Recently single, Korean-born LA artist Sophia Lee devotes herself to her public performance art, whether it’s a provocative Korean perspective in the park on the LA Riots or quirky digital art on social media. To pay the bills, she does odd jobs for TaskRabbit. When a filmmaker reaches out to discuss an acting role in his film, she is excited to explore the opportunity, only to realize he can’t distinguish between her art and her real-life identity. Meanwhile, when a stranger makes Sophia late for a TaskRabbit gig, she loses her temper with her, only to run into her repeatedly and discover a strong connection. Sophia develops feelings for her, but it’s unclear if her love is reciprocated. Played by performance artist Vivian Bang (who also co-wrote the screenplay with director Daryl Wein), Sophia is a delightfully refreshing character to watch. Emotionally open, curious, and unapologetic, Sophia’s art is fueled by unfettered self-expression. Her insatiable thirst for meaning and experience would make anyone want to follow her down the rabbit hole in this quirky, deeply felt dramedy.

Event Info↗

Pedro earns a living in chat rooms. The image resolution may not be perfect but when Pedro transforms himself into NeonBoy in front of the webcam he still manages to create the desired impression. Slowly, this young man dips his fingers into pots of coloured paint and glides them across his naked body. Glowing in the dark, NeonBoy follows his users’ commands until he agrees to meet one of them in a private chat room for money. But things change when Pedro’s sister Luiza moves out of their shared apartment and he notices that somebody is imitating his performances. He agrees to go on a date with his mysterious rival. This rendezvous will have far-reaching consequences. As with all of the previous films by directing duo Filipe Matzembacher and Marcio Reolon, we find ourselves again in Porto Alegre in southern Brazil, where we encounter young queers in search of intimacy, community and security. The elegantly interwoven virtual images and protagonists’ stories may take us away from the real world, yet in actuality we remain in an increasingly homophobic Brazilian society to whose misfits this sensitive, affectionate portrait in three acts is dedicated. Description courtesy Berlinale.

Event Info↗

A young queer/trans Latinx soars Home to connect with his grandma, his culture, and his identity through enchiladas. A Filipina mother and daughter duo take an uncertain journey toward acceptance in Introspection. For a young Muslim woman and her Christian friend, a benevolent Call To Prayer becomes a beacon for healing. A Love Letter to Queer Black Womyn vanquishes trauma on a journey toward healing. Bi/Black/Body/Bliss is a blazing emblem for plus-sized, queer, African/Indigenous ancestry often rejected by the world. My Femme Is A Reflection that is emblazoned with tender duty on an Asian survivor's spirit. A luminous trans Latina woman warrior reveals her bravery in La Entrevista. Running toward the feminine begins Breaking Frailty Myths and releases a Black woman's abilities. A Korean-American woman summons The Courage To Be and masterminds a plan to create her authentic self. A queer Black woman's comedic reclaiming of "crazy" and the perilous climb toward healing. Through nurturing Puerto Rican food, Marco Territorio and female masculinity come to the rescue. Three heroic queer women of color affirm mind, body, and spirit to Take Care of themselves. When the world is full of despair, the buoyant passion of Supa Gallo Pinto saves the day. While some are powerless against perception, Smokey emerges into a vision for a different world. Determined not to let anything get in her way, a daredevil queer Latina leaps over obstacles in Un Buen Dia. Queer and trans people of color transmute intimacy into Az‚àö‚à´car.

Event Info↗