Loaded with excellent movies and documentaries, Fairy Tales grown up along with Calgary. Although nearly impossible to choose just five options for a great time at the festival, here is our humble attempt. These are the must-see, and must-do, events.
Dan Savage
Known for his frank column Savage Love, in which he celebrates liberated sexuality and condemns closed-mindedness, Dan Savage has recently become an unlikely community builder with his campaign of hope for young queers, It Gets Better. Hear Savage discuss the campaign and share his insights at the Vertigo Theatre Playhouse on Wednesday, June 1.
One PSA at a Time
Inspired by the aforementioned It Gets Better campaign spearheaded by Dan Savage, Fairy Tales partnered with the Calgary Police Service and EMMEDIA to help youth produce their own anti-homophobia public service announcements. See the messages of hope created by Calgary students at The Plaza on Sunday, May 29.
Gen Silent
It’s a sad truth that those who fought the hardest for gay rights are now faced with going back into the closet as they enter nursing homes and face additional stigmatization while in a weakened state. This doc follows the struggles of elderly queers as they fight to maintain their identity as their world changes. At The Plaza, Thursday, June 2.
The Advocate of Fagdom Bruce LaBruce is a provocateur. He pushes boundaries well past most people’s breaking point and that’s what makes him such an important artist. This documentary looks at the life and work of this Canadian artist and what it has meant for queer identity and other filmmakers. At The Plaza, Saturday, May 28.
Happily Ever After-Party Fairy Tales is a film festival, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get out of your seat and shake loose. After watching the light-hearted Italian comedy Loose Cannons, take a few steps from the theatre and enter the party atmosphere of the Marquee Room to celebrate the end of the fest on Friday, June 3.
For more information and to pick your favourites of the festival, head to fairytalesfilmfest.com.
