QUEER CINEMA CLUB
Animation by Paul Twa
Queer Cinema Club is more than a film series: it’s a mission to bring Toronto’s LGBTQ folks together in celebration of some of the best queer cinema ever made.
Every month at the Paradise Theatre, curator and host Peter Knegt will be offering queers (and anyone who loves them) a classic queer film, special guests and performers, and some good old fashioned drinks and conversation in the Paradise’s lobby bar. Each film is paired with a different local queer artist, who designs an original poster for the screening (which will be available for purchase the night of the event).
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Our birthday trilogy concludes with a night you’re gonna wish you could turn back time to join if for some reason you decide to miss out: On May 20th, we are celebrating the one and only Cher on the night of her big 8-0 with a screening of her breakout film role, 1982’s Come Back To The 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean!
Directed by the late, great Robert Altman, the film follows a group of old friends who reunite on the anniversary of James Dean’s death to have a very boozy night of absolute unraveling. Cher and her costars (truly an Avengers lineup if you’re gay and over 40: Karen Black, Sandy Dennis and a baby Kathy Bates) deliver the kind of legendary actressing that will make you want to scream in delight.
The film also notably offers trans representation that while not without its problems (it was 1982), still possesses a humanity and grace that Hollywood barely ever even manages 44 years later. If you have already seen JIMMY DEAN, you know what we’re talking about. If you haven’t? We got you, babe.
The film will be proceeded by both a Cher lookalike contest (with amazing prizes!) and a special tribute performance by drag artist Hot Honey Ham. We’ll also have printed copies of this beautiful poster by Keight MacLean, who has made all three of the gorgeous posters in our birthday trilogy.
Tickets available here.