
Bangkok LGBTQ+ Film Festival unleashes 15 films to mark the fight for marriage equality
Curated by Baturu, a global platform pushing for equality through art, the festival spotlights LGBTQ+ voices across Asia while bringing in standout picks from New Zealand, Sweden, Japan, Nepal and more.
Special screenings will take place across Bangkok at Goethe-Institut Thailand, Jim Thompson Art Center, Slowcombo and Buffalo Bridge Gallery, alongside talks, workshops and Q&As with international filmmakers and producers.
Global screenings
The lineup releases 15 films – raw, fearless and pushing boundaries to celebrate queer voices.
Queer Japan (2019)
The film rummages through Japan's LGBTQ+ underground, spotlighting artists, activists and outsiders living loud and breaking norms.
Rurangi (2020)
Directed by Max Currie, Rurangi follows trans activist Caz returning to his divided hometown to face his estranged father. It's about relationships, identity and the strength of finding acceptance.
Enfant Terrible (2020)
A documentary exploring the world of Rainer Werner Fassbinder – the rebellious director who redefined New Wave cinema and queer culture.
Rebel Dykes (2021)
A raw documentary capturing punk-fueled feminism through the wild lives of '80s London lesbians.
Prejudice and Pride (2022)
Swedish documentary takes you on a rainbow-colored journey through Sweden's queer cinema history from 1916 classics to today's trans stories.
Rodeo (2022)
From Germany, Rodeo follows Julia, a young rider determined to join a male-dominated dirt bike crew. When an accident strikes, her place in the group is put to the test.
Skin Deep (2022)
To save their crumbling relationship, Leyla and Tristan swap bodies with another couple. But when Leyla discovers freedom in her new form, she's not so keen to switch back – and that's when things really start to get weird.
Winter Boy (2022)
When his father dies in a sudden accident – possibly a suicide – a 17-year-old boy struggles with grief, confusion and the search for answers. He decides to visit his older brother in Paris seeking solace.
The Missing (2023)
To unravel his past, a mouthless young man faces an alien visitor. It's a film that takes you on a surreal journey through memory, identity and loss.
Dalton's Dream (2023)
This moving portrait captures Dalton Harris, X Factor UK champ, as he struggles with identity and fame.
Under the Moonlight (2023)
Nur, a cook at an Islamic boarding school for transgender women, finds joy in a rare safe haven where her chosen family thrives far from the world's harshness.
Chhesang (2024)
An empowering period piece with a twist – a 21-year-old Chhesang battles gender dysphoria and chases acceptance, rewriting the rules of identity in every scene.
Hombres Integros (2024)
Hombres Íntegros hits hard with love, loyalty and a brutal coming-of-age twist. The main character, Alf, is drawn to a new classmate at his Catholic school, but peer pressure and toxic masculinity force a choice he can't take back.
Langue Etrangere (2024)
Eager for approval, a 17-year-old becomes willing to go to extremes to please her pen pal. The film explores the uneasy pull between friendship, identity and belonging.
Number 2 (2025)
Number 2 brings back Chow Chee Beng (Mark Lee) and his drag crew as they chase glory in a Thai competition. Campy, chaotic and packed with glitter – this sequel brings the drama.
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Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Why is this busy bus stop closed in August?
Questions are being asked as to why The City of Edinburgh Council has closed a bus stop outside The Cameo this month for the second year in a row. The cinema is one of several venues to be used by Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). The stop uniquely serves seven Lothian Bus routes as well as some long-distance services. Local resident Peter Brown uncovered the plan, after the stop was closed for the EIFF last year. He said: 'It is a critical bus stop as it connects Colinton and Morningside with Lauriston Place and Lothian Road. It is the only bus stop that does that. I understand it was closed 'so that VIPs could pull up outside the cinema'.' A council source has said that the application came from EIFF and the stop will be closed from 14 to 21 August inclusive. The request was 'carefully considered and focuses on ensuring the safety of pedestrians, their audiences, and their team. Alternative bus stops are available some 200m away'. The Edinburgh Reporter was also informed that the bulk of the activity will be every day from 9am until midnight and that 'Similar to other buildings used as festival venues, there are unique challenges presented distinct from the normal operations of these buildings, and these require to be addressed so that it can safely accommodate the activities.' Despite contacting event organisers and the council with his concerns, Mr Brown received no explanation until City Centre councillor, Claire Miller, was given information that the closure was for reasons of safety of pedestrians, audiences, and staff. The Edinburgh Reporter understands that to deliver the events at the Cameo, EIFF will have regular load-ins and load-outs of heavy technical equipment, alongside high foot traffic from registration and ticket sales. This combination of equipment movement and audiences gathering before and after films and events creates potential safety risks that they have a duty to actively manage. While the existing loading bay is adequate under normal circumstances it is not sufficient on its own for the extraordinary activity involved. There is no alternative temporary location that would not result in removal of all loading from the vicinity. Absurd argument If it is the case that the existing loading bay cannot cope, Mr Brown said the explanation is 'absurd, as the Cameo has at least three other entrances available'. Edinburgh Living Streets Group said it was 'very concerned', adding 'why is equipment not delivered through the Lochrin Terrace entrance, which would avoid conflict with high footfall on Home Street entirely?' and has asked whether the Council carried out an Equality Impact Assessment. Despite Council and Film Festival claims that the bus stop closure is for safety rather than for ease, local sources say that the closure would help to avoid 'interfering with red carpet visuals'. A spokesperson for Edinburgh Bus Users Group said: 'When bus stops are temporarily closed, a temporary stop is usually put in place. Last September's Council meeting recognised the transport pressures from the Festival and set up discussions with event organisers to encourage the use of sustainable transport. Frankly this hasn't filtered through in this case.' Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: 'I appreciate that the temporary removal of this bus stop will be inconvenient for some residents. However, our overriding priority is rightly safety, both for those visiting and working at the Cameo during the festival season and for people walking nearby or using public transport. 'Alongside our partners, we'll continue to review these arrangements for future editions. We're committed to finding the most effective balance between the needs of residents and of our cultural offering.' Like this: Like Related


Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
Queen Letizia of Spain is joined by her stylish lookalike daughters Princesses Leonor and Sofía at a film festival in Majorca
Queen Letizia of Spain stepped out with her daughters Princess Sofia and Crown Princess Leonor to attend a Film Festival in Majorca. The Spanish monarch, 52, looked relaxed in a stylish monochrome dress as she enjoyed a summer holiday with her daughters in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. The royals were spotted attending 'En un Lugar de la Mente' screening during the Atlantida Film Festival at Rivoli Cinema on Thursday evening. Sunkissed Letizia paired her chic summer gown with black sandals and a leather handbag for the outing. Meanwhile Princess Sofia, 18, donned a flowy black midi dress which she paired with matching black sandals to her mother. Crown Princess Leonor, 19, who recently successfully completed her naval training, looked stylish in casual wide leg trousers and a white lace top. She completed her summer look with brown sandals and a woven bag which she wore across her body. The royal trio were seen taking in the island sights during their annual summer holiday. After the screening, they mother and daughters posed for a slew of snaps outside the venue . The holiday comes after Princess Leonor received the Navy Merit Grand Cross and a warm hug from her proud father King Felipe at Flag Pledge Ceremony. The future queen attended the solemn Flag Pledge (Jura de Bandera) and delivery of Dispatches of Employment ceremony at the prestigious Naval Military Academy in Marín, Pontevedra, Spain, last month. In a poignant moment symbolising her growing role within the Spanish monarchy, Leonor received the honour from the hands of her father. The award acknowledges her commitment and connection to Spain's armed forces and marks a significant milestone in her royal journey. The Navy Merit Grand Cross is a high-level military decoration awarded for distinguished service within the Navy. Leonor's mother Queen Letizia and younger sister Princess Sofia beamed as they proudly watching the ceremony. Leonor looked graceful and poised as she proudly donned the crisp white uniform, donning a shirt with epaulettes, which she tucked into a pair of belted smart trousers. Leonor wore her long dark blonde tresses in a practical sleek braided low bun, which sat elegantly below her sailor cap. She was seen marching alongside her fellow aspiring officers keeping a stern expression and the level of professionalism one would expect from a marine. The princess spent a year with the Spanish army before training to be a marine and will then move onto her final rotation at the General Air Academy. As she is the heir to the throne, Leonor will one day take the title of Commander in Chief of the armed forces, alongside being the Queen of Spain. She therefore has to spend three years in each section of defence and has already spent a year at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza. At the start of the year, Leonor set sail from Cadiz, Spain, for her navy training cruise. Felipe and Letizia watched proudly she took part in a departure ceremony before setting sail from Cadiz. The Princess is following in the footsteps of her father King Felipe as well as her grandfather Juan Carlos, who all attended military training with every of the three armed services in the country. Navy Captain Pedro Cardona Suanzes, director-commandant of the Naval Military School in Marín, previously described the daily routine of the midshipmen to the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia. He said that their life is 'non-stop' adding that there are constant tasks for them to do, from the minute they wake up until they go to bed in the evening. The captain said the day starts at 6.45am. They then shower, make their beds and go and get breakfast all before 7.30am - when their white uniforms are inspected to be 'spotless'. During the week, all students must be in bed before 10.45pm to ensure they get their full eight hours of sleep. On weekends, pupils are allowed to wake up two hours later than usual, at 8.45am and first-years are allowed to stay up until 1.30am in the morning. Before she started her three-year training, Leonor revealed her enthusiasm for becoming a cadet at the Princesa de Girona Foundation award ceremony in Girona last year. She said at the time: 'I have just finished high school and I am about to start a new stage with a period of military training. 'I am happy because I know how much the Spanish value our armed forces... it is an important moment in my life and I feel very excited and determined to continue learning and giving my best effort.'


