SHORTS: Queer & Kin: Stories on Parents and Parenthood

presented by
Calgary Queer Arts Society

Explore the complexities and joys of queer parenthood and the intricate dynamics between queer individuals and their parents through this captivating short film package. From heartwarming tales of acceptance and understanding to poignant reflections on familial bonds, each film offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the diverse experiences of queer families and the evolving relationships between parents and their 2SLGBTQIA+ children.

A BOY'S DREAM / DRØMMEDRENG (2023)
Ludvig C.N. Poulsen / 29m / Denmark
Canadian Premiere

Elias is a newly graduated psychologist in Denmark, living what appears to be a perfect life with a loving partner and a high social status. After he starts working at an institution where he gets involved with the child, William, he discovers a new desire to become a parent. Despite his partner’s reluctance, Elias is determined to find a way to pursue his dream of parenthood.

Producer: Julius Alsinger Plambech

Executive Producers: Mette Mikkelsen, Jonathan Langelund

Key Cast: Lasse Steen, Christoffer Hvidbjerg Rønje, Bastian Hoe Friis-Topholm

Editor: Jarivan Ahmad

Cinematographer: Alfred Rubin

Music: Frederik Zeuthen

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عطر/ EITR (2022)
Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Miller / 14m / Canada

A closeted Arab wholesale perfume seller, attempting to mask his identity with excessive amounts of Polo Sport-adjacent cologne, is knocked off-centre when a charming customer sees through his act.

Producer: Farah Abdo

Executive Producer: Lauren MacKinlay

Cinematographer: Issa Shah

Key Cast: Mostafa Shaker, Guled Abdi

Editor: Naseem Loloie

Music: Suad Bushnaq

Other Credits
VFX: Kevin C.W. Wong; Sound Design: Jon Lawless; Colour Correction: Ian Passey; Production Design: Maria Al Sa’di

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hi ading (2023)
Dinaly Tran / 13m / Canada
Alberta Premiere

“hi ading” is a poetic short that provides a glimpse into a love story. Speaking to their parents’ past selves, Dinaly asks and hopes that these past versions might help them realize that while they may not understand the decisions their parents made, they were still made out of love.

Key Cast: Nelson Tran, Violeta Munar Tran

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THE RED PANDA TEMPTATION / LA TENTATION DU PANDA ROUX (2023)
Haïga Jappain / 20m / France

Anna, 35 years old, lives the perfect love with her partner, Marie. When she finds out she is precociously menopaused, Anna goes on a race against the clock to get pregnant. But Marie doesn’t want a child, and Anna’s stubborn crusade will not make her change her mind.

Producers: Marthe Lamy & Jeanne Ezvan, Apaches Films

Key Cast: Sarah Stern, Alexandra Roth, Alisson Chassagne

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LIFE IN CANADA / LA VIE AU CANADA (2023)
Frédéric Rosset / 20m / France

Sarah, accompanied by Hermione, the daughter of her partner, heads to her parents house for the weekend. But the absence of her partner, who is at home preparing for a move to Canada, provokes questions from her family that Sarah’s not ready to answer.

Producer: Clément Bancel

Key Cast: Allisson Chassagne, Sarah Zapata, Sébastien Chassagne

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PLANT DADDY (2023)
James Cooper / 14m 20s / Canada

After rescuing an abandoned potted plant, Phil spirals into an absurd plant obsession to avoid visiting his father on his deathbed.

Writers: Izad Etemadi, Lauren Holfeuer

Producers: Yoni Collins, James Cooper, Izad Etemadi, Katherine Fogler, Lauren Holfeuer, Lisbet MacLean, Iain Stewart

Key Cast: Izad Etemadi, Iain Stewart, Parmida Vand, Katherine Fogler, Basel Daoud

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YOUR DAUGHTER / TA FILLE (2023)
Déborah Biton / 14m 42s / France

After the death of her father, whom she didn’t really know, Clara goes to the theatre where he performed as a drag queen to gather his belongings. As the night unfolds, a sense of confusion sets in…

Producer: Pauline Quinonero

Key Cast: Saffiya Laabab, Yoann Milledésirs

Other Credits
Image: Arnaud Guez