Representation matters. So it’s with diversity and inclusivity as goals that organizers of Out on Film assembled their playlist of 80 films and dozens more short features for the event, which runs through Oct. 4.
“I like to think that Out on Film is a safe haven for people to come join us for 11 days, be who you are, see yourself on screen — or on your computer for this iteration — and just to have a sort of community, kindred spirit with everyone else who’s participating,” Festival Director Jim Farmer says in an interview.
Farmer (photo left) and journalist Eammon Ashton-Atkinson (right) – the director behind the documentary “Steelers” – joined this episode of Podcast Q to discuss the film festival, LGBTQ representation in film and sports, and the personal stories that make “Steelers” so powerful.
“One of the points of the film is to show that we, just as much as anyone else, are entitled to our place on the court or the pitch,” Ashton-Atkinson said.
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Project Q Atlanta’s coverage of Out on Film also includes a rundown on the full slate of films plus our best-of-the-fest recommendations.
Highlights
(1:34) There’s no pity party at Out on Film
(3:10) An all virtual fest (except for the drive-in)
(4:26) What is the documentary “Steelers” all about
(7:04) “I’ve always been the kind of person that gives things a go”
(8:56) The character-led stories of “Steelers”
(12:00) Catching a ball, getting called “faggot”
(15:36) Breaking down stereotypes – it’s not all “sex, drugs and disco”
(17:22) The importance of LGBTQ portrayals in film
(19:54) The harrowing story of being outed, bullied at school
(23:14) Exploring misogyny among gay men
(25:50) The upside of a virtual festival
(28:44) “Chaos follows me wherever I go”
(31:34) Programming the festival with diversity, inclusivity in mind
A behind-the-scenes look at Atlanta’s Out on Film