Queerventures with Kendal Mountain Events
2023-09-30 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD, United Kingdom
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Kendal Mountain Festival is one of the UK’s longest running Adventure Film Festivals. Their programming goes far beyond the stereotypical adventurer, reaching out to individuals whose narratives are often overlooked. As part of this they have proudly curated a film programme of Queer-led films to stand in solidarity with the local LGBTQIA+ community and ensure that everyone sees themselves represented in the adventure world.
The event will be hosted by one of the Kendal Mountain team, Emily Lyons who will guide you through films that will transport you all over the world and showcase a multitude of folk from the community, from those getting outdoors everyday and people at the top of their game.
Tickets are on a pay what you can sliding scale of FREE, £2, £4, £6, £8, or £10. To book, click here or call the CCA Box Office on 0141 352 4900.

I am a Fellrunner (2020, Dirs. Jessie Leong & Julie Carter): Fell running is more than a sport – it is part of an identity. Through the evocation of a poem, ‘I am a Fellrunner,’ explores the way in which one woman is defined as a fellrunner in the place where she belongs.
Fragments Choisis (2022, Dir. Alicia Cenci): In the mountains, she is Elisabeth the skier, in the streets, she is Elisabeth the activist. She lives her two lives very separately and makes sure those two sides do not interfere with each other.
Until the day she becomes world freeride champion. The activist then meets the sportswoman when Elisabeth decides to use her title and the attention around it to come out publicly.
Eden (2021, Dir. Charlie Bush): Eden Elgeti was part way through her male to female transition when she realised she wanted biological children in the future. Told she was now unable to produce fertile sperm after the hormone treatments, a medical practitioner suggested there was a very small chance cold water might help reverse the effects and so she started extreme cold water swimming.
Venture Out (2020, Dirs. Jamie DiNicola, Matthew Mikkelsen & Palmer Morse): Venture Out is a story of overcoming odds, the power of resilience, and ultimately, the ever-lasting effects of LGBTQ community building. The Venture Out Project, founded by Perry Cohen, is a non profit organisation that brings LGBTQ folks together outdoors on wilderness trips. In sharing Perry’s story, and hearing from the other TVOP participants, we get a glimpse into the healing qualities of nature and life-saving community bonds that are being forged as a result of Perry’s work.
Ascension (2023, Dirs. Emma Crome & Matt Pycroft): Elite climber Alex Johnson has attempted to climb the iconic boulder The Swarm, California, for a decade. Not succeeding breaks her down into self-reflection where she finally accepts her sexuality.
Big Things to Come (2022): One of Europe’s leading adventure photographers, Hamish Frost lives twin lives. In Ascension, we explore the side of himself he has kept hidden from the outdoor community. A story of confidence and connection and a reminder of the importance of diversity in the great outdoors.

ACCESSIBLITY
Content Warnings:

Discussion of mental health, fertility, suicide, depression, eating disorder, mental health, bullying, homophobia.

This screening has an age recommendation of N/C 16+.
71 minutes long.
English and French audio with English language captions. BSL-English interpretation and live captioning provided.
We have an Audience Access Fund for travel. If you would like to take this up, please visit the access desk at the entrance of the CCA, or contact info@sqiff.org.
You can find out more information about accessibility at SQIFF 2023 here. If you have any questions about accessibility at SQIFF 2023, please get in touch with us at info@sqiff.org or by phone on 07873 331 036.
We ask that you wear a mask if possible and please don’t attend the screening if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in recent contact with a confirmed case. FFP2 masks will be available for free around the building.
Image: from Eden (2021, Dir. Charlie Bush)

