Inside Out is a not-for-profit registered charity that exists to challenge attitudes and change lives through the promotion, production and exhibition of film and video by and about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people of all ages, races and abilities. Read More
More Sell-Outs Increased Attendance And More Big Winners on the Cusp Of Its Roaring Twenties.
(Toronto - May 25, 2009) Inside Out's final "teenage year" ended with a grown-up bang. This year’s 19th edition of Inside Out presented films from 29 countries, with a spotlight on France and an eclectic mix of 15 Gallic features, docs and shorts - plus, more than 80 screenings, special events, parties, artist talks and panel discussions.
Audience numbers were up 6% even though the number of programs were trimmed by 10% over the previous year. There were 26 sell-outs from a total of 73 programs. All three Galas sold-out, including - for the first time - both the opening and closing night screenings at the Bloor (which had increased its capacity by 300 seats over previous gala years).
Other sell-louts included HOGTOWN HOMOS, John Greyson’s FIG TREES, Focus on France's BORN IN '68 and GIVE ME YOUR HAND, and the world premiere of MAKE THE YULETIDE GAY.
There were more than 120 local and international filmmakers in attendance.
"The past 11 days have really galvanized and reflected the spirit and diversity of the LGBT community," said Inside Out's Director Scott Ferguson. "It was a celebration of how far we have come and an overview of where we are today - from remembering Harvey Milk to documenting the fight for our rights in Canada during the 1990s to the 'gayby' boom to John Hurt as Quentin Crisp. This Festival generated amazing energy, enthusiasm and feedback that we will take forward with us as we plan for the 20th anniversary edition of Inside Out in May, 2010."
Colin Campbell Award for Best Canadian Short
THE GOLDEN PIN (screened in Hogtown Homos)
By Cuong Ngo
Best Up-and-Coming Toronto Film or Video Maker Award presented by Charles Street Video
HER SPARKLY LOV (screened in Youth Out Loud, part of the Queer Youth Digital Video Project)
By Francesca Nocera
Entertainment Partners Canada Award for Best Canadian Feature
FIG TREES
By John Greyson
Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival Award for Best First Canadian Feature
TO EACH HER OWN
By Heather Tobin
Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film and Video Festival Award for Best Acting in a Canadian Feature
TIE: Angela Vint and Megan Fahlenbock
THE BABY FORMULA
Inside Out Award for Best Feature Film or Video
The Baby Formula
By Alison Reid - CANADA 2008
Elle Flanders Documentary Award for Best Documentary Film or Video
Ferron: Girl on a Road
By Gerry Rogers - CANADA 2008
Mikey/Schmikey Award for Best Short Film or Video
Get Happy
By Mark Payne, USA 2008