Student filmmaking is incredibly important — it allows for students to have self-expression in an art form that is now easily shareable, influential, and eye-opening. It lets a student have a voice, and with the right script/writing/filming the piece can go “viral” or travel along with short film circuits. That means their story can be heard by more and more people, shedding light on a subject that is important to the student filmmaker. When we receive a film that highlights queer history/queer narratives, it shows other young adults how stories do not have to follow the “Hollywood” heteronormative stereotype.
To showcase some of the incredible films we’ve received just in the past year or so, here’s a list of some of our staff’s favorites that highlight queer narratives:
She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not
A love story about the complications of a queer relationship, and the courage it takes to build trust.
A story about the struggles of gender identity in an everyday situation.
A horror film that revolves around a sinister drag performance.
A comedy involving witchcraft that normalizes (instead of highlights) same sex relations.
But how can you find the right story to tell? If you identify as queer, or are directing a film with queer characters, just make sure you have perspective. That could mean telling your own story, or consulting with people who have had experiences similar to the ones the main characters in your film are going through. Never try to tell a story blind-folded. Dive into the characters and then fact check yourself with many other perspectives. Diverse perspectives are integral — they allow your film to come off as informed instead of misdirected.
For example, there was a recent film I watched where the gay storyline seemed incredibly misguided, and it was very evident to the audience that the director was not a gay man telling this story. Instead of guessing about a perspective, make a film where you are familiar with the subject matter, and tell a story where the subject matters to you.
Queer filmmaking allows for these stories to be normalized and accepted into the mainstream. It allows for young adults to have a place to feel welcomed and celebrated. It also allows for new plot lines, stories, and acts of courage to be told in a way that is fresh, meaningful, and unique.
The queer film festival circuit does a wonderful job of highlighting and promoting queer storylines. There is a HUGE audience for these stories, and a lot of possibilities to create a career inside these safe spaces. If you are a queer filmmaker that is telling stories about your truth, there are many communities and festivals that will showcase your work. ‘OUTFEST’ is a great film festival to look into as they offer grants and programs that give young LGBTQIA+ filmmakers a platform that’s widely recognized. When your work starts getting entered into bigger festivals, you’ll be seen by the eyes of many, which allows for your work to have a bigger, more mainstream platform.
These stories are crucial for student filmmakers to tell. When I was a student, I would watch all the queer cinema I could get my hands on, as it informed me of a group of people I would have otherwise been underexposed to. Please, if you are a queer filmmaker, share your story. You never know who’s watching and getting inspired.