This year’s Inside Out Film Festival features more 14+ films than ever before. Here are Xtra‘s top three film choices for youth.
Valentine Road
This touching documentary tells the story of 15-year-old Larry King, who was murdered at school by his classmate Brandon McInerney. King was shot in broad daylight, twice in the back of the head, and died two days later. It was a murder that rocked the US in February 2008. Many were left wondering if it was a hate crime, because King had asked McInerney to be his Valentine, or if there was more to it. Valentine Road digs deeper and ties together the details of King’s and McInerney’s troubled lives.
Sat, May 25, 5pm
Geography Club
Based on the bestselling novel by Brent Hartinger, Geography Club is a cute comedy in which an after-school club turns into a support group for queer teens. There’s a potential romance between Russell (played by Pitch Perfect’s Cameron Stewart) and the football team’s quarterback. But, to perfectly complicate the situation, Russell is being actively recruited for the football team – on which he is at risk of becoming a target of his teammates’ bullying. Along with trying to ward off the advances of a popular girl, Russell has a lot to chew on.
Free matinee for students
Fri, May 24, 1pm
Gay Shorts: Teenage Dream
For the first time ever, Inside Out will screen eight youth-friendly short films that will take mature filmgoers back to their teenaged years and remind some of their favourite queer experiences. This diverse collection of films captures the memorable moments of those years, from high school conflicts and coming out to first crushes and sexual awakenings.
Tues, May 28, 5:40pm
All films will be screened at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King St W.
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