Storyhouse Young Programmers are presenting a season of films and events during February to celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month.
The season runs at Storyhouse from 5-18 February and encompasses themes and issues Young Programmers are keen to highlight.
Three films will be screened in the Storyhouse cinema while a complementary series of events during the month include a clothes swap and a round table discussion at Storyhouse, with a special drag storytelling session in The Nest in Lower Bridge Street on 26 February.
The season opens on Saturday, 5 February with French drama Tomboy (U), a compelling, contemporary coming-of-age story about childhood, growing up and self-discovery.
The multi award-winning 2011 film was the debut feature from acclaimed French filmmaker Céline Sciamma (Petite Maman, Portrait of a Lady on Fire).
A free clothes swap will also take place in the Book Pod at Storyhouse from 4.30pm, ahead of the screening, where you can bring along an unwanted item and try on something new to express yourself.
The season continues on Sunday, 13 February with the tender and intimate A Deal with the Universe (15) in which transgender filmmaker Jason Barker shares his 15-year journey through a series of personal homemade videos and diary entries which give a unique insight into gender identity and becoming a parent.
It will be followed by an exclusive recorded Q&A with Barker and producer Loran Dunn.
The final film the Young Programmers have chosen for the special season is writer and director Dee Rees’s award-winning Pariah (15) which will be shown on Friday, 18 February.
Living as a teenager in Brooklyn, 17-year-old Alike is discovering her sexuality and finding her place in society. Fighting against her family’s wishes, she searches for who she is.
Young Storytellers are also inviting people to a post-screening Round Table event where there will be a discussion about themes explored in the film.
And then on Saturday, 26 February, join the fabulous Aida in The Nest at 22 Lower Bridge Street for a captivating collection of tales in Drag Queen Story Hour.
Young Programmer Mia said: “We believe it’s crucial for Storyhouse to be inclusive and welcome anyone into the building through celebrating the history of LGBTQIA+.
“The community needs to have somewhere to come together and be supportive of one another and it should be down to Storyhouse to provide this space for them to do that.”
And Storyhouse Film and Digital Programmer Nicky Beaumont added: “Film is a good way to bring people together, and the stories on screen can be enlightening.
“These films chosen by Storyhouse Young Programmers reveal the people behind the issues and are great selection for LGBTQIA+ History Month.”
Young Storyhouse Programmers are a part of the wider Young Storyhouse collective which supports young people to connect, create, gain skills and build confidence.
The 14 to 25-year-olds get real life experience creating their own events including film screenings, open mic nights and building takeovers as well as developing digital events.
