Hana, Ben, Lucy, and Brian
Recently, we had the special experience of attending “Reelout – Kingston’s Queer Film + Video Festival”. To introduce the layout of the festival, it took place at the Screening Room, which is a local, independently run theatre in Kingston. The Screening room held a very intimate setting, which was very different from many large scale “movie industry” type theatres. For us as a group, even though we all come from different areas, we have found that in most locations the cinemas are predominantly these “mainstream” theatres, so it was refreshing to have the opportunity to attend a film festival in a local theatre that helps to support the business. The organizers played nicely into the fact that a lot of the subject matter in the films can be triggering or uncomfortable for viewers. We believe that they recognized that and, in turn, made it as nice an atmosphere as possible so that all people would be comfortable. At the festival, the staff used buttons as proof of ticket purchase and this created conversation with the ushers when giving the button. This was just one part of the welcoming experience. As well, one of the organizers of the festival spent time discussing the importance of the festival and what it symbolizes. They spoke on how it started twenty years ago in what they described as “a shitty bar with a big hole in the floor”. The festival now being as large as it is, and with such a tremendous impact on the Kingston community, it really shows the resilience and persistence of the queer community here in Kingston. Furthermore, the organizer acknowledged that we are situated on the traditional Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee Territory. Today, this acknowledgement is expected, but it is still important to recognize the gravity it largely plays in creating a comfortable place for all people. The films watched were “Queering The Script”, “Changing the Game”, “Queer Intimacies”, and “Sex, Sin, and 69”. Each ticket had a base price of $10 for students, apart from the opening screening of changing the game which was $20, however we found this to be a reasonable price for an independent film festival within such a nice environment. The snacks and beverage section within the theatre was also reasonably priced, with a mug of tea only costing $2.50. The use of physical mugs for any hot drinks you ordered added to the homely and welcoming feel of the small theatre, as well as being an important step in reducing the environmental impact the theatre has on the environment.
Reelout 2020 Review 