Introduction to films in the tour

The 22nd LLGFF on Tour brings you, we think, one of the most varied and interesting programmes to date. Fifteen years after the emergence of 'New Queer Cinema' it's harder than ever to generalise about what makes a film 'gay'. Perhaps this is one of the strengths of queer culture as it evolves - it can be genre-defying, unexpected, hard to pin down. Qualities all these titles share.

This year sees new work from some key figures from the time of New Queer Cinema. Derek, Isaac Julien's portrait of Derek Jarman, provides a strong sense of our artistic and cultural heritage. Gregg Araki's latest, Smiley Face, is an unexpected return to comedy with a counter-cultural edge. While Bruce LaBruce mixes a multitude of styles in Otto; Or, Up With Dead People - a film about a gay zombie facing an existential crisis.

We are delighted to have two new features from filmmakers whose work we've enjoyed in the past - Zero Chou's offbeat lesbian romance, Spider Lilies and veteran French director Jacques Nolot's subtle reflection on ageing Before I Forget. Meanwhile, unconventional families and same-sex parenting are emerging themes and lie at the heart of thriller Finn’s Girl and gentle comedy Breakfast with Scot.

Finally, She’s A Boy I Knew documents filmmaker Gwen Haworth's transformation from Steven into her true, transsexual lesbian, self. This activist's statement of identity is also an inspiring tribute to love and family. And it beautifully demonstrates the continuing purpose of queer filmmaking - sometimes we need a space to be ourselves.

Michael Blyth, Topher Campbell, Anna Dunwoodie, Brian Robinson, Kyle Stephan (LLGFF programming team).