So What Exactly is Queerwest?
From the restrictive Hays Code that constructed a celluloid closet, to the queer indie explosion of the mid-90s, to our contemporary conversations about representation, both independent and mainstream cinema have struggled with the way they portray LGBTQ2S people and stories. And while representation has obviously bettered over the last century of cinema, the question now turns to what queer stories get told. Queerwest celebrates not only the stories of queer life on the coasts, but the lives, adventures, and pain of LGBTQ2S people living under the majesty, power, and complicated history of the American West.
SOUNDS DOPE. WHAT’S THE PROGRAMMING LIKE?
Queerwest is a three-day event produced by the Roxy Theater to celebrate Montana’s diverse LGBTQ+ population. The event will take place June 6-8 to commemorate Pride Month in Missoula. It features a block of shorts from filmmakers around the world, a drag show produced by Montana Drag Wrestling as well as several feature films.
OH COOL! THIS IS GIVING ME A HANKERING FOR MORE QUEER CINEMA
Well you know about Out at the Roxy, Missoula’s beloved community cinema’s monthly showcase of LGBTQ2S films and stories, right?
I’M SOLD. HOW DO I HELP OUT?
We’re always looking for sponsors! What better way to help build community than by creating more queer arts and events in Missoula? If you’re interested in sponsoring Queerwest please email [email protected].
OH SO THIS IS ABOUT MONEY.
No, what it’s about is creating and maintaining community in a place where our state is openly and actively trying to force queer people from our borders.
AND WHO ARE YOU AGAIN?
I’m Charlotte Macorn, the festival director. You might know me as the mercurial icon and the voice of your generation.
WHAT?
I’m also the Roxy’s Volunteer Coordinator, the co-producer of the beloved Camp Horror Film Festival, and the hostess of both Trash Vault and the aforementioned Out at the Roxy. I’ve also been working in LGBTQ+ advocacy for nearly a decade here in the City of Many Shoulders. Maybe you’ve seen me do drag. Maybe you’ve seen me do comedy.
No, what it’s about is creating and maintaining community in a place where our state is openly and actively trying to force queer people from our borders.
About the Roxy Theater
Missoula’s Community Cinema
The Roxy Theater is the City of Many Shoulder’s Community Cinema. A non-profit arthouse venue, the Roxy hosts regular weekly screenings of award-winning new and classic films from around the world, simulcast live theater, special one-off screenings, community programs, and oddball events.
A unique historic venue with incredible resources, The Roxy houses three cinema screens with HD projection, 35 mm projection, state-of-the-art sound systems, two stages, a micro-cinema ‘The Annex’, and the Roxy Movie Garden – an outdoor space for films and live performance.