After a big opening success in its first year of business, the Make Believe Seattle Film Festival returns for its second go around March 21 through the 26th at the Northwest Film Forum and the Erickson Theatre on Capitol Hill and at the Grand Illusion in the University District.
And, just like last year, this film festival focuses on “imagination focused film” that celebrates sci-fi, fantasy, horror and all things spooky, kooky, magical and weird.
Oh, and queer, because they have screenings of LGBTQ+ themed films and “queer adjacent” material that can be enjoyed by everyone!
Who isn’t a dumb bigot.
This year’s festival also strove to be diverse and inclusive with over 50% of the films directed by women and 35% directed by BIPOC directors….Yay!!!!
Queer and queer adjacent highlights:
- Centerpiece Film: BONUS TRACK
- Shorts Program: MASKS WE WEAR
- QUEEN OF THE DEUCE (and the short film before it: MATINEE BABY)
- Disney’s 1983 classic SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES (which isn’t gay per se but it’s a bit campy!)
More deets down below and snag tickets and passes at https://makebelieveseattle.eventive.org/welcome
BONUS TRACK
Julia Jackman; 2003; United Kingdom; 94-minutes
Screening March 23rd, 3:45pm, Northwest Film Forum
Part Heartstopper, part Sing Street, and all coming-of-age charm, Bonus Track is a warm and tender portrait of young love and artistic adventure. George is 16-years-old, filled with musical aspirations, and discovering himself in his very small town. When the son of a famous musical duo arrives, the two form an unlikely bond as they prepare for the school talent show, awakening feelings and talents otherwise dormant. Produced by and co-starring Josh O’Connor (The Crown, Challengers), with Jack Davenport (Smash, The Talented Mr. Ripley), Bonus Track is a film for anyone who’s ever had a dream…a crush…a burning desire to express themselves. We’re not kidding when we say it’s the loveliest film you’ll see this year.
Screens with the short film, AIKANE (Joe Wilson & Daniel Sousa)
CO-PRESENTED BY
C89.5: SEATTLE’S HOME FOR DANCE
SHORTS BLOCK: MASKS WE WEAR (QUEER LENS)
Friday, March 22, 2024 8:15 PM PDT
The Erickson Theater
Indulge in and experience the MASKS WE WEAR: Make Believe’s curation of genre shorts focused on queer themes. From filmmakers around the world, the program consists of seven shorts, exploring and deconstructing the ever-evolving notions of gender, identity, and sexuality. Filmmaker(s) in attendance. Curated by Timofey Pozhitkov.
Check out all the Queer Lens films: https://makebelieveseattle.eventive.org/films
QUEEN OF THE DEUCE
Valerie Kontakos; 2003; USA; 75-minutes
Screening March 22nd, 5:45pm, Northwest Film Forum
Some of the best documentaries of the past several decades have been focused on unknown individuals who led fascinating lives and contributed so much to the world of entertainment. Chelly Wilson was a Jewish grandmother and proud owner of a porn theater empire in 1970’s New York. Through audio recordings, Chelly recounts her pre-war escape from Greece up through her unlikely motherhood and rise to wealth as a shrewd businesswoman on “The Deuce”, aka NYC’s infamous 42nd Street. Via WWII and NYC archival footage and insightful interviews with Chelly’s family and friends, Queen of the Deuce is an engaging and entertaining examination of a truly unique character with chutzpah in spades.
Screens with the short film, MATINEE BABY (Thom Hilton)
About the Author: Michael Strangeways
