Queer Festivals as Activism

Discussion in English after the screening of “In Case of Fire. Shorts” (5.00 PM).

Can all public initiatives and events focused on and intended for LGBT+ people be springboards for activism? What is the role of queer festivals that focus on film? What is the relation between art and activism that they strive for? Can these festivals be a means to build and educate a community, fight discrimination – or are they merely entertainment for a relatively small audience? How do social factors shape what these festivals are? What are the goals, expectations and realities of festival organisers?

Long-time organisers of queer festivals from Scandinavian countries and Lithuania will share their experience and insights.

Participants: Mihaela Yordanova (MIX Copenhagen), Oscar Eriksson (Cinema Queer, Stockholm), Bård Ydén (Oslo/Fusion), Dan Helgi Helgason í Gong (Faroe Islands International Minority Film Festival), Laura Varžgalytė (Kreivės). Facilitator: Dovilė Butnoriūtė, manager of international projects in culture and films.

The event is supported by the Nordic Culture Point, Active Citizens’ Fund, EEA Grants, Norway Grants and Danish Cultural Institute.