SQIFF x Porty Pride Film Night
2024-06-28 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Portobello Town Hall, 147-149 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 1AF
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This year SQIFF and Porty Pride are partnering to bring an exciting selection of short films from Scotland and beyond to Portobello Town Hall!
This screening presents a mix of animation, documentary and fiction film exploring various queer identities. The Singer, Coming Out Autistic and Living with It are Scottish films made by queer people with various disabilities. Still We Thrive is an experimental documentary directed by Campbell X, showcasing a rich tapestry of image, music and poetry is interwoven in this powerful meditation on Black resilience. Digital Natives is a personal film and exploration of Jo’s relationship to the internet. Finally, Not Quite That is a raw documentary about a queer woman and breast cancer survivor in Canada. The film is an intimate and insightful exploration of how we are seen, how we see ourselves, and why it matters.
Join us for an incredible conversation after the screening with Scottish filmmaker Holly Summerson, and hosted by Nat Lall. BSL-English Interpretation, and wheelchair access are available at this event.
Curated by Indigo Korres.
Tickets are on a pay what you can sliding scale of £5, or £10. To book, please click here.

The Singer (2023, Dir. Cora Bissett): In the loud streets of Glasgow, deaf song-writer Joe meets busker Andy. The two learn to communicate over their love of music and realise together they can create something unique.
Coming Out Autistic (2023, Steven Fraser): This animated documentary explores the experience of telling the world that you are autistic when you also identify as LGBTQ+.
Living with It (2023, Holly Summerson): Perfectionist Lee must adapt to the imperfect reality of living with an illness – brought to life as her chaotic supernatural flatmate Bug.
Still We Thrive (2021, Campbell X): A rich tapestry of image, music and poetry is interwoven in this powerful meditation on Black resilience.
Digital Natives (2022, Jo Reid): A film by Jo Reid (2022) – an exploration of Jo’s relationship to the internet.
Not Quite That (2023, Ali Grant): Might a genetic mutation be the very thing that allows this nice Jewish butch lesbian to be fully seen at last? Meet Sarah, 57. Lesbian? For sure. Jewish? Yes and no. Mother? In all but one sense. Trans? No, just often mistaken as such. Breast cancer survivor? Well, that’s the plan, the survival bit, but without the cancer or the breasts. Not Quite That is an intimate and insightful exploration of how we are seen, how we see ourselves, and why it matters.

ACCESSIBLITY
Content Warnings:

Discussion of cancer diagnosis, surgery, colonialism, body image;
Depictions of pregnancy, nudity, drains, hospitalisation, ableism.

This screening has an age recommendation of N/C 16+.
89 minutes long with a introduction and Q&A.
English audio and British Sign Language with English language descriptive subtitles. BSL-English interpretation provided.
If you have any questions about accessibility at for this event, please get in touch with us at info@sqiff.org.
We ask that you wear a mask if possible and please don’t attend the screening if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in recent contact with a confirmed case.
Image: from Living with It (2023, Dir. Holly Summerson)

From Production to Festival: Crafting Accessible Films with We Crip Film
2024-10-08 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD, United Kingdom
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Join the British Film Institute’s (BFI) ‘We Crip Film’ in celebrating disabled rage, intersectionality, & queer joy in the film industry. Together, we will go on a journey of giving birth to a film. From production all the way through to film festival aftercare answering the many conundrums “how do I balance access and creativity?”, “how can I advocate for myself and my access needs?” and of course, the classic “how the f*** can I make this film accessible when I have zero money?”. Do not fret, We Crip Film is on the case!
We will delve deep into a case study of access-dedicated film festivals, defining what is and is NOT best practice and discussing the results and impact of FWD-DOC’s film festival accessibility scorecard.
You will leave this panel feeling ready to kick some inaccessible ass and be in possession of some incredible practical filmmaking and exhibition resources which will be shared with everyone in attendance.
Joining on the panel will be:

Clare Baines (BFI, Inclusion Partner) moderator
Charlie Little (Matchbox Cine, film exhibition access consultant)
Lindsey Dryden (filmmaker & fwddoc)
Tara Brown (the queer fat crip film programmer)

We Crip Film, is the BFI’s Disability Screen Advisory Group. First formed in 2018 and now in Its sixth year chaired by Kyla Harris (BBC’s We Might Regret This) & co-chaired by Justin Edgar (104films). We support and advocate for authentic disability representation & disabled talent behind the camera, on-screen, within our cinemas and UK-wide. We believe in cross-disability solidarity. We work in coalition with other groups who have experienced marginalisation in accomplishing our goals.
This panel will be followed by some accessible networking. We all know that standing round with some drinks isn’t for everyone, and often incredibly inaccessible, so join us in some crip-friendly “networking”. Think wholesome fun, where you can yap with people on projects and build long-lasting connections & hopefully friendships.
Curated by BFI We Crip Film.

