Jury and Audience Award Winners
Jury Award Winners
Grand Jury Prize: Blue Jean
We are proud to award the Grand Jury Prize to Blue Jean, directed by Georgia Oakley. This gorgeous, timely and powerful film follows the journey of a young woman as she confronts homophobia in her school environment during a time when Clause 28, a law banning the "promotion of homosexuality," was in being passed. Oakley's expert direction and the exceptional performances by the cast bring this story to life, highlighting the personal impact of this legislation and the political push to silence LGBTQ+ voices and legislate us out of existence.
Blue Jean sheds light on the unfortunate reality that, even today, LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination and intolerance — particularly in education, and the importance of fighting for acceptance and understanding. It is a beautifully crafted film that addresses important social issues in a meaningful and impactful way, and we believe it will leave a lasting impression on all who see it.
Honorable Mention: Unidentified Objects - dir. Juan Felipe Zuleta
We are thrilled to award an Honorable Mention to Unidentified Objects, directed by Juan Felipe Zuleta. This thought-provoking and innovative film showcases exceptional performances by the cast and delves into important themes of identity, existence, and community. Zuleta's direction is bold and unyielding, crafting a unique and daring vision that deserves recognition. We are honored to highlight Unidentified Objects at this year's festival.
Special Recognition: Isaac Kranser in Big Boys
We are also delighted to present a Special Recognition to Isaac Krasner for his outstanding performance as Jamie in Big Boys. Krasner's portrayal of Jamie is layered, subtle, and complex, showcasing his remarkable talent as a young actor. His performance was a standout in the festival and left a lasting impression on the jury. We are thrilled to recognize Krasner for his exceptional work in Big Boys.
Documentary Feature
Selecting the Jury Award for documentary was not easy, as all the jurors appreciated the work put into all of the films, and the final rankings were varied, but in the end, the Jury Award for Documentary went to…
1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted A Culture - dir. Sharon Roggio
Available on Eventive through April 17
Interestingly enough, the jurors came from varied religious backgrounds with two being raised Catholic, yet all of the jurors agreed that this film was incredibly informative and showed them all something new. The film was very well executed with so many different angles examined and explored, creating a very emotional, sometimes difficult, and engaging experience. Structured like a piece of investigative journalism, the jury appreciated the twist of having Kathy Baldock, a straight Evangelical Christian woman emerging as the unexpected hero of the film. Kudos to director Sharon Roggio for putting this film together while also remaining an engaging character in her family’s journey.
Honorable Mention: Heels Over Wheels - dir. Jamie Hager
Available on Eventive through April 17
Filled with immense joy and a powerful spirit, the jury appreciated the color and diversity of the film’s various subjects and how they had fun and gently ribbed the world around them, yet at the same time came together for such a powerful reason, supporting each other, while lending their talents to a great cause.
Audience Award Winners
Narrative Feature: Joyland
Honorable Mention: Big Boys
Documentary Feature: 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted a Culture
Available on Eventive through April 17
Honorable Mention: Daddy and the Muscle Academy & Fiona Clark: Unafraid (TIE)
Best in Show shorts will be announced tonight at the…
Best in Show Showcase
FREE | Tonight, April 12, at 6 PM | Boston University's George Sherman Union Auditorium
Come one, come all to view the finest of Queer short film storytelling chosen by You, The Wicked Queer audience. We have put together a selection of 12 films rated Best in Show. The film line up will be a secret until the day of this screening. Which will be your favorite? Who are you voting for?
Lie With Me
Friday, April 21 at 7:30 PM | French Library
Upon agreeing to be the brand ambassador for a famous cognac celebrating their bicentennial, novelist Stéphane Belcourt returns to his hometown for the first time in many years. Once there, he meets his first love’s son,Lucas. Memories come rushing back to him: irrepressible attraction, bodies becoming onein the heat of desire, a passion that can never be revealed… His first love’s name was Thomas. They were 17. The movie is in French with English subtitles; the Q&A that will follow the screening will be in English. Viewer discretion is advised. Contains graphic scenes, sex, and nudity. This event is proud to be co-presented by: The French Library.
#WQ39 Virtual Encore on Eventive
Features available through April 17 and Shorts Programs through April 30 to Massachusetts residents.
Ways to Get Involved
Donate
Support our mission to build community, celebrate Queer storytelling and filmmaking through the uplifting of voices and stories not yet heard, and to present and preserve the vibrancy of our histories with a donation today!
Volunteer
It takes a village to put on this festival. We are looking to fill many positions for our 2024 festival. Come and join our all volunteer team!
