{"id":5257,"date":"2025-07-11T16:09:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T16:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/queervibesmag.com\/must-see-queer-highlights-at-festival-fantasia-2025\/"},"modified":"2025-07-11T16:09:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T16:09:28","slug":"must-see-queer-highlights-at-festival-fantasia-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queervibesmag.com\/es\/must-see-queer-highlights-at-festival-fantasia-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Must-See Queer Highlights at Festival Fantasia 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Festival Fantasia 2025 Queer<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

An Inclusive and Vibrant Line-Up for the 29th Edition<\/h2>\n

From July 16 to August 3, 2025, the Fantasia International Film Festival returns for its 29th edition, showcasing more than 125 feature films and 200 shorts. The event opens with Eddington<\/em> by Ari Aster \u2014 a paranoia-fueled pandemic western starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler \u2014 and closes with Genndy Tartakovsky\u2019s animated feature Fixed<\/em>. Notable titles include Cielo<\/em> by Alberto Sciamma and Good Boy<\/em> by Ben L\u00e9onberg. The queer selection stands out for its fearless approach and deep emotional resonance.<\/p>\n

Fucktoys<\/em>: Queer, Trashy Odyssey Through Louisiana<\/h2>\n

Directed by and starring Annapurna Sriram, Fucktoys<\/em> is a campy tribute to John Waters and Russ Meyer. Set in the wild bayous, the film follows AP, a cursed sex worker on a mission to gather $1,000 to consult a psychic. Shot on 16mm, this vibrant tale is steeped in bold humor, raw sensuality, and maximalist queer aesthetics. It features Big Freedia as the psychic and Fran\u00e7ois Arnaud in a supporting role.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f July 22 at 9:30 PM, Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Hall (paired with The Rebirth<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Influencers<\/em>: Chilling Return of the Enigmatic CW<\/h2>\n

Following the success of Influencer<\/em>, director Kurtis David Harder returns with a sequel spotlighting CW (played by Cassandra Naud) as she clashes with another fame-hungry influencer in southern France. Starring Veronica Long and Jonathan Whitesell, this slick thriller explores social satire, sinister tension, and pitch-black humor.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f July 25 at 6:15 PM, Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Hall (paired with Headcase<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Looking for an Angel<\/em>: Queer Reflection and Rural Elegance from Japan<\/h2>\n

Shot in 1999 by Akihiro Suzuki, Looking for an Angel<\/em> is a meditative portrait of queer memory set in rural Japan. Two friends reminisce about a late companion, a former adult film actor, offering a poetic and tender ode to friendship, grief, and life at the margins.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f July 28 at 4:45 PM, Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Hall (paired with Strawberry Shortcake<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Old Guys in Bed<\/em>: Celebrating Age and Intimacy<\/h2>\n

Veteran filmmaker JP Bergeron, aged 73, debuts his emotionally rich feature Old Guys in Bed<\/em>, centering on Paul, a 60-something historian navigating hookup apps with the help of his niece. The film offers a moving exploration of romance and gerontophilia, breaking ageist stereotypes with grace and wit.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f August 3 at 7:00 PM, Cin\u00e9ma du Mus\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

Queens of the Dead<\/em>: Drag Queens Meet the Undead in Brooklyn<\/h2>\n

Directed by Tina Romero \u2014 daughter of horror legend George A. Romero \u2014 Queens of the Dead<\/em> fuses camp and carnage in a queer zombie extravaganza. Dre, a drag performer, is in the middle of a show when the apocalypse erupts. With a dazzling cast including Katy O\u2019Brian and Margaret Cho, the film blends horror, comedy, and spectacular queer flair.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f August 2 at 9:30 PM, Th\u00e9\u00e2tre Hall (paired with Whitch<\/em>).<\/p>\n

The Serpent\u2019s Skin<\/em>: Queer Gothic Horror from a Rising Talent<\/h2>\n

At just 20 years old, Mackay delivers The Serpent\u2019s Skin<\/em>, a radical and transgressive gothic fairytale. The story follows Anna, a runaway, who forms a bond with Gen, a tattoo artist with a dark aura. Together, they unwittingly summon a demon. Starring Alexandra McVicker and Betsey Brown, the film embraces a gonzo aesthetic and unapologetically queer style.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f July 23 at 9:25 PM and July 25 at 12:00 PM, Salle J.A. de S\u00e8ve (with The Dysphoria<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Touch Me<\/em>: Sensory Sci-Fi with a Human Core<\/h2>\n

Directed by Addison Heinmann, Touch Me<\/em> explores addiction, connection, and identity via a psychedelic, extraterrestrial parasite that alters the lives of a complicated trio. With Olivia Taylor Dudley, Jordan Gavaris, and Lou Taylor Pucci, this genre-blending film weaves dark comedy, science fiction, and emotional drama into one unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\uddd3\ufe0f August 2 at 7:05 PM and August 3 at 2:05 PM, Salle J.A. de S\u00e8ve.<\/p>\n

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Must-See Queer Short Films<\/h2>\n

This year\u2019s queer short film category is bursting with creativity and diversity. Highlights include:<\/p>\n