Tickets are on a pay what you can sliding scale of FREE, £2, £4, £6, £8, £10, or £12. To book, click here or call the CCA Box Office on 0141 352 4900.

Accessibility
This programme has:

English-BSL interpretation for the whole event
Live Captioning for the whole event

You can find out more information about accessibility at SQIFF 2024 here. If you have any questions about accessibility at SQIFF 2024, please get in touch with us at info@sqiff.org or by phone on 07873 331 036.

Donate:
Donate to SQIFF via PayPal or sign up to one of our four Patreon tiers to support our work and show us you’re a big SQIFF fan 🌈✨

Image Credit: BFI We Crip Film

Coping, Managing, Healing - SOLD OUT
2024-10-10 15:30 - 17:30 UTC | Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD, United Kingdom
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**Please note this event is now sold out – we may be able to release more tickets nearer the screening. CCA Box Office are operating a waiting list for sold out events – please contact them directly or go to their website to be added to this!**
This is a screening of films that explore health without a curative focus. The focus is on managing pain, navigating change and utilising support systems. SQIFF prides itself on its commitment to making film accessible through reasonable adjustments, ongoing conversations and a keen interest to keep our activism intersectional. Expect to hear insights from chronically sick queers, helpline volunteers, gender affirmative surgery patients, supportive lovers and community pioneers.
Following this screening, Nat Lall is hosting a panel discussion with the director of the film There’s Not Much We Can Do, Erica Monde, and NHS doctor, Chenai Mautsi.
Curated by Nat Lall.

Tickets are on a pay what you can sliding scale of FREE, £2, £4, £6, £8, £10, or £12. To book, click here or call the CCA Box Office on 0141 352 4900.

Accessibility:
This programme has:

English audio with English language descriptive subtitles
Audio Description
English-BSL interpretation for the panel discussion.
Live Captioning for the panel discussion.

This screening is 57 minutes long and has an age recommendation of N/C 18+.
You can find out more information about accessibility at SQIFF 2024 here. If you have any questions about accessibility at SQIFF 2024, please get in touch with us at info@sqiff.org or by phone on 07873 331 036.

Films in this programme include:

There’s Not Much We Can Do, Dir. Erica Monde, 2022, United Kingdom, 19 min
In this personal essay documentary, the director reflects on her endometriosis diagnosis through the invasive Japanese Knotweed. While both the disease and the plant grow disruptively, one is treated with urgency and the other with inaction. An ecofeminist meditation on body, biology, care, and control, There’s Not Much We Can Do prompts us to question what we consider “natural.”
Content notes: Discussion of medical neglect, medical treatments, endometriosis symptoms.

The Callers, Dir. Lindsey Dryden, 2024, United Kingdom, 18 min
A love letter to queer possibility, THE CALLERS moves through time and around the UK to tell the intimate stories of people who have called Switchboard LGBT, England’s oldest LGBTQ+ phone helpline for over 50 years, seeking guidance on everything from where to find the nearest leather bar to how to come out, impress a new lover or mend a broken heart.
Content notes: Discussion of BDSM, sex, mental health, abuse, death, trauma, pregnancy, body image, gender dysphoria, medical waiting lists, suicide.

Cornelius, Dir. Ken Gregory, 2024, United States, 7 min
“Cornelius” is a powerful documentary about Cornelius Wilson, who has been a tireless advocate for AIDS awareness in the black LGBTQ community for over forty years. It highlights his dedication through personal interviews and showcases his impact on health and education. Celebrating his significant contributions, “Cornelius” is a tribute to his enduring influence and the importance of compassionate community advocacy.
Content notes: Discussion of HIV stigmatisation, racism.

