LGBTQ+ youth often experience many challenges of how others respond to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Utah Film Center’s goal is to use the power of film to give greater attention to these challenges, build on strengths, and create a safe and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ youth.
Through grants and partnerships, we are proud to offer a discounted pass for youth ages 14-20 years old to make our annual Damn These Heels LGBTQ Film Festival more accessible to members of our community. Youth Passes include 5 tickets to any Festival film (excluding restricted films with a recommended age of 17 and older), early priority seating, and discounts to local restaurants and Festival merchandise.
We are also so proud to have had 20 youth screeners participate in this year’s Damn These Heels volunteer programming committee. Our youth screeners gave their stamp of approval for films they suggest to our youth audience (see our Youth Suggested Films list below!), but the Youth Pass can be used for any films. “Mature Audience Only” films are for viewers 17 years and older.
In addition to watching films, keep a lookout for youth-led discussions after some of the screenings – a great opportunity to chat about topics addressed in the films with other youth attendees. Stop by our Youth Booth in the Rose Wagner Center lobby throughout the Festival to meet up with other youth and find out more information about these youth discussions.
We are also honored to display UMOCA’s 2018 Out Loud Exhibition at the Festival for the third year! Out Loud is an artistic platform for youth voices in the LGBTQIA+ community. Through explorations in contemporary art and the creation of a museum exhibition featuring their own artwork, students build their capacity for self-expression and cultivate a sense of agency as important contributors to our society.
Utah Film Center’s Damn These Heels youth program would not be possible without the continued support by local LGBTQ+ organizations including Utah Pride Center, UMOCA, Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, and Encircle: LGBTQ+ Family & Youth Resource Center.
YOUTH SUGGESTED FILMS:
Opening Night: QUIET HEROES
Friday, July 20 @ 7:30pm
Rose Wagner – Jeanné Wagner Theatre
SISTERHOOD
Saturday, July 21 @ 9 AM
Rose Wagner – Black Box
JUST CHARLIE
Saturday, July 21 @ 9:30 AM
Rose Wagner – Jeanné Wagner Theatre
MAN MADE
Saturday, July 21 @ 11:15 AM
Rose Wagner – Black Box
SHORT FILMS: Reverent
Saturday, July 21 @ 1:30 PM
Rose Wagner – Black Box
WE THE ANIMALS
Saturday, July 21 @ 9:15 PM
Rose Wagner – Jeanné Wagner Theatre
POSTCARDS FROM LONDON
Sunday, July 22 @ 11:45 AM
Rose Wagner – Jeanné Wagner Theatre
