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Queering the Canon: Besties

Apr 11—Apr 15, 2024
    Part of
  • BAM Film 2024

Start threading those friendship bracelets and prepare for a wild ride through the dynamic joys and complexities of queer-positive camaraderie. Celebrate the vital and varied roles fellowship plays in LGBTQ+ lives through this retrospective series that spotlights BFFs as they road trip, rob banks, dispense dating advice, hustle, and more! 

Featuring 4K restoration premieres, 35mm prints, guest introductions, and in-person Q&As with legacy queer filmmakers, this series—like your BFF—just gets you. Gather your trusty pals and immerse yourself in the art of getting by with a little help from your friends. 

Curated by Nick McCarthy and Kim Garcia. Presented in partnership with NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization.

Queering the Canon: Besties is presented in partnership with NewFest.

Leadership support for
BAM Access Programs provided by
the Jerome L. Greene Foundation

JL Greene

Leadership support for
BAM Film provided by
the Ford Foundation and
The Thompson Family Foundation

NewFest

  • Film

    Go Fish

    Thu, Apr 11, 2024

    Go Fish

    Thu, Apr 11, 2024
    IN PERSON

    Lesbian friendship and community are at the center of director Rose Troche’s sexy and witty landmark debut, newly restored in 4k, featuring a Q&A with Troche and co-writer and star Guinevere Turner!

    More
    Film

    Go Fish

    Thu, Apr 11, 2024

    Lesbian friendship is at the center of director Rose Troche’s sexy and witty landmark debut.

  • Film

    My Own Private Idaho

    IN PERSON: Fri, Apr 12 at 7pm; STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    My Own Private Idaho

    IN PERSON: Fri, Apr 12 at 7pm; STREAMING: Apr 11—15
    In Person

    River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves star in director Gus Van Sant's stunning, sensitive tale about two young sex workers and a merry band of outsiders.

    More
    Film

    My Own Private Idaho

    IN PERSON: Fri, Apr 12 at 7pm; STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves star in Gus Van Sant's tale about two young sex workers.

  • Film

    Set It Off

    IN PERSON: Sat, Apr 13 at 7pm; STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    Set It Off

    IN PERSON: Sat, Apr 13 at 7pm; STREAMING: Apr 11—15
    IN PERSON

    Four women join forces to pull off a bank robbery in F. Gary Gray’s powder-keg ode to sisterhood, starring Queen Latifah, Vivica A. Fox, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Kimberly Elise.

    More
    Film

    Set It Off

    IN PERSON: Sat, Apr 13 at 7pm; STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    Four women join forces to pull off a bank robbery in F. Gary Gray’s ode to sisterhood.

  • Film

    Summer Vacation 1999

    Sun, Apr 14, 2024

    Summer Vacation 1999

    Sun, Apr 14, 2024
    IN PERSON

    Four teen boys spend a summer together at a remote boarding school in this beguiling, neo-futuristic tale, based on the manga The Heart of Thomas by Moto Hagio.

    More
    Film

    Summer Vacation 1999

    Sun, Apr 14, 2024

    Four boys spend a summer together at a remote boarding school in this neo-futuristic tale.

  • Film

    I Think I Do

    IN PERSON: Mon, Apr 15 at 7pm; STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    I Think I Do

    IN PERSON: Mon, Apr 15 at 7pm; STREAMING: Apr 11—15
    IN PERSON

    Two college roommates reunite at their friends’ wedding in this throwback screwball comedy with a modern twist, newly restored in 4K and featuring a Q&A with director Brian Sloan.

    More
    Film

    I Think I Do

    IN PERSON: Mon, Apr 15 at 7pm; STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    Two college roommates reunite at their friends’ wedding in this throwback screwball comedy.

  • Film

    Stud Life

    STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    Stud Life

    STREAMING: Apr 11—15
    VIRTUAL ONLY

    Director Campbell X offers a look at the lives and loves of a black butch lesbian, JJ, and her white gay pretty-boy best friend, Seb, as they navigate homophobia in urban London.

    More
    Film

    Stud Life

    STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    A black butch lesbian and her white gay best friend navigate homophobia in urban London.

  • Film

    Gypsy 83

    STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    Gypsy 83

    STREAMING: Apr 11—15
    VIRTUAL ONLY

    Two goth misfits run away to NYC to attend the ultimate Stevie Nicks cosplay event in Todd Stephens’ (Swan Song) ode to small-town outcasts with big-city dreams.

    More
    Film

    Gypsy 83

    STREAMING: Apr 11—15

    Two goth misfits embark on a strange journey in Todd Stephens’ ode to small-town outcasts.

  • Film

    Best of Besties in LGBTQ+ Cinema (Virtual Panel)

    Thu, Apr 11, 2024

    Best of Besties in LGBTQ+ Cinema (Virtual Panel)

    Thu, Apr 11, 2024
    VIRTUAL ONLY

    A group of filmmakers and cinephiles  discuss the concept of the queer bestie at this virtual panel discussion with Angela Robinson, Joel Kim Booster, and Jenni Olson, moderated by critic and filmmaker Jude Dry.

    More
    Film

    Best of Besties in LGBTQ+ Cinema (Virtual Panel)

    Thu, Apr 11, 2024

    Legacy and contemporary filmmakers and cinephiles discuss the idea of the queer bestie at this virtual panel discussion.

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