First strands announced for SQIFF 2019

New strand on queer religion added to the line-up

by Jennie Kermode

Moroni For President
Moroni For President

The first strands for this year's Scottish Queer International Film Festival (SQIFF) were announced today, including a new strand focused on queerness and religion, You Gotta Have Faith. This will feature screenings of Christian conversion camp comedy But I’m A Cheerleader, lesbian nun sexploitation thriller evil Come, evil Go and Navajo Nation documentary Moroni For President, as well as a series of shorts on queer Islam.

"To be devout and queer is a complicated and heavily nuanced existence for many in our community, especially for those whose religion has strong ties to their culture, nationality and/or race," said strand director Samar Ziadat. "Our religious strand...is an international tribute to those who are in the process of reclaiming, redefining or renouncing their religion in the context of their queerness. This strand feels especially pertinent in today’s world, where many societies and cultures would like us to believe that religious devotion/spiritually and queerness are mutually exclusive."

"We are really happy to be celebrating SQIFF's 5th birthday and continuing to offer an accessible and provocative film festival for Scotland's LGBTQIA+ communities," said festival coordinator Helen Wright. "This year, we'll be focusing on community and collectivism, thinking about how bringing people together and queer activism can create positive change in the world."

The festival runs from 2 to 8 October and we'll be bringing you full coverage here at Eye For Film.

Share this with others on...
News

Expanding the possible Fernanda Salgado on fantasy, reality, Jan Švankmajer and Ana, En Passant

A burning thing Sneha Mehta and Teddy Stern on falling in love with Mumbai, and making Getar Hero

Nothing is impossible Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

‘The only thing that makes a story universal is emotions’ Warsaw’s Industry panel discuss reaching audiences abroad

The only thing worth saying Chuko and Arie Esiri on adapting Mrs Dalloway and making Clarissa

European Film Academy shortlist announced 68 features vie for nomination

More news and features

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the London Film Festival and Newfest.



We're looking forward to the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Cheltenham International Film Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.



We've recently brought you coverage of the New York Film Festival, Grimmfest, Beyond Fest, the San Sebastian International Film Festival, Fantastic Fest, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

Don't forget that you can follow us on YouTube for trailers of festival films and more. You can also find us on Mastodon, Instagram and Bluesky.


It's a busy time for festivals and here's the latest:


London Winners announced


Tallinn Black Nights UK co-production joins Works In Progress


Warsaw What Belongs To Others takes top prize


Tallinn Baltic Competition, Rebels With A Cause and Critics' Picks titles announced


Dinard I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning named Best Film