Presented by Discover Massachusetts, qFLIX-Worcester is the largest LGBTQ+ arts and cultural event in the region. This is qFLIX’s second year in Worcester, offering independent films from around the globe with its four-day festival, from Oct. 11-14, at The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester, in the heart of the Worcester renaissance.

Last year’s qFLIX film festival was amazing, not just because of the films, but because of the filmmakers, actors and directors from all over the world that we were able to meet at the various events. It was truly a highlight last fall. The festival presented more than 35 features, documentaries and shorts that screened at festivals as diverse as Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance, Tribeca, InsideOUT, Miami Gay Lesbian Film Festival and London Flare LGBT Film Festival. The festival also featured international films from 15 different nations, including Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, India, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Africa and Thailand.

This festival celebrated the growth and development of LGBTQ+ independent films by highlighting several first-time directors and student filmmakers, as well. I also had the honor of presenting, on behalf of the film festival, the Harvey Milk Community Service Award to both Worcester Mayor Joe Petty and City Manager Ed Augustus for their efforts in promoting diversity and LGBTQ+ rights.

Some of the amazing feature length films they have in store for us this year, again held at the historic Hanover Theatre, are:

• Blindsided – Directed by Lisa Olivieri, 2017, USA, Documentary, Drama, English.
• Shadowlands – Directed by Charlie David, 2018, Canada, Drama, English.
• Still Waiting in the Wings – Directed by Q. Allan Brocka, 2018, USA, Musical, Romance, English.
• Devil’s Path – Directed by Matthew Montgomery, 2018, USA, Drama, Thriller, English.
• TransMilitary – Directed by Gabriel Silverman (as Gabe Silverman), 2018, USA, Documentary, English. • Ideal Home – Directed by Andrew Fleming, 2018, UK, Comedy, Drama, English.
• My Life with James Dean – Directed by Dominique Choisy, 2018, UK, Comedy, French with English subtitles. • My Big Gay Italian Wedding – Directed by Alessandro Genovesi, 2018, Italy, Comedy, Italian with English subtitles.
• Mi Mejor Amigo – Directed by Martín Deus, 2017, Argentina, Drama, Romance, Spanish with English subtitles.
• Hooked – Directed by Max Emerson, 2017, USA, Drama, English. • Porcupine Lake – Directed by Ingrid Veninger, 2017, USA, Drama, Romance, English.
• Speed Walking – Directed by Niels Arden Oplev, 2014, Denmark, Drama, Danish with English subtitles.

I have not seen them all, but I really like the international selections this year, especially the French film, My Life with James Dean; the Italian film, aptly named My Big Gay Italian Wedding; and Mi Mejor Amigo, an Argentinean film about friendship. Finally, if you liked The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo, then you may like the director’s new film, Speed Walking, which is about a 14-year-old Martin getting ready for one of the most formal transitions from boy to man: the confirmation. With more than 35 films, awards and numerous events throughout Worcester, qFLIX is one non-profit that will do Worcester proud.

Check out more on Facebook @qFLIXWorcester and online qflixworcester.com. If you have ideas for this column, email John@JohnArt.com.

John Trobaugh