspectives are both personal as well as historical. Our theme also takes us into a conversation about gender and the role it plays in the way we look.

Juggling Gender explores the fluidity of gender and raises important questions about construction of sexual and gender identity. This video is sure to have everyone talking about the issues as well as Jennifer Miller's wit and insight.

Did you come out in a time when what you wore said something to the world (or at least to the woman standing across the room?) Does it still? Framing Lesbian Fashion is one fascinating trip into the closet. And for what to wear to the bar check out Bar Jeder Frau.

Okay all you closet sci-fi lovers, and late nite types - this one is definitely for you. Flaming Ears is a pop sci-fi lesbian fantasy feature set in the year 2700 in the fictive burned-out city of Asche.
You will be amazed at what these women wear to the bar!

- Katherine Sharp