As GLAAD continues its work to increase and improve LGBTQ representation in the media, for the first time, the organization partnered with leading queer film festivals; Frameline and NewFest, to host a discussion panel and party to uplift the LGBTQ creatives at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
On Friday, January 19th, queer filmmakers, writers, stars, activists, and allies gathered in Park City, Utah for the “Cheers, Queers” celebration. Hosted in partnership with Acura and IMDbPro, guests included Ally Pankiw (Writer/Director), Alok Vaid-Menon, Andria Wilson Mirza (ReFrame), Ashlee Marie Preston (Media Personality/Activist), Fawzia Mirza (Writer/Director), Jari Jones (Ponyboi), Joao Dall’Stella (Director), Kirsten Schaffer (Women in Film), Marti Cummings (Drag Artist), Natalie Jasmine Harris (Grace), River Gallo (Ponyboi), among many others.
In addition to the celebration, GLAAD’s Anthony Allen Ramos hosted a “Queer Film is Activism” panel featuring Alok Vaid-Menon, filmmaker Alex Hedison (director, ALOK), Allegra Madsen (Director of Programming at Frameline), David Hatkoff (Executive Director at NewFest), DaShawn Usher (Director of Communities of Color and Media at GLAAD), and Natalie Jasmine Harris (Director, Grace).
The speakers spoke about the LGBTQ films being celebrated at Sundance and discussed the importance of having authentic queer representation on camera as well as behind the scenes.
Alok, directed by Alex Hedison, tells the story of Alok Vaid-Menon, the internationally acclaimed, non-binary, author, poet, comedian, and public speaker. This thought-provoking short documentary explores the limitless expression of self, challenges societal norms, and inspires viewers to embrace personal freedom beyond the binaries that divide us.
Grace, written and directed by Natalie Jasmine Harris, tells the story of two young sisters in the Black American South in the 1950s. Prior to following in her family’s tradition of getting baptized at 16, Grace begins to question the budding romantic feelings she has for her best friend, Louise.
These films and more were discussed at this groundbreaking night to remember.