This year, BQFF is back, bigger than ever, and all about celebrating love.
There is a huge selection of documentaries, dramas, thrillers and a range of new events such as 'Camp Out' (a new 12-hr marathon screening where participants sleep in the Powerhouse Theatre - hosted by Leigh Buchanan), a closing night party, special Q&As after films and the annual 'Queer Aussie Shorts' program where audiences can vote for their favourite film.
Co-director of 'Camp Beaverton: Meet The Beavers' Beth Nelsen wants to get in on all the love and shares her insider tips.
Fav film of all time and why?
My father is a huge film buff and I grew up on Billy Wilder and Abbott and Costello, among others. Love ‘Some Like It Hot’. Movies that blew me away in the cinema were ‘American Beauty’, ‘Silence Of The Lambs’ ‘Seven’ and ‘Schindler’s List’.
What drew you to directing rather than other aspects of film?
I have spent a lot of my time working on other people's visions and ultimately, I know this does not fulfil me. I've always been story teller, as long as I can remember; it's natural, a past time, a hobby, a project, and even genetic, I'm guessing.
How important is film as a creative medium of expression?
Film is my creative medium of expression and I wouldn't know any other way. Because film is enjoyed so easily by audiences, it is important by default of popularity and accessibility.
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What do you love about queer films?
Queer film lets us see our lives on screen and it doesn't get more validating than that. I remember UCLA had just received a load of LGBTQ films for the first time and I was asked if I would watch them and help categorise them for the new LGBTQ Film and TV archives; this was amazing. It really opened my eyes and I felt so normal, for the first time in my life. And it's also a huge bonus that I no longer give a shit about what anyone thinks or says about my sexuality.
And do you have a few favourites you can share?
‘Ma Vie En Rose’ is probably my all-time favourite trans movie. How could you not want to love and protect all children who show a little difference?
What makes a good film?
This is the easiest answer: a good story, well told. You can have all the fancy-schmancy equipment in the world, but if you don't have a good story, it's worthless. Additionally, as an editor sympathetic to the ways editors are rarely recognised.
Do you feel that lesbian/ gay/ transgender love stories are becoming more accepted and embraced in the mainstream audiences?
Yes I do, and I think they will continue to be, but I think we still have a way to go.
Any tips to share with aspiring directors?
Try to tell a story with a camera — see what you get. Is it a hobby or something you must do out of sheer passion because it is the only thing you must do? Oh — and here's a freebie I got in film school: If you find a good producer, marry her or him.
Anything else readers should know?
Come see the 'Beavers'! It's funny because I've been doing all these festivals and talked to so many people about the film and why they should see it and I learned that you can lead a horse to water... But basically, just come see it. Everyone that I convinced has approached me after to say thank you. To quote one of our Beavers, "Come with an open heart and you'll find some good stuff."
BQFF 2014 is on at Brisbane Powerhouse March 28 – April 5.