The Independent
30-07-2025
- The Independent
Martha's Vineyard film fest returns with Black star power, bold storytelling and cultural legacy
No matter the time on Martha's Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival has been a cultural reunion, a summer sanctuary and a safe haven where some of the industry's most influential voices converge in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This week marks the return of the 23rd annual nine-day celebration, which kicks off Friday with a stacked slate that includes appearances from singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and Hall of Fame basketball player Dwyane Wade, screenings like Spike Lee 's 'Highest 2 Lowest' and intimate conversations with figures such as the Rev. Al Sharpton. Over the years, the festival has drawn the who's who of Black Hollywood — including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry and Regina King. The Obamas made a surprise appearance in 2022. 'It's a moment when so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well,' said Tracee Ellis Ross, who will screen her new Roku Channel series 'Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross.' The three-episode show follows Ross as she embarks on solo journeys to unplug, indulge and reconnect through Morocco, Mexico and Spain. Ross said traveling solo is a way of life. She said sharing her project at MVAAFF felt right, noting that the Vineyard-set episode of Akil's 'Forever' captures the spirit and beauty of the picturesque island. 'It felt like the perfect location to kind of share,' she said. 'The timing was perfect from when the show came out.' What makes MVAAFF a must-stop? Set on the campus of the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, the festival has grown from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives can find inspiration, connection and support. Akil paid homage to festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, crediting them for building a creative pipeline where stories rooted in Black culture live and are seen. 'They know the value. They know the need,' said Akil, who will screen 'The Vineyard' episode from the Netflix series 'Forever' at the festival. 'Regardless of what the institution or systems of Hollywood sees as valuable, we claim the value of our stories. We have a chance to celebrate them, complete them, tell them, view them and share them with an audience. It allows for the completion of the story, so that we can move on to many, many, many more stories that need to be told.' Floyd Rance described MVAAFF as a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, offering a platform where Black voices and stories are given the spotlight they deserve. 'It's always good to have somewhat of a convergence for folks of like mind in the arts and entertainment to gather, coalesce, share ideas, rekindle friendships and fellowship,' said Floyd, who along with Stephanie said they did not expect their festival to become such a main attraction. 'Despite the political climate and what's going on in entertainment, it's always a good time for birds of a feather to flock together.' In addition to the panels and screenings, Stephanie Rance said this year's festival centers on the theme of joy, focusing more on celebration than struggle. She's especially excited for attendees to experience a range of conversations, from little-known moments in Black history to a panel on Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs collection with Morehouse and Spelman. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a discussion on Black dandyism, paying tribute to fashion icon André Leon Talley. 'The community at large on the Vineyard and the folks that come from all over the world to the festival really embrace the filmmakers,' she said. 'Everybody loves the studio and the streaming content and the talent that comes in. But we really are a filmmakers' film fest at heart.' What else is happening on the Vineyard? This year's festival is delivering a dynamic slate that blends star power, conversation and creative insight. Spike Lee will unveil exclusive clips from his upcoming film 'Highest 2 Lowest' starring Denzel Washington. Courtney B. Vance is set to lead a panel on Black storytelling, diving into how content creation can retain cultural authenticity. Jennifer Hudson will open up about her Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, while Dwyane Wade will participate in a men's luncheon with industry leaders to discuss leadership, legacy and capital in today's evolving media space. Joy Reid is hosting a fireside chat on power and purpose. Issa Rae returns with a preview of part two of her documentary 'Seen & Heard,' continuing her exploration of visibility for Black creatives. And Debbie Allen will be honored with a tribute to 'A Different World,' celebrating the force the show continues to be decades later. The screenings will showcase a wide range of Black storytelling, including Starz's 'Magic City: American Fantasy,' the Tyler Perry-produced 'Old Mary Mare,' HBO Max's 'The Gilded Age,' and Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed 'Sinners.' Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson will hold a live taping of their podcast that'll include an interview with Teyana Taylor. For returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines, the festival has become a cultural home to showcase work. This year marks his third screening at MVAAFF, where he'll show 'The Dutchman,' a bold reimagining of Amiri Baraka's searing 1964 play. 'It's great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we're familiar with,' said Gaines, who's also collaborating with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. Gaines said the festival affirms the value of Black storytelling in a way that mainstream spaces often overlook. 'Some people look at our festivals, media or award shows as being less than what the mainstream or our white contemporaries might consider them to be, but they aren't,' he said. 'That's the beauty of this festival. We talk to each other and herald the filmmakers that came before us and the ones currently working. We get this grand opportunity to come together in that form.'