Lulu Wei

Death Mask

This experimental opera reenacts the lesser known history of Chinese medical student Li Shiu Tong, and his lover Magnus Hirschfeld, a much older German sexologist and gay rights pioneer during Nazi Germany.

Supporting Our Selves

Founded in 1980 as the Gay Community Appeal, Community One Foundation has from the start raised funds for an array of community projects and organizations, with the organization and its name evolving along with the community itself. What started as a predominantly white, middle-class collective redefined itself during the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and ’90s and continues to adapt today to better meet the needs of our Toronto communities. Supporting Our Selves is a moving exploration of more than four decades of activism, told through the lens of the Toronto-based philanthropic organization.

Bittersweet Becoming

After years spent dealing with her family’s rejection, Karla Rae James, 60, is finally ready to transition from male to female. Polina Teif followed her for three years, the duration of her journey. The bond between the director and Karla allows us intimate access to a very complex process, full of pain and struggle. Showing her operations and the importance of time passing, Bittersweet Becoming is an incredible portrait of affirmation of identity and intergenerational dialogue.

Soap

Soap is a short film that explores the value of platonic intimacy, especially in the queer community. Based on past heartbreak and present friendship.

Once in a Red Moon

As Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, a lonely young Chinese immigrant finds comfort in a romance with a mysterious hometown queer crush who seems too good to be true.

Sex with Sue

Sex with Sue explores the life and career of radically progressive sex educator Sue Johanson, whose radio and TV programs offered comprehensive sex education from a pleasure-driven, feminist perspective.

Photo Booth

Outraged by the latest bombing of Gaza, Palestinian queer activists Hamza and Walid recruit queer novelist Jean Genet to help them sabotage the Eurovision song contest in Jericho. Their method? Secure the collaboration of Buddy and Pedro, Toronto's famous gay penguins... The emergence of queer BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) as a dynamic Palestinian-led global movement is brought to vivid life through interviews and actions, opera and agitprop, protests and pranks. Recounting fifteen years of passionate activism in Toronto and worldwide, Photo Booth juxtaposes a surreal operatic narrative with documentary scenes that explore pride and pink-washing, gay soldiers and homo-nationalism, Queers Against Israeli Apartheid, and the accelerating weaponization of anti-Semitism.

There's No Place Like This Place, Anyplace

Over the course of over six decades, Honest Ed's became a Toronto Landmark. The neighbourhood it left behind when it closed its doors in 2016 reflects on its history and legacy.

There's No Place Like This Place, Anyplace

Over the course of over six decades, Honest Ed's became a Toronto Landmark. The neighbourhood it left behind when it closed its doors in 2016 reflects on its history and legacy.

There's No Place Like This Place, Anyplace

Over the course of over six decades, Honest Ed's became a Toronto Landmark. The neighbourhood it left behind when it closed its doors in 2016 reflects on its history and legacy.

Older Than What?

Aging has a tendency to fade people out of the picture. Older Than What? brings LGBTQ elders sharply back into focus with humor, frankness, wit and charm. 12 seniors answer 10 questions about aging and share stories about how they made history.