Queer cinema lovers, get ready for a festival you won’t forget! The Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival has just revealed a lineup of bold and brilliant films we can’t wait to watch.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Inside Out will return from May 23-June 1 with beautiful portrayals of romance and friendship, inspiring stories of queer icons, moving portraits of trans experiences, and even a watch party for one of our favourite Emmy Award-winning series. This year’s lineup is a curated selection of 28 features and 69 shorts from filmmakers around the world, all with a focus on 2SLGBTQ+ stories. 

“After 35 years, one thing remains true: Inside Out is where we come together to reflect, to advocate, and to ensure 2SLGBTQ+ stories are seen, says Jenna Dufton, festival director of Inside Out. “This year’s Festival—and the films it showcases—serve as a powerful reminder of that truth, and of why Queer spaces continue to matter.”

Opening the festival this year is Outerlands, a deeply resonant drama that recently premiered at the SXSW Film Festival. This debut feature from Elena Oxman follows Cass, who finds themself unexpectedly caring for their longtime crush’s 11-year-old daughter, leading them to confront the unresolved trauma of their own turbulent childhood.

Closing the festival on June 1 is The Best Friend from award-winning filmmaker Allan Deberton. Described as a “campy resort musical”, this is the story of two best friends who reunite after years apart and discover old feelings that begin to resurface. 

Here’s another highlight we know you’ll love: a Hacks watch party! The season 4 finale drops on May 29, just in time to gather with a theatre full of fellow Hacks fans to laugh and revel at the conclusion to another chapter of this beloved series. 

As a festival with strong roots in Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, Inside Out will also spotlight several works from filmmakers based in the city and across Canada:

  • Parade: Queer Acts of Love & Resistance, a look back on six decades of Canadian queer activism.
  • Really Happy Someday, the story of a rising star navigating Toronto’s theatre scene after his transition.
  • Sweet Angel Baby, following a woman in a small fishing town who hides both her relationship and her social media alter ego.
  • Two Women, a playful comedy about neighbours who bond over their dissatisfaction.
  • Unlabelled, a moving portrait of three trans community members in Toronto.

There’s no better time to support storytelling from both Canadians and the queer community. Events like Inside Out unapologetically amplify 2SLGBTQ+ voices and create space for queer art, joy, and community at a time when it is urgently needed.

This is why SheDoesTheCity is proud to be a media partner at this year’s Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival. Stay tuned for more coverage from our team leading up to and during the festival, including filmmaker interviews and ticket giveaways.

Tickets for the Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival are on sale now. The full lineup of films is available to view on their website.