Damn These Heels is the mountain west’s longest running LGBTQ+ film festival. It started as a handful of screenings during Pride Week in 2003 and at 20 years, is a festival that offers over 15 full-length international and independent films, collections of short films, community collaborations, and post-film discussions. It’s purpose is to celebrate Utah’s diversity by sharing LGBTQ+ triumphs, struggles, history, and culture through high-quality film and events.
Damn These Heels is by and for the local community. The programming committee is composed of queer community members who review, debate and ultimately choose the film program. So while there is access to cutting edge indie films, the committee seeks out Utah-based filmmakers and artists to tap into the creativity, personalities, and perspectives important to Utah’s LGBTQ+ community.
Notable films and film events in past festivals include:
- CHANGING THE GAME – a documentary that follows transgender athletes and how they and their families navigate evolving political dynamics and student-athlete parameters;
- BEHIND THE CURTAIN: TODERICK HALL – a musical about youtube sensation Toderick Hall
- SAME SEX ATTRACTED – a documentary by Utah-based filmmakers who follow LGBTQ+ students at BYU who grapple with questions of faith, sexuality, gender and love
- QUIET HEROS – An inspiring documentary by Utah-based filmmakers about Utah’s caregivers who treated AIDS patients with compassion and humanity when others willfully ignored the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis on human lives
- Black, Bold, and Brilliant: Queering the Lens addition – explores the depths and global significance of QTBIPOC cinema
In its 20 year history, Damn These Heels has served over 33,000 attendees in the Mountain West. Of the festival, audiences have said:
- These stories affirm the lives of everyone. These films give a voice to a community that hasn’t always been invited to the discussions.
- …this festival and others like it, make me feel like I belong.
- This festival raises awareness for issues that may be invisible in the mainstream media. Stories are a powerful way to fuel advocacy. As an activist, I leave these films with a renewed sense of purpose and a strong desire to do more in my community to protect those who are most vulnerable.
- [It is] an oasis in a desert.
- Getting together with a bunch of queers is just good for the soul!
Damn These Heels Queer Film Festival is a program of the nonprofit Utah Film Center. The Film Center’s mission is to connect people, stories, and ideas through film exhibitions, artist support, and arts education. We envision a world where all of Utah’s communities feel welcome, valued, and creatively empowered to make the world a better place. By amplifying diverse perspectives and marginalized voices, we believe that we can usher in a richer understanding of our neighbors, fellow human beings, and the world around us.
