38 LGBTQ+ Films and Events at the Tribeca Festival
From Rock Hudson’s life in the Hollywood closet to a journalist going through gender transition while embedded with the Taliban to the Indigo Girls to Sean Hayes and Eric McCormack to the experiences of intersex people, the films and events at this year’s Tribeca Festival offer something for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
The 2023 edition of the legendary Lower Manhattan fest cofounded by Robert De Niro opens Wednesday night and continues through June 18. Besides documentary and narrative films, it includes live recordings of podcasts, immersive gaming experiences, panel discussions, and much, much more.
Faridah Gbadamosi, the Tribeca senior programmer who leads LGBTQ+ content, is excited about this year’s offerings. Among the films she particularly recommends is Transition, a documentary about Australian filmmaker Jordan Bryon undergoing gender confirmation while embedded with Taliban forces in Afghanistan. “It’s one of those ‘the truth is stranger than fiction’ situations,” she says.
“It’s a really great documentary about how do you navigate your identity … in spaces where your journey can cause harm,” Gbadamosi says. Yet Bryon forms close bonds with some of the Taliban soldiers. “So it’s a really complicated thing,” the programmer notes.
She also lauds Chasing Chasing Amy, a documentary dealing with the complex legacy of Kevin Smith’s 1997 rom-com Chasing Amy, about the relationship between a straight man and a lesbian. Filmmaker Sav Rodgers loved Chasing Amy when he saw it for the first time at age 12, but examining it as an adult, he finds it’s ripe for reevaluation.
Other documentary offerings include Every Body, in which director Julie Cohen follows the lives of three intersex people and highlights the difficulties they face in a heteronormative world. “One of the things that we’re trying to do is … show experiences that we don’t normally get to see on-screen,” Gbadamosi says.
“We really want to make sure that the films we are programming … feel very for the community and by the community,” she adds.
At a time of political attacks on the community, particularly transgender people and drag artists, the festival is hosting a free drag story hour featuring readings of banned stories and performances of banned songs. The event takes place Sunday at 11:15 a.m. at the Village East by Angelika.
Another event bound to generate great interest is an onstage conversation between Billy Porter and Idina Menzel, to be held June 15 at 6 p.m. at the Indeed Theater at Spring Studios. Porter also has a film in the festival, Our Son, in which he and Luke Evans play a divorcing couple trying to find their way in the world while caring for their son.
Other stars making appearances include Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, the Indigo Girls, who will talk with music journalist Abigail Covington after the first screening of the documentary It’s Only Life After All. That screening takes place June 14 at 5 p.m. at OKX Theater at BMCC TPAC.
And Will & Grace stars Sean Hayes and Eric McCormack will record an episode of their podcast, Just Jack & Will, with a promised surprise special guest. They will show an episode of Will & Grace as well. It all happens Monday at 8 p.m. at the SVA Theatre.
There’s much, much more. Find out about the festival’s LGBTQ+ offerings on the next pages, and for more information, go to TribecaFilm.com. And if you can’t attend, you can still view many of the festival offerings online; that information is at the Tribeca website too.
From left: Scenes from Silver Haze, Every Body, and Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed
Afire
Christian Petzold's film has an author, Leon, and a photographer, Felix, trying to focus on their art in a summer home near the Baltic Sea. But they are distracted by other guests — Nadja and her maybe-boyfriend Devid — and passions run as hot as a nearby forest fire. In German with English subtitles. June 17, 5:30 p.m., SVA Theatre; June 18, 6:15 p.m., Village East by Angelika.
Angelo
In this short film from Alex Plumb, a young Bolivian shoe shiner uses his imagination to escape his bleak reality. In Spanish with English subtitles. June 10, 1 p.m., and June 17, 3 p.m., both at AMC 19th St. East 6.
