The fresh scent of buttered popcorn fills the Gas Station Arts Centre in Winnipeg’s Osborne Village. Patrons walk around, admiring the annual art show and visiting while they wait for the opening film, Assembly.
Wednesday was opening night, and the 40th anniversary of the Reel Pride Film Festival. As the festival ramps up heading into the weekend, Greg Klassen, Communications Coordinator, says they anticipate this to be the most successful festival yet.
“Advance sales have been amazing, actually. Like, probably double what we did last year. So we presold maybe 550 tickets, and I actually haven’t seen the sales report. So, yeah, I think we’re in line to do really, really well.”
As the oldest continuously running 2SLGBTQIA+ film festival in Canada, the group has made tremendous efforts in ensuring the 40th is a success, explains Klassen. Many Winnipeggers may have noticed billboards across the city as part of the festival’s outdoor campaign. “It’s quite amazing because as I drive down Pembina Highway, oh, there’s Reel Pride.”
President Ray Desautels says it’s been an amazing experience and is pleased with what is in store for movie lovers. “It’s great. We’re going to have a very successful year.
With a short film celebration, art show, and films exploring 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences, the festival has something for everyone. An additional feature performance on Sunday at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has also been added, with a showing of Pride Versus Prejudice.
Cheryl was a part of the festival in her 20s and says they are excited to attend. “I saw it was its 40th and I wanted to see how films have evolved over the years.”
“I’ve been coming for a number of years,” says Adriana. “I love the selection of movies from different places. So you get a wide look at different queer lives.”
However, as political polarization continues to grow across Canada and the United States, Desautels says the event has become an important part of being visible.
“Our theme this year was Projecting Pride. And it’s just that, we don’t want to be erased. We don’t want to be pushed back in the closet. So we’re just existing. We have our film festival. It’s a great evening for the queer community, for the allies, and their supporters to come out and have a great time.”
This week in Winnipeg, thousands attended a memorial vigil for right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier this month at a rally in Utah. Kirk, known for his outspoken views, opposed abortion, gun control, DEI initiatives, and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. In the aftermath, Steinbach’s Pride event, scheduled for last Saturday, was cancelled following threats made against a performer. According to organizers, the alleged threat was described as “retaliation” for the shooting.
In a promotional interview, Klassen was asked if he felt increasingly unsafe in today’s political climate. “I said, no. I always feel unsafe as a queer person who’s been out for 40 years. You never totally feel safe,” says Klassen. “It’s very important for young people, particularly to see that you don’t have to stay in the closet, that you can be proud of who you are.”
Lara, who attended Wednesday’s launch, says they agree with the importance of the festival’s mission.
“More than ever, queer cinema is essential, right? To see our stories and also our joyful stories. Not all stories are tragedy and despair and poverty. Stories of hope and aspiration and revolution.”
Desautels says the key to the festival’s future lies in longevity and fresh programming. “We have to keep going out there and finding some great, first-run movies,” he explains, noting selections like Miséricorde, which screened at Cannes last year.
That momentum also comes with expanding the festival’s presence with year-round events, such as a Pride screening at Good Neighbour Pub, to keep its profile alive outside the main week. Although it’s a tremendous effort, with dozens of individuals who have brought the festival together over the years, some no longer around, Desautels says it’s all been worth it. “It’s a sense of accomplishment. It’s a good festival, and people coming out to watch the shows is the reward.”
Klassen and Desautels say they’re proud of how the festival has come together, and as it marks 40 years, they hope the next generation of organizers will carry it forward for another four decades.
– Ryan Funk, U Multicultural
