This Is Who I Am

The Audition (Directed by Brigid Maher, Drama, U.S.) – Kim Johnson, a 50-year-old Army major, and her 13-year-old autistic, nonbinary child, Ace, are on a high-stakes journey to a prestigious music audition in Washington, D.C. What begins with a nervous pickup from school spirals into a frantic search through the music academy when mix-ups leave them scrambling to find the right audition room.

Everything Between Us (Directed by Ilgin Guney Korugan, Drama, Türkiye) – Alienated by bullies at school and her strict mother at home, Azra seeks solace by a serene riverside. There, she develops an unspoken bond with a girl who joins her on the opposite shore, opening herself up despite her fears.

Everything You Want/Tudo o que quiser (Directed by Mariana Machado, Drama, Belgium) – “Magic is people, but illusionism is what traps them.” Three queer Brazilian migrants who love each other live together in Brussels. We follow their journey for one day and the people they encounter along the way. This film offers a heartfelt portrayal of their search for belonging in a foreign land.

Feel Love Stand Here (Directed by Caitlyn McConnell, Drama, U.S.) – When Mateo, a young art student, begins to draw in between the lines of his gender identity, he must confront his desire to be with his girlfriend Krista and his longing to transition. As their relationship grows more intense, he faces an impossible choice: lose Krista or himself.

kaya/ᜃᜌ (Directed by Isabel Lamers, Action/Adventure, Philippines) – Fresh from its premiere at this year’s Tribeca, an outsider in her own culture, half-Filipina Nia secretly trains with gay outcast Malic to join a popular Filipino Martial Arts team in Manila, only to discover that winning starts with accepting who you truly are.

Not Losing You (Directed James Lantz, Drama, U.S.) – Following an argument earlier that day over what clothing a trans daughter can wear and what name she can use, a farmer-father makes a decision that will change both of their lives. “Not Losing You” is an incredibly moving narrative micro-film supporting trans youth in the wake of unrelenting anti-trans & anti-LGBTQ legislation sweeping the U.S.

She’s Nonbinary (Directed by Jess McLeod, Dark Comedy, Canada) – Nonbinary Max and their straight, cis boyfriend, Jake, spiral into a cataclysmic identity crisis when Max reveals they’re off the waitlist for top surgery. A film about labels and identity, produced by Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”) and Jane Schoenbrun (“I Saw The TV Glow”).

Tr(ace)y (Directed by Julia Editz, Drama/Comedy, U.S.) – A young woman garners interesting reactions when explaining her sexuality to her dates. Through these experiences, mixing a light comedic vibe with sincere subject matter, she comes to realize that being authentic to herself is ultimately more valuable than being accepted by society or potential romantic partners.