They said it was just a phase, but what if it’s everything? NotThat Kind of Phaseexplores the twists, turns, and surprising truths of growing up queer. With humour, heartbreak, and honesty, these films chart the journey from uncertainty to self-awareness-one awkward, emotional, unforgettable moment at a time.
Country of Origin: Canada
Year of Release: 2024
Run Time: 6:51
Language: English
Synopsis: Two young men meet for a first date. Things are going well until a revelation is made.
Director: Kyle Marshall
Country of Origin: England
Year of Release: 2025
Run Time: 14:44
Language: English, Mandarin Chinese (with subtitles)
Synopsis: How would you define intimacy and how would you find it? The filmmaker tried to find it by having his first sexual experiences with strangers. The film shows the interactions between them before and after sex. And after these encounters, the filmmaker had some new thoughts about intimacy and sex.
Director: Ang Li
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Year of Release: 2024
Run Time: 19:00
Language: French, Italian (with subtitles)
Synopsis: Su, a young Italian gardener, works in Switzerland. One morning she is summoned by her boss to defend herself against an accusation of theft at work. Su recounts the day’s events, in which she became familiar with her older and mysterious colleague Lore. As the interview with the boss proceeds, Su realises that in order to protect herself she has to tell a different version of the actual events.
Director: Agnese Làposi
Country of Origin: United States
Year of Release: 2025
Run Time: 19:59
Language: English
Synopsis: In 1970s Los Angeles, rebellious queer teen MAX navigates a hot summer of parties, bike rides and growing pains while finding love and heartbreak in the queer punk scene.
Director: Fiona Obertinca
Country of Origin: France
Year of Release: 2024
Run Time: 25:00
Language: French (with English subtitles)
Synopsis: A poignant exploration of cultural identity and personal boundaries, Kotowari follows a young woman’s journey as she navigates the complexities of tradition and self-expression.
Director: Coralie Watanabe Prosper
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Year of Release: 2025
Run Time: 10:48
Language: English
Synopsis: A heartfelt narrative that delves into the dynamics of friendship and the challenges of growing up queer in a conservative environment.
Director: Josh Black
1h 37m
Canada, England, Switzerland, United States, France, UK
English, or with English Subtitles
Wheelchair-accessible
Closed Captioning
Calgary Queer Arts Society honours and acknowledges Moh’kinsstis, the lands and oral practices of the Blackfoot Confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations; the îethka Nakoda Nations: Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney; and the Tsuut’ina Nation. We also recognize this territory as home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Districts 5 and 6. Finally, we acknowledge all nations, genders and spirits who live, work, and play across Turtle Island.
We are only the latest to live, create and gather here, and so it is only right that we should acknowledge those who have come before us; their feasts and family gatherings, art, music, dance, storytelling and ceremony, that have been happening right here, on this land, for more generations than any of us can count.
As we enter and care for the relationships made possible through our work, we see every gathering as an opportunity to engage and walk a path of reconciliation; in doing so, we hope to build connections of inclusion, respect, and shared creativity.
