The beloved Q Cinema Film Festival, Fort Worth’s sole queer film festival, is making a much-anticipated return this weekend, marking its 30th anniversary after a six-year break. Taking place at the Amphibian Stage on the Near Southside, the festival coincides with a significant cultural shift in Texas, reflecting a more progressive political landscape.
Running from November 13 to 15, the festival is hosted by Trinity Pride Fest and features an impressive lineup of 15 screenings, including a diverse array of acclaimed films that have previously captivated audiences at prestigious festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, and Santa Barbara. The Q Cinema Film Festival aims to foster a sense of community and celebration through the medium of film.
Established in 1996, Q Cinema has been a vital platform for LGBTQ+ storytelling in Fort Worth. This year, the festival is embracing a new chapter by transforming Amphibian Stage’s intimate 100-seat theater into a digital cinema space. As Tarrant County’s only queer film festival, it aims to preserve its legacy while attracting a new generation of film enthusiasts through a curated, noncompetitive format. Attendees can look forward to an eclectic mix of international features, documentaries, short films, and retrospectives, including works from Texas filmmakers.
This year’s featured films include “Bookends,” starring F. Murray Abraham and Caroline Aaron, and “Clarissa,” which stars Sophie Okonedo and David Oyelowo. Another highlight is the documentary “Jaripeo,” which delves into tradition and queer identity in Mexico. In total, festival-goers will have 15 opportunities to enjoy these screenings, with passes available for $125 and individual tickets for $20. More details can be found at Zeffy.com.
The festival kicks off on November 13 with the opening-night screening of the narrative feature “Bookends.” The film follows Nate, played by Noam Ash, who returns to live with his grandparents after a breakup. As he navigates family dynamics and his own desires, the film promises humor and heart. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session featuring writer and star Noam Ash alongside director Mike Doyle.
On November 14, the day begins with a 10 am screening of the 1996 documentary “The Celluloid Closet.” This film, narrated by Lily Tomlin, provides a captivating overview of LGBTQ+ representation in cinema over the past century. It features contributions from numerous notable figures, including Tom Hanks and Whoopi Goldberg, who share their insights into the evolution of LGBTQ+ portrayals on screen.
The afternoon will showcase a series of narrative short films, before the 7 pm screening of “Clarissa,” a modern adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway.” Directed by Arie and Chuko Esiri, the film sets Clarissa’s story against the backdrop of contemporary Lagos, Nigeria, capturing her reflections and encounters in a single day as she prepares for a high-society event.
Sunday, November 15, will feature additional short films, including documentaries like “Something in the Air,” which follows transgender stormchaser Raychel Sanner, and “Pride KelSo: No One Left Behind.” This documentary tells the story of queer advocates in Keller-Southlake as they organize their inaugural Pride Kel-So Festival amidst local opposition, illustrating the importance of community and acceptance.
The festival will conclude with the screening of “Jaripeo,” co-presented by Texas Latino Pride. This documentary explores the world of traditional Mexican rodeos while revealing a hidden subculture of queer identity within this hyper-masculine environment.
Founded in 1996 by Todd Camp and later joined by Shawn Moore, Q Cinema has long been a beacon for LGBTQ+ film enthusiasts in Fort Worth, showcasing diverse narratives that resonate with a wide audience. For more information about the festival, visit TrinityPrideFW.org/About-Q-Cinema.
Trinity Pride is committed to connecting and empowering the LGBTQ+ community across Greater Fort Worth through education, resources, and inclusive events that promote self-expression. More about their mission can be found at TrinityPrideFW.org or by following them on social media.
