April 12, 2023
Empowering cinema
Around Town
COMMUNITY VOICES By Dr. Miranda Ming and Dr. Rhonda M. Key. Pg. 2
Features
Recipe, Movie & Sudoku. Pg. F-1 CLASSIFIEDS AND HOME & GARDEN. Pg. F-2 /F-3
Submitted photos
The 16th annual QFest, presented by Cinema St. Louis at the Hi-Pointe Theatre will showcase 26 films from nine countries from queer filmmakers.
The 16th annual QFest, presented by Cinema St. Louis at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, will showcase films from nine countries from queer filmmakers By Wendy Todd One day 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 HiPointe 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 contem-
porary 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 wellknown 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 See ‘CINEMA’ page 2
Serving North & Northwest St. Louis County | FREE Online at mycnews.com | Vol. 102 No. 15 | 636-379-1775
Moore On Life, Lifestyle & Crossword Puzzle. Pg. F-4
Weather FRIDAY Partly Cloudy 77/59 SATURDAY Partly Cloudy 74/49 SUNDAY Cloudy 63/42
READ US ONLINE!