Bad Things
Bad Things, having its world premiere at Tribeca, has a group of friends trying to have a relaxing getaway at a winter resort amid snow-capped mountains. But ghosts of previous guests as well as ghosts of relationships emerge, and peace gives way to violence. Written and directed by Stewart Thorndike and starring Gayle Rankin, Hari Nef, Annabelle Dexter-Jones, and Rad Pereira. Preceded by the short Regular Rabbit. June 9, 8:30 p.m., June 10, 9 p.m., and June 17, 9:15 p.m., all at Village East by Angelika.
Blond Night
In this Canadian short directed by Gabriel Demers, Victor walks at night without supervision to live his life. In French with English subtitles. June 10, 3:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 11, 12:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika.
Boca Chica
Boca Chica, in its world premiere at Tribeca, is a coming-of-age story about a 12-year-old Dominican girl who dreams of becoming a famous singer. Scarlet Camilo stars in the first feature from director Gabriella A. Moses. In English and Spanish with English subtitles. June 11, 2:45 p.m., June 12, 9:15 p.m., and June 17, 2:15 p.m., all at AMC 19th St. East 6.
Break the Game
This documentary mixes livestream footage and animation to tell the story of video-gamer Narcissa Wright as she tries to set a record in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and comes out as transgender in her gaming community. The film, having its world premiere at Tribeca, is directed by Jane M. Wagner. June 10, 8:15 p.m., and June 13, 6:30 p.m., both at Village East by Angelika; June 16, 8:45 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
Breaking the News
The documentary Breaking the News, in its world premiere at Tribeca, tracks the efforts of women and LGBTQ+ journalists, including founders Emily Ramshaw and Amanda Zamora, to launch news site The 19th during the Trump administration and try to prosper during a global pandemic. Directed by Heather Courtney, Princess A. Hairston, and Chelsea Hernandez. June 8, 5:30 p.m., June 9, 6:30 p.m., and June 11, 12 noon, all at Village East by Angelika.
Burrow
In this short film from director Leif Lieber, a war veteran believes he's one of the last people left in the world, then has a sexual awakening with the arrival of an unexpected visitor. June 10, 8:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 12, 3:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 17, 6:15 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
Chasing Chasing Amy
Another world premiere, Sav Rodgers's documentary explores what the 1997 feature film Chasing Amy means to him and to the LGBTQ+ community in general. Rodgers was 12 when Kevin Smith's rom-com came out, and he loved it; but many LGBTQ+ viewers consider it problematic in its portrayal of the romance of a straight man (Ben Affleck) and a lesbian (Joey Lauren Adams). Rodgers dissects the film's legacy through discussions with queer film artists including Go Fish screenwriter Guinevere Turner, Fire Island director Andrew Ahn, and more. June 8, 5:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 9, 6 p.m., and June 15, 6 p.m., both at Village East by Angelika.
Daddy Issues
In this short film from directors Matt Campanella and Stephanie Chloé Hepner, a young dominatrix encounters an unexpected client. June 9, 8:15 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 14, 9:15 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 17, 9:15 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 18 , 9:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika.
Driven
A world premiere, the comedy-drama Driven tells the story of an Uber driver and unsuccessful novelist whose life is changed by one of her passengers, an overconfident woman who yodels. Written and directed by David Shane. June 12, 5:15 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 14, 8:45 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
Ecstasy
Nuns are affected by a black hole in a haunted mausoleum in this mystical sci-fi short film out of Mexico, based on Saint Teresa de Avila's writings. From writer-director Carolina Costa; in Spanish with English subtitles. June 8, 5:15 p.m., June 10, 1 p.m., and June 17, 3. p.m., all at AMC 19th St. East.
Every Body
In this documentary, having its world premiere, intersex people Sean Saifa Wall, Alicia Roth Weigel, and River Gallo recount their experiences with stigma, social pressure, and nonconsensual surgeries, and they ultimately challenge the gender binary. Directed by Julie Cohen (RGB, My Name Is Pauli Murray). June 11, 2:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 12, 6:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 16, 2:15 p.m. Village East by Angelika.