You can’t get what you want but you can get me, Dirs. Samira Elagoz, Z Walsh, 2024, Netherlands, 13 min
A unique slideshow documenting two long-haired trans men falling in love. Over the course of one year, the artist couple gathered photographs from real-life events such as their first kiss, meeting each other’s parents, long-distance thirst traps, a beach wedding, and top surgery. A sweet and steamy celebration of T4T love with life and art all tangled up.
Content notes: Discussion of surgery, sex, genitalia. Depiction of nudity, sex, bodily fluids, hospitalisation, surgical drains, needles, blood, stitches, fresh top surgery scars, pain medication, scabbing wounds.

Donate:
Donate to SQIFF via PayPal or sign up to one of our four Patreon tiers to support our work and show us you’re a big SQIFF fan 🌈✨

Image Credit: Cornelius, Dir. Ken Gregory, 2024

Our World: Signs for the Future with Take One Action and Edinburgh Deaf Festival - SOLD OUT
2024-10-12 11:30 - 13:30 UTC | Centre for Contemporary Arts, 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD, United Kingdom
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**Please note this event is now sold out – we may be able to release more tickets nearer the screening. CCA Box Office are operating a waiting list for sold out events – please contact them directly or go to their website to be added to this!**
Curated by Charlie Little, a queer, deafblind film access consultant and curator, ‘Signs for the Future’ is a collection of short films interwoven with intersections of identity, our natural world and elements, and climate justice issues. These films capture Deaf and disabled perspectives and intersectional identity, seeking to spark conversations about collective, intertwined struggles and how our climate plays a role in our unity.
This special showcase will also feature the short film Bee’s Journey, which was produced by emerging Deaf filmmakers and created in response to the Scottish Sensory Centre’s ‘Rewilding BSL’ project. This project led to the creation of over 400 British Sign Language signs for climate and environment-related terms, making climate justice action and environmental discussions more accessible for BSL users.
Bee’s Journey came to life during a filmmaking workshop, ‘Filming Our World: Rewilding BSL & Queer Ecologies,’ facilitated by Take One Action Film Festivals, SQIFF, and Edinburgh Deaf Festival this summer. The workshop presentations were led by Dr. Audrey Cameron, Will Clark, and Klarissa Webster.
Curated by Charlie Little.

Tickets are on a pay what you can sliding scale of FREE, £2, £4, £6, £8, £10, or £12. To book, click here or call the CCA Box Office on 0141 352 4900.

Accessibility:
This programme has:

American Sign Language, British Sign Language, English audio English language descriptive subtitles
English-BSL interpretation for the introduction.
Live Captioning for the introduction.

This screening is 60 minutes long and has an age recommendation of N/C 12+.
You can find out more information about accessibility at SQIFF 2024 here. If you have any questions about accessibility at SQIFF 2024, please get in touch with us at info@sqiff.org or by phone on 07873 331 036.

Films in this programme include:

Bee’s Journey, Sandra Duguid, Audrey Cameron, Tanya, 2024, United Kingdom, 3 min
Filmed in the serene wildness of Salisbury Centre’s communal garden space, Bee’s Journey follows the perspectives of three individuals and their connection to nature and their identity. This film was imagined and manifested during a Deaf and climate justice-focused filmmaking workshop in collaboration with Take One Action, SQIFF, and Edinburgh Deaf Festival.
Content notes: Discussion of ADHD.

Scotland, Forgive Me, Dir. Will Clark, 2022, United Kingdom, 6 min
Set against a picturesque Scottish beach, a Deaf person writes a love letter to Scotland and to people looking for a place to belong, using poetry to explore their struggles of identity and connection to the country they were born in.

Battery, Dir. Ewan Marshall, 2023, United Kingdom, 14 min
In this apocalyptic love story, Elliot uses his last remaining wheelchair battery to navigate a city devastated by climate disaster, hoping to reunite with his deaf boyfriend.
Content notes: Physical violence.

Octopus, Dir. Ella Glendining, 2022, United Kingdom, 12 min
Upon returning to her sleepy seaside home town for a funeral, a young woman reconnects with the friends she left behind.
Content notes: Discussion of grief, death.

