WERIN E G MPO

BY WENDY TODD

The 16th annual QFest, presented by Cinema St. Louis at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, will showcase films from nine countries from queer filmmakers

Oneday LeeAnne Lowery was walking at the gym and noticed someone on the treadmill whose identity they couldn’t readily identify. The next day, that same person was working out right next to them. Lowery’s self-described “neurotic nosiness” took over and they began to fantasize about whether or not this person was “into them.”

This scenario was the basis of the short film, “Treadmill Switcher” by Lowery that will be featured in the 16th annual QFest, presented by Cinema St. Louis at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, which the nonprofit acquired this year. The LGBTQ+ film festival will showcase 26 films from nine countries from queer filmmakers.

The mission of the film festival which occurs May 4-10, is to use the art of contemporary gay cinema to spotlight the lives of LGBTQ people and to celebrate queer culture. Nearly half of the films are by women or nonbinary directors.

“It is our wish to share these empowering stories of queer people in a safe and friendly environment at the Hi-Pointe,” said Chris Clark, artistic director at Cinema St. Louis. “Newcomers will experience a connection to community with the audiences at various films and the opportunity to network with visiting filmmakers from all over the country and Midwest.”

The festival will showcase some works by noted LGBTQ+ filmmakers featuring well-known actors, including “L’Immenista” starring Penelope Cruz and “Monica”, starring Patricia Clarkson and Trace Lysette.

The festival gives queer filmmakers a platform they may otherwise not have in St. Louis. Having an event of this nature in Missouri is important to Lowery, who is nonbinary and has been a filmmaker professionally for nearly 10 years.

“Film is an empathy machine, made even more powerful by the theatrical experience,” they said. “LGBTQ+ film festivals in red states are more crucial than ever as the rights of transgender people are increasingly under attack.”

Chris Clark wants people to know that the festival serves as not only an opportunity to highlight creativity in the LGBTQ+ community, but also to affirm the voices and perspectives of the group.

“It is a celebration of a culture and an often maligned, hated and misunderstood community of people,” Clark said. “It is important to gather to celebrate who we are as a part of society and to communally enjoy and focus on the good.”

Lowery echoes Clark’s sentiments and sees the festival as more than an event about films but also as a space to demonstrate and champion inclusivity.

“It’s a chance for LGBTQ Missourians and allies to come together in both celebration and solidarity,” the said. “There are pockets of Missouri that feel comfortable, but throughout the state we’re still worried when we get gas, eat out and go shopping. Coming together to share in queer storytelling in Missouri is absolutely necessary for the health of our community in trying times.”

For more information on QFest, tickets and a schedule of screenings, visit www.cinemastlouis.org/qfest.