A Fox in the Night
This short, set in London, tells a story in which opposites attract, appearances deceive, and bravery reaps rewards. Written and directed by Keeran Anwar Blessie. June 10, 3:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 11, 12:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 17, 9 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
Free From Desire
Aline Laurent-Maynard narrates her true story of growing up asexual in Paris and eventually coming to terms with her identity. Audio only, available online.
Goodbye Volcano High
This is a story-driven, choice-based cinematic adventure game about personal growth, acceptance, and the power of community that will be available June 9-17 at Spring Studios.
Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field
Patricia Field created iconic clothes for TV series including Sex and the City and Ugly Betty. In the documentary by Michael Selditch, the lesbian designer talks about famous people she's employed and dressed, and luminaries such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Michael Urie, and Darren Star chime in. A world premiere. June 15, 5 p.m., SVA Theatre; June 17, 11:30 a.m., and June 18, 3:30 p.m., both at Village East by Angelika.
Heartbeat
In this short film from Switzerland, longtime friends on a camping trip deal with the abortion one the women has recently undergone. In German and Swiss-German with English subtitles. Directed by Michèle Flury, who wrote the script with Martha Benedict. June 10, 3:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 11, 12:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 17, 9 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
I Hate People, People Hate Me
Two 20-somethings navigate their lives as underdogs in Toronto’s queer community. Directed by Blake Mawson. June 12, 8:45 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 14, 6:15 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
In Passing
A burned-out chef struggles with her growing resentment toward her romantic partner, a fledgling painter, in a short film written and directed by Hillia Aho. June 10, 3:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 11, 12:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 17, 9 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
It's Only Life After All
The documentary It's Only Life After All is an exploration of and love letter to the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers. Directed by Alexandria Bombach. June 14, 5 p.m., OKX Theater at BMCC TPAC, followed by a conversation between the Indigo Girls and music journalist Abigail Covington; June 15, 8:15 p.m., and June 17,12:15 p.m., both Village East by Angelika.
Just Jack & Will
On the 25th anniversary of Will & Grace, Sean Hayes and Eric McCormack are back for Just Jack & Will, a new rewatch podcast from SmartLess Media and Wondery. This live Tribeca event will feature a screening of an episode of Will & Grace, followed by a podcast recording with Sean, Eric, and a surprise special guest. June 12, 8 p.m., SVA Theatre.
Let Liv
In this world premiere short film, a young alcoholic woman agrees to attend an AA meeting with her partner. When she unexpectedly runs into her estranged mother, she’s forced to confront demons from her past. Written by Olivia Levine and directed by Erica Rose. June 11, 5:45 p.m., Village East by Angelika.
Lunarcode: The Light
A powerful music video by award-winning rock band Lunarcode, directed by Vincenzo Carubia. June 10, 12:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 12, 9:30 p.m., and June 17, 12:30 p.m., both at AMC 19th St. East 6.
Marinette
This biopic stars Garance Marillier as Marinette Pichon, a Frenchwoman who became a soccer star in the U.S., where she could also be out and proud. Written and directed by Virginie Verrier. June 11, 5:15 p.m., June 12, 6:15 p.m., and June 17,- 2:45 p.m., all at AMC 19th St. East 6.
Mars
A British short about Charlie, a teenager who thinks all she wants is a normal life — until an extraordinary night leads her to reconsider. Written by Chris Bush and directed by Abel Rubinstein. June 10, 3:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 11, 12:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 17, 9 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
Merman
Documentary short Merman chronicles the unconventional life of André Chambers as part of Shorts: Say it Loud, a program that explores the freedom of Black expression. Using interviews, animation, and a 1970s blaxploitation motif, the film explores how Chambers overcame the adversities he experienced growing up as a Black queer man in the 1960s and '70s in a white-dominated Southern California beach town. Directed by Sterling Hampton IV. June 11, 5:30 p.m., June 15, 9 p.m., and June 17, 6 p.m., all at AMC 19th St. East 6.