The Beauty of Being Deaf, Dir. Chella Man, 2021, United States, 3 min
Submerged underwater, three people explore and express their celebration of identity and hearing loss.

How to Carry Water, Dir. Sasha Worztel, 2024, United States, 15m
This punk rock fairytale doubles as a portrait of Shoog McDaniel – a fat, queer, and disabled photographer working in and around northern Florida’s vast network of freshwater springs, the state’s source of precious drinking water.
Content notes: Depiction of nudity. Discussion of sexual references, references to fatphobia.

Access notes: Strobe effects.

Donate:
Donate to SQIFF via PayPal or sign up to one of our four Patreon tiers to support our work and show us you’re a big SQIFF fan 🌈✨

Image Credit: The Beauty of Being Deaf, Dir. Chella Man, 2021

Confessions of a Reformed Activist
2025-02-21 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | Glasgow Women’s Library, 23 Landressy Street, Glasgow, G40 1BP, United Kingdom
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An engaging, participatory session led by filmmaker and artist Kiana Kalantar-Hormozi, exploring the limits of activist filmmaking and how new narratives of unique individual truths can lead to greater societal understanding.
Open to all Scotland-based filmmakers, moving image artists, producers and cinematographers.
Through an open and reflective discussion, we will critically examine the role of activism in the current climate, explore new ways to use film as a tool for dialogue and social change, and consider how empathetic storytelling and reimagined activism can help shape a more liberated future— where the personal and political intersect in our creative practice.
Please note: This session will involve discussions around activism, identity, and social change, which may include topics that some participants find sensitive or triggering. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment, and a quiet area will be available for anyone who may need a break at any point during the session.

HOW TO APPLY
This session is part of our Filmmakers Circle, an intimate and collaborative space designed for industry professionals and peers to demystify documentary filmmaking by nurturing a holistic understanding of the craft and engaging in ongoing topical dialogues.
In order to join the Circle, please fill out the application form by the end of Wednesday 12 February.

TICKET INFO

Space is limited, we encourage you to submit your early to secure your spot.
Tickets are available at a flexible, pay-what-you-can rate (£2/£4/£6). A link to make the payment will be sent to the selected applicants to confirm their place in the Circle.
To ensure accessibility for all, travel and accessibility bursaries are available and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so financial constraints don’t prevent participation.

ACCESS
We aim to create a comfortable environment for the session which will include breaks, refreshments, comfortable seating, and access to a quiet area. To find out more about accessibility at Glasgow Women’s Library click here.
If you have any specific access needs or concerns, please feel free to let us know in the application form.
Confessions of a Reformed Activist is presented by SDI in collaboration with Take One Action and SQIFF.

Kiana Kalantar-Hormozi is creative, entrepreneur and Akashic reader. Based in Glasgow, Kiana works with collaborators all over the world on creative, ground-breaking, and social justice projects.
Kiana studied BA (Hons) Film and Media/Psychology at the University of Stirling, then went on to get an MA Film from Screen Academy Scotland in 2016, before beginning my internship at media co-op to create her hip-hop protest film Tax on Me in 2017. She also holds an LLB Law Degree from the Open University.
Kiana’s work has challenged societal narratives and sparked important conversations about justice and inclusion. Her debut hip-hop protest short film Tax on Me in 2017, making a media splash and bringing to attention the injustices of the care tax. Tax on Me received press attention and provoked a parliamentary motion which praised its impact on bringing to light human rights issues faced by thousands of disabled people across the UK, as well being a catalyst for policy change. Kiana was named one of 30under30 most inspirational women in Scotland 2017 and MDUK Campaigner of the Year 2018.
She is currently developing her autobiographical documentary, Kiana: Stargazing and Spinraza; and working on new music releases as a singer/songwriter.

