Documentary Competition Archives

Queens of Joy

In the heart of the horrible war in Ukraine, three drag queens- Diva Monroe, Marlene and Aura refuse to abandon their homeland. Instead of running away to safety they choose to fight- for freedom, the LGBTQ community and for themselves.

From the glamour of the show to the cruelty of war, the film follows their lives- full of loss and fear but also unvanquished bravery.

Marlene is dealing with old wounds, Diva Monroe finds herself again and Aura is fighting for her place, both in the army and on stage. The charity drag show they organise for support of Ukraine becomes a symbol of unity and strength.

This film is a story of self-discovery, love, hope and the strength to find happiness in the darkest times.

Velvet Vision – The Story of James Bidgood

“Velvet Vision” is the story of director/photographer James Bidgood, whose beautiful 60’s beefcake photos were different from all the others. They depicted homo-erotic fantasy scenarios dipped in vibrant colors, and pushed the boundaries of the genre. His film “Pink Narcissus” who he had worked on for many years came out in 1971 without a credit for his maker after Bidgood quarreled with the producers. The film became a cult phenomenon when people were positive it was either Keneth Anger or Andy Warhol who were behind it. It was revealed almost twenty years later that the one behind the film was one of the most influential photographers of the time.

“Velvet Vision” follows Bidgood’s attempt to go back to photography after a forty year break, this time for fashion designer Christian Louboutin. In front of filmmaker Bart Everly, Bidgood reveals all about his past as a window dresser, a drag artist and a costume designer. This is a film about social ostracism or about a man who chose to be an outcast and be lonely even if he doesn’t really want to, it’s a film about the fine line between genius and madness, fantasy versus reality.

“Velvet Vision” is a complex piece that explores the inner and outer world of a brilliant artist whose one-of-a-kind art still influences generations of filmmakers, fashion designers and photographers.

Pride vs. Prejudice

While the rights of the LGBTQ community are being attacked worldwide, this moving Canadian documentary emphasizes how one community fought and won. 2025 marks the 20 th anniversary of the Canadian marriage equality law, something that was made possible due to the supreme court ruling on the Vriend case. The film also emphasizes how important a free and unbiased court is.

Delwin Vriend never wanted to become a human rights activist or a LGBTQ activist, he just wanted to live his life in peace. When he objected to the fact that his academic work of place let him go due to his sexual orientation, he began a chain reaction that affected the lives of LGBTQ people not only in Alberta or Canada- but worldwide.

“Pride vs Prejudice” delves into the backstage happenings of one of the most important trials in LGBTQ history- Veriend vs. Alberta. For a fascinating 80 minutes the film describes the ups and downs and twists that led to the trial.

This documentary follows the work of the dedicated lawyers who led the trail against the province of Alberta and eventually led to a groundbreaking verdict of the Canadian supreme court in 1998.

In association with the Embassy of Canada

My Boyfriend El Fascista

Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Alps “My boyfriend El Fascista” tells the true story of Matthias, a left-wing film director and his partner Sadiel, a Cuban immigrant, an idealistic social activist with endless energy to fight the fascist communist regime in his homeland of Cuba.

Sadiel is facing the disappointment that his home country refuses to embrace democratic values and that the left-wing parties of Italy support the communist regime in Cuba. As a result, he has an ideological shift towards right-wing beliefs, which causes a rift between him and Matthias, since Matthias tries to stay loyal to his progressive values.

Through the lens of Matthias’ camera, an intimate portrait is created that captures the relationship between the two partners and the way political views can affect personal relationships and sexual ones.

In association with the Embassy of Italy & Italian Cultural Institute in Tel Aviv

The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival

Tamara De Lempicka was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century- a mother, a feminist, a style icon and a proud bisexual woman who celebrated her sexuality. Lempicka fled the war and became a symbol because of her artistic view. She embodied the spirit of Art Deco and painted high society women from a feminine perspective, erotic and daring and full of passion. Encouraged by her grandmother, young Tamara was discovered as a shining talent when she combined cubism, classicism and surrealism in order to reinvent the female form- not as a sexual object, but as a heroine.

In her fascinating documentary, director Julie Rubio dives into the colorful biography of De Lempicka and uncovers her unusual life with never before seen home movies. The result is a thrilling movie about a fascinating artist and woman.

In association with the Polish Institute Tel Aviv

Nicola

Nicolas is a divorced Argentinian baker who lives with his three children in a small Bolivian town in the heart of the wild surrounded by forests, waterfalls and lakes.

This ideal environment is clashing with the burden of life and the responsibility of raising children, earning money and the physical and emotional need to be who you are in a community that might not accept you.

Filmmaker Pablo Terrazas documents Nicolas’ life until the moment he decides the reveal a deep secret and start a journey of self-healing and discovery.

In association with the Instituto Cervantes

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Documentary Competition

Queens of Joy

Velvet Vision – The Story of James Bidgood

Pride vs. Prejudice

My Boyfriend El Fascista

The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & The Art of Survival

Nicola

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