.gay Community Spotlight on QDoc: Portland Queer Documentary Film Festival

This week we had the chance to catch up with the good folks at QDoc: Portland Queer Documentary Film Festival, which is happening THIS COMING WEEKEND in Portland, Oregon! Get tickets, passes, and more at www.QDocFilmFest.gay and read our .gay Community Spotlight interview with them below.

How would you describe your organization’s mission? 

At its core, QDoc Film Festival’s mission is to increase the visibility of, and foster connection within Portland’s LGBTQ+ community and allies through documentary film and the power of story telling.

Tell us about how that mission is brought to life through your work? 

QDoc is the only film festival in the U.S. (and one of only 2 in the world) devoted specifically to LGBTQ+ documentaries. For 3 days each year, QDoc Film Festival brings the highest caliber of films - and their makers - to share with Portland audiences. After a two year hiatus, we're thrilled to celebrate 14 years this November 11-13th at The Hollywood Theatre! 

What would happen if your organization suddenly did not exist? 

I don’t even want to think about that but no matter what, our stories will always be shared. Documentaries reflect the passion of artists who are driven to tell stories that would otherwise not be told. Even against tremendous odds, they will continue to do so. 

What can people do to get involved and help make sure that never happens? 

Film festivals can enable a subculture to broaden its self-awareness and its sense of relationship to the larger society. Continuing to show up and support those events that celebrate and elevate the voices and stories of marginalized populations will help ensure that we will always be here! 

Why does LGBTQ+ visibility matter to you? 

LGBTQ+ visibility matters because representation affirms us, inspires us, sometimes even saves us. It’s important for us to see our identities represented on screen / in film because it enables us to walk in another’s shoes and build that sense of shared humanity. This is why documentaries are so needed. Elevating, celebrating and supporting LGBTQ+ stories, voices and creators has never been more critical, especially at a time when there are threats of our rights being taken away. 

In your own words, what does “LGBTQ+ safety and support” mean specifically? 

I think safety and support can mean a lot of things but ultimately I think it's about creating and encouraging a welcoming, comfortable environment free of harm. QDoc strives to be a place that fosters that within the community it attracts and the community it creates. 

Who are some of your LGBTQ+ heroes? 

NEVER LOOK AWAY, one of our short films this year, is about the mural in Portland that celebrates eight pioneers of the LBGTQ+ community: Marsha P. Johnson, David Martinez, Asa Wright, Angelica Ross, Aydian Dowling, Kathleen Saadat, Lynn Nakamoto, and Rupert Kinnard. Those are some of my heroes. The filmmakers and subjects who bravely share their stories at QDoc each year are also my heroes. 

If you could give LGBTQ+ youth one message, what would it be? 

You are welcome here. You are beautiful. You are not alone. You are family. 

Tell us about a time when you felt like the work you do at your organization really mattered or made a difference for the communities you serve?

Every time we sit in a packed theatre together with our fellow LGBTQ+ folks and allies to watch our stories being shared on the big screen it feels like a gift, like a win. When the audience engages with the filmmakers and subjects in the Q&A sessions following the films it truly feels like something special.

Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience?

If you’re in Portland, Oregon this week, please join us for QDoc Film Festival at The Hollywood Theatre on Friday, November 11 through Sunday, November 13. We have 15 carefully curated films including 10 features and five shorts. Eight of our films are by female-identifying directors with 11 Oregon premieres, and two world premieres. A total of 19 directors, subjects and producers are scheduled to attend and participate in post-film Q&As. We’d love to see you there, all are welcome! Thanks so much for this opportunity .gay!

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