Donate:
Donate to SQIFF via PayPal or sign up to one of our four Patreon tiers to support our work and show us you’re a big SQIFF fan 🌈✨

Image Credit: Kiana Kalantar-Hormozi

Queer Freedom
2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | The Social Hub, The Social Hub, Candleriggs Square, Glasgow, G1 1TQ
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Oska Brights very own Head Programmer, Matthew Hellett is back at SQIFF with a fearless, unapologetic celebration of Learning Disabled and autistic filmmakers stories, who are reshaping cinema with their unique voices, powerful stories, and visionary perspectives. He presents a specially curated programme of some of his highlights from over the years at Oska Bright Film Festival. After the screening, stay tuned for a special conversation hosted by Stella Nicholson with Matthew Hellett.
Curated by Matthew Hellett.

Click here to book your ticket for this event
Tickets are on a pay what you can sliding scale of FREE, £4, £8, £12, £16, or £20, in order to make SQIFF more accessible to those on a low income. You can choose what you pay based on your circumstances – you won’t be asked for any proof/ID. We just ask that you are honest! Please find the ‘What Should I Pay?’ guidance here.

Accessibility
This programme has:

English audio with English language Descriptive Subtitles
English-BSL interpretation for introduction and panel discussion. The interpreter for this event is Lou Hanson.
Live Captioning for introduction and panel discussion

This screening is 54 minutes long and has an age recommendation of N/C 15+.
If you require access seating please get in touch. Access seating includes: wheelchair spaces, bean bag seating, sitting in the front row / in the aisle / at the back. If you need any other provisions, please let us know by emailing info@sqiff.org with your name, ticket information and access request. If you are attending with companions and they need seating with you please also let us know. We will provide one free PA ticket for people who require any type of assistance (all tickets are pay what you can). We will do our best to work with you whilst also managing the capacity of each venue. Thank you for working with us on this.
You can find out more information about accessibility at SQIFF 2025 here. If you have any questions about accessibility at SQIFF 2025, please get in touch with us at info@sqiff.org or by phone on 07873 331 036.

Films in this programme include:
Just Me, Dir. Mattie Kennedy, 2014, United Kingdom, 3 min
A film about individual identities and family ties, Versions is made through the technique of stop-motion and collage in which the filmmaker uses various silhouettes, which could potentially represent rebirth.
Content notes: Discussion of ableism.

Izzy Aman: The Joy of Drag, Dir. Isabella Walton, 2023, United Kingdom, 13 min
This film explores the rich expressive world of drag kinging through the experience of one individual: Isabel Adomakoh Young, known as Izzy Aman in the drag world.
Content notes: Discussion of patriarchy, racism, toxic masculinity.

Coming out Autistic, Dir. Steven Fraser, 2023, United Kingdom, 4 min
Coming out Autistic is a short animated documentary that explores the experience of telling the world that you are autistic when you also identify as LGBTQ+.

S.A.M., Dirs. Neil Ely, Lloyd Eyre-Morgan, 2020, United Kingdom, 16 min
S.A.M. is a short drama film in which two teenagers bond after meeting in a park after school.
Content notes: Depiction of ableism.

Sparkle, Dir. Matthew Hellett, 2008, United Kingdom, 3 min
Sparkle, made by Matthew Hellett, charts his transformation into a glamorous alternative persona, the drag queen Mrs. Sparkle.

(Un)fit to Work, Dir. Yasmin Godo, 2023, United Kingdom, 5 min
A disabled mechanic takes us on a musical journey of 80s disco & ballroom through his imagination after he’s denied access to apply for the job he’s best suited for at his local job center.
Content notes: Depiction of ableism.

Born to Dance with an Extra Chromosome: the Drag Queens (and Kings) with Down’s Syndrome, Dir. Nikolay Nikolov, 2020, United Kingdom, 10 min
Born to dance with an extra chromosome: the drag queens (and kings) with Down syndrome. This short film follows Drag Syndrome during a performance at the Ace Hotel in East London.

Donate:
Donate to SQIFF via PayPal or sign up to one of our four Patreon tiers to support our work and show us you’re a big SQIFF fan 🌈✨

Supported by Screen Scotland, the BFI Audience Projects Fund and Film Hub Scotland (part of the BFI Film Audience Network), all awarding National Lottery funding.

Image Credit: Izzy Aman: The Joy of Drag, Dir. Isabella Walton, 2023
