Image + Nation Festival 2013

The leaves have turned to compost, the wind is getting stronger, and the nights are dropping below the zero point - that must mean it is almost time for Image + Nation, Canada's longest running LGBTQ film festival. If you are like most people I know just now, you probably have a million and one things to be thinking about and doing, so I thought I would help you out by posting my top 5 festival picks! You can thank me later!!

LESBOMUNDO 
Friday, November 29 at 19:15
Pavillon Judith-Jasmin Annexe

One of my favourite things about film festivals is the selections of shorts. This is really the only place to see some of these beautiful shorts, so be sure to check them out! This collection features nine little lady gems, including locally-made Minute du Patrimoine directed by Dominic Poliquin. Picture this: It's 1959, and two nuns fall in love, need I say more? If so, this collection also has a Chinese sweet short called "Knighthood," about a young girl who dreams of becoming a fearless knight.

Before You Know It 
Saturday November 30 at 15:15
Pavillon Judith-Jasmin Annexe

This documentary follows the lives of three gay seniors, an often overlooked group of serious knowledge-holders that should be celebrated more. To quote the Image+Nation program, "award-winning film maker PJ Raval traces a year in the lives of three gay senior citizens, addressing society's de-sexualization of an age bracket within a community that, it can be said, defines itself by sexual identity." That, right there, should be enough to pique your interest and see what these three fellows have to say!

Intersexion 
Saturday, November 30 at 17:15
Pavillon Judith-Jasmin Annexe

This flick, directed by Grant Lahood, follows intersex activist Mani Bruce Mitchell's journey to connect with peers across the world, inevitably developing a larger community and wider awareness. He/r powerful statement "It doesn't suck to be intersex; it sucks to be persecuted" should make you want to see this emotional doc. Knowing the film's message is to break the silence and speak out against the shame, isolation and bullying is the reason to get you buying your ticket to make sure you don't miss it!

I Am Divine 
Saturday, November 30 at 19:00
Pavillon Judith-Jasmin Annexe

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Jeffrey Schwarz honours the amazing life of Harris Glenn Milstead, better known as Divine. This documentary features interviews with so many icons, including John Waters, Mink Stole, Ricki Lake, Tab Hunter, Holly Woodlawn and his mother, Frances. This is definitely one to catch at the fest, the crowd will, no doubt, be absolutely divine!

QUEERMENT QUEBEC 
Tuesday, December 3 at 19:00
Cinémathèque québécoise

This is another collection of shorts, and like I mentioned, one of my favourite things at festivals! The stand out of this collection will certainly be Je Suis Lesbienne, a Montréal-made short doc showcasing 22 local women proudly affirming what it means to be lesbian to them. There is also Confessions of a Fag Hag, and the name alone should be enough! If not, how about Girl Friday, a beautiful depiction of the way we’d all really love to remember to Lauren Bacall... Yes, minds are now wandering...

Tune in to With Gay Abandon on Monday November 25th at 1 PM to hear Julie interview Charlie Boudreau, the director of the festival, and get a look at the program on a broader scope!

--Julie 'OCDJ' Matson hosts With Gay Abandon every Monday from 1-2 PM