Our Son
Billy Porter and Luke Evans star as partners who split up after 13 years, then begin a journey to find themselves and support their son. Phylicia Rashad, Robin Weigert, Andrew Rannells, and Kate Burton costar in the film, directed by Bill Oliver, who wrote the script with Peter Nickowitz. A world premiere. June 10, 2 p.m., Indeed Theater at Spring Studios; June 11, 3:30 p.m., and June 14, 8:30 p.m., both at Village East by Angelika.
Perpetrator
Teenager Jonny gains supernatural abilities through a mystical transformation, just as girls from her new school go missing. Jonny takes the investigation into her own hands in this coming-of-age, feminist horror-noir. Written and directed by Jennifer Reeder. June 11, 7:15 p.m., SVA Theatre; June 13, 9:15 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 14, 9 p.m., Village East by Angelika.
Playland
Playland combines archive footage and dramatized vignettes to pay homage to the Playland Café, a now-shuttered Boston gay bar. Writer-director Georden West also creates one last wild night at the bar in tribute to all those who found a home there. June 9, 5:15 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 10, 9:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 16, 6:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika.
The Right to Joy
After surviving a near-fatal cougar attack while cycling, Izzy Sederbaum overcame anxiety and anti-trans hate by rediscovering the joy of biking and promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport. A documentary short directed by Tim Kressin and Jay Melena. June 8, 8:15 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 9, 2:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 14, 6 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 17, 3:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed
Steven Kijak's documentary provides new insights on the closeted gay star through archival footage and testimonies from those who knew him well, while also exploring the prejudices Hudson dealt with and questioning how much has changed since his time. A world premiere. June 11, 5:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 12, 5:45 p.m., and June 17, 2:30 p.m., both at AMC 19th St. East 6.
Shortcomings
Shortcomings, based on the graphic novel by Adrian Tomine, examines issues of race, culture, and identity through the lives of an Asian American couple and their friends. Tomine adapted the novel for the screen, and Randall Park directed. The cast includes Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola, Ally Maki, Debby Ryan, Tavi Gevinson, Sonoya Mizuno, Jacob Batalon, and Timothy Simons. June 17, 5:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 18, 5 p.m., SVA Theatre.
Silver Haze
Franky (Vicky Knight), a dedicated nurse who bears emotional and physical scars from a horrific fire in her childhood, falls in love with one of her patients, Florence (Esme Creed-Miles), who is recuperating from a suicide attempt. The relationship hits some rocks because of the baggage the women carry and the attitudes of their families. Written and directed by Sacha Polak. June 11, 8:15 p.m., June 13, 6:15 p.m., and June 16, 5:45 p.m., all at AMC 19th St. East 6.
Taylor Mac's 24-Decade History of Popular Music
Theater legend and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Taylor Mac hosts a glittering celebration highlighting pop music from sea chanteys to David Bowie and beyond in this documentary from Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman (The Celluloid Closet, Common Threads). June 14, 8 p.m., Indeed Theater at Spring Studios; June 15, 5:45 p.m., and June 17, 8:45 p.m., both at Village East by Angelika.
Thaw
While isolated in a remote farmhouse for the winter, two friends begin to switch genders. A short dramatic film from writer-director Alex Bush. June 10, 3:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 11, 12:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 17, 9 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6.
Transition
Documentary filmmaker Jordan Bryon is embedded with Taliban forces in Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul while going through a gender transition. A world premiere from Bryon and co-director Monica Villamizar. In Dari, English, and Farsi with English subtitles. June 08, 8:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 9, 5:45 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 17, 5:15 p.m., AMC 19th St. East.
Your Fat Friend
Aubrey Gordon once blogged anonymously about being a fat person in a fatphobic world. When she published her first book, she revealed her identity to the world, and filmmaker Jeanie Finlay has captured her story in this documentary. June 8, 8:15 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 9, 6:30 p.m., AMC 19th St. East 6; June 16, 2:45 p.m., Village East by Angelika; June 18, 12:30 p.m., Village East by Angelika.
