For the past ten years, TQFF has been active throughout ongoing political turbulence and collective resistance. In times of fierce struggle, queers have stepped to the front and decided that to say “we are here and queer” is to fight for radical alternatives to the capitalist world we live in. That alternative encompasses the range of emotions that are felt on the frontlines of these intersectional and internationalist movements. Rage may be the most apparent, but in the midst of these upheavals, joy persists. With laughter as its conduit, joy finds us in our future making, our playing and storytelling, and our building of stronger communities. 

Pissed Off, Still Laughing is about paving a space for yourself against the odds, and finding ways to laugh about the pain. Through our feature films and shorts programs, we explore both the fiery rage and pure joy that exists within our communities and keeps us moving forward.

Pardis Pahlavanlu is an artist and illustrator living as a guest between Tkaronto (Toronto) and unceded Coast Salish territories (Vancouver). While her academic studies have revolved around systems of power in contemporary colonial states, her artistic work has centred on the healing that is necessary in these contexts.

Using textured and bold imagery with a mixed media approach, she digs into the topics of mental health, exclusion/difference, and diaspora in hopes of finding new ways to imagine and reflect on her surroundings and experiences.

Pardis brought this theme to life with her tenderly crafted mixed media poster. Its liveliness reminds us exactly of what this year’s program has set out to show us.