2016 Edition
Between the 14th and 20th of November, we welcome you to join us for the 11th edition of the GAY FILM NIGHTS International Film Festival. Access to all events and screenings is free of charge.
Short Introduction
Between the 14th and 20th of November 2016, we invite you to join us for the 11th edition of the international film festival GAY FILM NIGHTS, taking place in Cluj-Napoca. We have prepared film projections, Q&A sessions with the films’ directors, art exhibitions, debates, parties and other events. And in the same way you don’t need to be Indian to go see an Indian film, you don’t need to be gay to come to a gay film festival. Therefore, the Gay Film Nights festival more than welcomes not just the LGBTQ community, but also the general public.
Of the 43 films from 16 countries that are competing in the festival, we will award the best short film, full feature film and documentary. Additionally, the public will have the chance to award its favorite. Each of these films approaches the reality of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer from a different perspective. Some explore political aspects and events that have a historical impact, while others tell the stories of a few remarkable characters and communities. Others are focused on challenging certain standards and social norms that extend far beyond the LGBTQ community – standards which dictate all of our lives, limit our creative potential and which, perhaps, we never call into question.
The Gay Film Nights festival was born out of a need to have a wider representation of gender and sexual orientation diversity in art festivals. It’s an attempt to open more pathways for communication between the LGBTQ community and the general public, because diversity is only intimidating when it is misunderstood. And at the end of the festival, we’re convinced that this idea will be shared by everyone: that the differences between us are only on the surface. In reality, we have much more in common. And when it comes to art and love, there is something that unites us. They are universal human experiences, which dissolve barriers of nationality, gender, sexual orientation or abilities. In love, our hearts beat the same way. In art, we all feel emotion in the same way. The rest is detail.
Cluj celebrates diversity. How about you?