Under the Radar

Virtual event: March 29- April 1, 2024 • online film screenings & live streaming with guest speakers

In-person event: March 29-31, 2024 • film screenings , filmmakers in attendance , special guest speakers, workshops, talks & discussion.

March 29th, 1:00pm - 8:00pm •  Brique par Brique • 633 Beaumont Ave, Montreal, Quebec H3N 1V7

March 30th, 6:00pm - 10:00pm • Musée McCord Stewart • 690 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1E9

March 31st, 12:00pm - 4:00pm The Bading Film Festival • 460 Ste-Catherine W.#602, Montréal (QC) H3B 1A7

March 29, 2024 1:00pm - 8:00pm • BRIQUE PAR BRIQUE

1:00 pm Welcome 

1:30 pm Criminalization and Persecution through the lens of Artivism by Melanie Nathan (online)

There is a surge in anti-LGBT legislation across Africa, licensing violence and fostering fear. Artists are often caught in a quagmire attempting to navigate decisions of flight or fight that could have life or death consequences. Artists are integral to change as they offer creative ways to activate consciousness and promote awareness.  Understanding the context, the history and discourse enhances  creative participation in solutions and informs decision making.

3:00 pm Solidarity in Motion: Pocket Cinema Hacks  Karin Hazé (in person)

Embark on an immersive journey into the world of smartphone filmmaking. Discover unique approaches to storytelling, emphasizing resourcefulness and individual perspective. No prior experience needed—just bring your Android or iPhone device. Learn practical hacks and tips to craft compelling micro-films during our hands-on session. Join us and dive into the amazing world of pocket cinema.

4:30 pm Can Art Change The World? Video Essays for Social Change Lily Alexander (in person) 

Join Lily for an eye opening talk as she explores the captivating world of video essays. From unraveling their format and rich history to discussing their widespread popularity, Lily delves into the medium's unique strengths and accessibility. Discover practical insights on creating impactful video essays using free resources and learn how they can be used for advocacy and community upliftment. Delve into the significance of political art and engage in a vibrant Q&A session to gain valuable insights into the transformative power of visual storytelling.

6:30 pm  Queer Resilience: Filmmaking, Media, and Activism in Ghana by Edem Abbeyquaye (in person)

Edem Abbeyquaye, a Ghanaian activist and filmmaker, delivers a compelling talk on using independent documentary filmmaking and new media to advance queer activism in Ghana. She highlights negative portrayals of the LGBT+ community in Ghanaian media and the growing anti-LGBT+ sentiment. Through analyzing recent events and drawing from feminist filmmaking successes, she advocates for innovative advocacy strategies to empower queer Ghanaians. Edem envisions a future where marginalized voices drive positive change through storytelling, digital activism, and community engagement, calling for solidarity and action in the fight for queer liberation.

March 30, 2024  6:00pm - 10:00pm • MUSÉE MCCORD STEWART MUSEUM 

6:00 pm Creating a Community Through Participatory Filmmaking by Leena Manimekalai (in person)

Talk will be on how participatory filmmaking contributes to an anti-oppressive and community engaged scholarship, by facilitating intercultural dialogue and intersectional knowledge sharing; offering a reflexive and relational approach to research, co-creating art and  social action.Talk on participatory filmmaking by Leena Manimekalai 

8:00pm Map Your Love : Queer Love Stories from the Global South by 75 SHOTS.

Filmmakers in attendance.

Map Your Love weaves together four distinct yet interconnected narratives that explore the diverse facets of queer love and identity in the Global South. Through compelling storytelling and evocative visuals, the collection of films invites viewers on a journey across cultural landscapes, shedding light on the complexities of human connection, from familial bonds to self-discovery and acceptance to the universal themes of love, longing, and resilience. With its rich tapestry of characters and settings, Map Your Love serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love to bridge divides and foster understanding, while celebrating the inherent beauty and authenticity of queer love stories from diverse corners of the world.

March 31 , 2024  12:00pm - 4:00pm • CARREFOUR JEUNESSE EMPLOI

12:00pm Lead from Behind: Queer Shorts Program From The Cinema Feast Collection Vault. 

Filmmakers in attendance.

Lead from Behind offers a cinematic journey that defies the bounds of oppression, celebrating the indomitable spirit of queer individuals in challenging regimes. In the shadows of binary norms and heteronormative standards, these films illuminate the resilience and defiance of those who dare to exist authentically. Embark on a voyage into the inner sanctums of souls navigating hostile landscapes, where survival means asserting identity in the face of adversity. This curated selection offers a rare and precious opportunity to witness the brilliance and humanity of those whose voices have long been silenced. Explore the vibrant cartography of a queer world, where defiance becomes art, and resilience shines as a beacon of hope. It's a rare and unique chance to bear witness, offering a fleeting glimpse into the hearts and minds of perfect strangers.

2:00pm  Storytellers as Frontline Defenders   Group discussion with selected featured artists + activists.

Hybrid group discussion on the role of artivists in combating homophobia, racism and driving social change with 75 SHOTS members & friends:  2boys.tv (Canada), Jela Dela Peña (Canada), Va-Bene (Ghana), Yuck Miranda (Mozambique),  Special guest in-person filmmakers: Leena Manimekalai (India) ,  Edem Abbeyquaye ( Ghana),  Lily  Alexander (Canada) , Melanie Nathan (USA) along with filmmakers from Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Morocco and South Africa  whose identities must be concealed for security reasons.