The Virginia Queer Film Festival is gearing up for its third annual edition, set to take place from September 12 to 14 at Old Dominion University’s University Theatre in Norfolk. Founded by Eric Hause, a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ representation, the festival has become a significant cultural event showcasing diverse stories from the community.
Despite its growing popularity, Hause expresses concern over the current national political climate, which he views as increasingly hostile toward LGBTQ+ individuals. He highlights recent incidents, including a mass shooting in Minneapolis that resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries, with the shooter identified as transgender. The tragedy drew widespread condemnation, including from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who condemned the hate directed at the city’s transgender residents.
Hause sees the festival as more than just entertainment; it is a vital platform to foster understanding and counteract negative stereotypes. “We need these stories to show the world that LGBTQ+ people are creative, resilient, and deserving of the freedom to live openly,” he said.
This year’s lineup will feature a total of 33 short and feature-length films, with notable titles such as “Elijah” and “Connection | Isolation.” The former, directed by Razid Season, is a poignant 19-minute short about a South Asian Muslim taxi driver confronting community prejudice to protect his transgender son. The latter, an 85-minute documentary by G. Chesler, explores how a group of pandemic-era Zoom participants formed bonds and supported each other through shared struggles.
A judging panel including Old Dominion University’s assistant professor Priya Vashist selected the films, emphasizing a conscious effort to portray LGBTQ+ stories beyond stereotypes. “We intentionally chose films that celebrate queerness rather than fitting into tragic or comic relief tropes,” Vashist explained.
The festival promises an engaging lineup aimed at promoting awareness and inclusivity through powerful storytelling. For tickets and schedule details, attendees can visit the official festival website. The event underscores the importance of cultural resilience amid challenging political waters, reaffirming Norfolk’s role as a hub for LGBTQ+ advocacy and artistic expression.